How to take a dog selfie: tips and tricks for perfect pictures

If your camera roll’s already full of snaps of your four-legged friend, you’re probably pretty familiar with the dog selfie, those portrait pics that look like they’ve been taken by the dog itself. But why has the “selfie with dog” trend become so popular? Our love of pups is nothing new, and dog selfies are here to brighten our feeds as we scroll through various social media platforms. Whether shared online or not, dog selfies capture a moment and make us smile, but getting that paw-fect pic is sometimes harder than the #dogsofinstagram might make you believe. If you want to know how to take a selfie with a dog, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to capturing that special moment on film, from choosing the best angles to keeping Fido still. 

The right tools and settings for selfies with dogs

The key to taking a good photo is getting the lighting and angles right. Face towards the natural light and make sure your flash is turned off - this might frighten your pup and will almost definitely give them red eyes when the pic comes out. For a particularly good selfie, set your alarm for just after sunrise or just before sunset to catch the golden hour. Position yourself next to your furry friend and angle the camera at their eye level, setting a timer will give you a few seconds to get into position.

Next, make sure your camera’s set up correctly. Apps like DogCam play sounds to keep your pup interested while you snap the perfect shot, and the Pooch Selfie smartphone accessory acts a bit like a dog selfie stick, keeping your pup’s attention focused on the tennis ball attached to the top of your phone. Use the burst mode on your camera to capture a rapid fire of pics so you can choose the best of the bunch, and if you want everyone to look picture-perfect, select portrait mode to blur out the background. If possible, your photoshoot should take place in a quiet spot away from loud noises and distractions. Most importantly though, time is of the essence for your dog selfie session. If you spend too long finding the perfect lighting, arranging the background, and testing your angles, your moment will have been and gone. 

Capturing the perfect selfie with your dog

Just as we can’t run before we walk, it’s important to teach your dog to sit before trying out a pet selfie. Once they’ve mastered the command, teach them to stay put long enough for you to catch their furry face on camera, and always reward them for their good behavior. Show your pup that taking selfies is fun by using dog treats, toys, and words of encouragement to keep them engaged. Even with these words of wisdom, you might find Fido’s eyes are half closed, or perhaps you caught him dribbling! Fear not, you can customize your portraits, touch up the foreground, and correct red-eye with the help of photo editing apps like Pounce.

How to take a selfie with your dog

1. The first step in taking a dog selfie is teaching your pup to “sit”, then “stay”.
2. Once your pup’s got the hang of these commands, try slowly sitting down beside them. 
3. If your pooch pal’s comfortable sitting next to you, gently introduce them to the camera by letting them have a good sniff around.
4. If your furry friend seems happy, you can get snapping! Give them some space if they’re uneasy - being in front of the camera isn’t for everyone.
5. Reward your pooch pal throughout the photoshoot, and don’t forget to treat them to something tasty or a game of fetch afterward!

Dos and dont’s for taking a selfie with your dog

Whether you’re a pet parent showing off your fur baby’s Blue Steel pose or you’re doing a pet sitting assignment with a paw-ticularly photogenic pup, taking a selfie with a dog isn’t the same as with your friends. Set yourself up for success by giving your four-pawed pal the chance to get used to the camera with a good sniff around before starting your “selfie with dog” photoshoot. Make sure your furry friend has been properly exercised so they’re not bouncing off the walls, plus panting will make your furry friend look like they’re smiling for the camera! Don’t get annoyed if you can’t get a good pic, pups feed off our energy and may react or become stressed out. Finally, if you know your pooch pal doesn’t like their personal space being invaded, stick to photos of Fido playing fetch rather than getting all up in their grill. 

Showcasing your dog selfies: sharing, posting, and more

Have fun with your pet selfies and make them creative and unique, but don’t get too caught up in getting the “perfect picture”. If you dream of becoming a Momager to a legendary dogfluencer, add hashtags and dog selfie captions to your social media posts, follow trends like the dog mirror selfie, and showcase your pup’s unique goofy side. If you’re pet sitting and you’ve captured a great selfie, always get the owner’s permission before you share the photo online. If you want to keep your dog selfies to yourself, why not create a pet photo album or a scrapbook that tells Fido’s story, memorializing moments like their very first haircut, trips to the beach, and snuggles on the sofa? You could also display your dog selfies in a cute photo frame, on coasters, or even on your socks!

Taking a dog selfie might require a little bit of prep, but you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of memories. Teach your furry friend to sit before setting the scene, and treats and rewards will be essential. Remember to introduce your pooch pal to the camera gently, and never push them to have a selfie if they seem uncomfortable. Now you know how to take a selfie with your dog, why not up the ante and learn what it takes to make your dog famous on TikTok!