The short answer is absolutely yes!
The long answer is yes, and you need to understand how to manage behaviors so that the session goes well for everyone involved.
Dogs can become reactive from many ways but namely, past abuse or trauma are common sources. Reactivity stems from fear and the behavior can range from growling to barking (and more physical cues before all that!). I know the tears that are involved with having a reactive dog, and I know the hard work that goes into training and finding the right trainers/behaviorists. It can be very frustrating and also incredibly rewarding when you start seeing upward progress.
The better question is how to have a professional photoshoot with a reactive, shy, or anxious dog?
Patience. You need a shit ton of it.
And? A great dog photographer who is familiar with dog behavior and body language is key. They should also be flexible during the shoot in case situations arise that change up the session plans.
four ways a dog photographer can ensure a successful photoshoot for everyone involved
- Build Trust with Reactive Dogs Before a Photoshoot Begins
- Schedule a Date or Time That's Quieter
- Increase the Distance Between the Reactive Dog and Dog Photographer
- Use Less Bulky Photo Equipment
1. Build trust with reactive dogs before a photoshoot begins
It takes a bit longer to build trust with fearful or anxious dogs, and as a dog photographer, I want to know their triggers and what gets them going (food? toys? cuddles?).
Familiarity with a location might be helpful, too. If we take photos in an unfamiliar location, it may take more time for the dog to get acclimated.
For shy dogs, it’ll be less about the triggers and more about time spent together. I have time set aside at the beginning of a session for this reason alone.
2. Schedule a date and time that is quieter
The date and time of day also help. Weekends tend to be busy at parks, so weekdays might be a better, quieter choice. And mornings could also have less distractions. If your dog photographer knows your dog’s triggers, they should be able to suggest suitable locations.
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3. Increase the distance between the reactive dog and the dog photographer
Because reactive dogs become more reactive as the trigger gets closer, taking photos from further away is also an option.
You do your thing, and I’ll maintain a certain radius away from you until your dog gets used to me. But no worries if that never happens; a good dog photographer should be able to work with what’s available to them.
In this scenario, my documentary-style storytelling photography shines: while you might hang out with your pup, there’s no expectation to pose perfectly or have them sit still.
Depending on where we are, a longer lead could also be a good option, especially if your dog is more of a solo adventurer. Being further away from the dog photographer just means you need to be a little more creative in how you communicate with them.
4. Use less bulky photo equipment
The more things around a dog photographer and the dog, the more potential there is for reactivity. Some of my dog’s triggers were dark sunglasses, a hat, a black jacket, and black pants—but assemble them all on one person?—there was a guaranteed reaction.
If your dog photographer is at a greater distance from you, the zoom lens will be larger. But since they’re further away to avoid triggering, this shouldn’t be an issue for your dog. If they introduce equipment like big reflectors, flash, or stands, these bulky items might become triggers. As a documentary-style photographer, I’m experienced in rolling with the environment that’s given to me, and I don’t carry extra equipment, so it’s easier for me to move around.
Yes, you can have a professional dog photoshoot with reactive and anxious dogs
In San Francisco, dogs are everywhere. It can certainly be a challenge to find a dog-friendly and quieter location, but there are plenty of tactics to deploy. Don’t let your dog’s reactivity, anxiety, or shyness prevent you from booking a professional dog photoshoot! With the right dog photographer, you’ll feel at ease that you’ll receive a great experience, regardless of how reactive, anxious, or shy they are.
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