“How do you teach your puppy to model” is a question we get asked all the time. I guess at our house, we grow up with the camera from day one, learn from our siblings, and it just happens. Olivia has been a bit challenging because she likes to be right next to Mom all the time which isn’t good for photos. We thought we would share some of our tips to get Olivia on the right track.
How To Teach Your Dog To Model Like A Pro
Keep Training Short And Fun
It’s no surprise, a puppy’s attention span is short. Try to limit any training sessions to less than five minutes, and keep repetitions to three or less. Boredom is not productive for puppies. This was Olivia’s first photo in the training session and you can see it is not the best one, but she did stay still at least.
Make sure your camera settings are correct before asking your puppy to pose. When possible, use a “real” camera in manual mode to adjust the settings to keep movement from making your photos blurry.
A Tired Puppy Works Better
Mom took Olivia to meet Gramma and some other people on Saturday. On the way, they stopped for a short walk on some trails to practice modeling and to tire out Olivia a little bit. A short walk in a fun area is a great way to train as the puppy is getting tired, but it is also a really fun time. They stopped for a couple photos, then walked for a few minutes, and did some more photos.
Reduce Distractions
Trying to train in an area with lots of people, other dogs, or any real distractions should be avoided. Although Mom and Olivia were in the woods, they were in a place without many dogs or people to distract their work. One cannot ask too much of a puppy. Focusing on staying still for a couple photos is hard enough when we are young. Distractions may be added once a puppy has the basics of sitting still down.
Sometimes your puppy will just post without being asked. Take a shot, and praise them as if they were asked to pose.
Tie Training In With Obedience And Rewards
Olivia is learning sit, which is great for photos. She can get some of her obedience homework done while working on her modeling. Always reward your pup after each photo and session. Use marker words when she does a good photo and treat, or give praise. Puppies are not keen on working for free!
You can’t teach your puppy to become a model overnight. It is a process, and is a process your pup will work on for her entire life. Even if you have a successful session one day, the next day may not work out as well. We are still working on our family photo! Sometimes the bloopers a puppy creates do make for a better photo than a perfect one too!
We’re joining Comedy Plus for the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
you are on the way to become such a fabulous model like your sisters… and we LOVE the last photo!!! youer eyes!!!!
She is a possessed little one, LOL!
oh my goodness we love that last shot!! We can’t wait to see Olivia’s personality! She is so cute! Mom and I work together in training Chester. He is fun but he is a handful! Training is important! Have a good day. your friend Lilly
I have had to start helping with training Olivia too sometimes. It’s hard work, but at least I get paid. Chester is old enough to start learning serious obedience.
That last photo is hilarious. Those are some really good tips. Having a good sit and wait makes for so many good photo ops.
In the beginning, there is no wait, just trying to learn it is the challenge. Wait will come.
That last picture is hysterical! What a great way to start the day – thank you Olivia and sisters.
We are three clowns, living together!
She is such a great student and we love those big eyes in that last photo too!
She loves to learn and she is quite smart too.
LOL. That last photo is too funny. Looks like she will be a great model too.
She is starting to get the idea finally. There is so much going on in a puppy mind it is hard for them to concentrate.
Her eyes say it all.
They pretty much do!
We need to read this a zillion times! Puffin NEVER seems to get tired. Olivia gets cuter each day as her furs get longer, and I love those eyes – especially the wild eyes! XOXO, Sparkle
She is pretty mellow, but she has crazy moments.
the last photo made me laugh! Too cute!!
We are all three a bit goofy.
Awww. Olivia is fitting right in and will be up to speed in no time. I know you’ll lovingly work with her. I can just tell.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a purrfect Awww Monday. Scritches to the pups. ♥
It just takes time. There is a lot to work on as a little one.
That last shot is a winner!!!! Gave me my laugh for the day!
It is pretty funny.
Love that last picture!!!!!
It is a good one, right?
That is picture is just so funny. Well done Olivia. You all have a super day.
She is working hard on her modeling career.
I’m so glad to see a new puppy, love her name! That last picture is a winner!
It really made us laugh. She is a clown!
The look on your face in that last photo, Olivia, is cracking us up☺ We have no doubt that you are going to be a SuperModel soon!
That blooper photo is so much fun!! Your Mom is doing great with Olivia though….I’m amazed at how well she is posing already!
She is smart and seems to learn quickly.
Sounds like Olivia is a faster learner!!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
She is a little Miss Smarty Pants.
Olivia is going to be a super star! I am so going to enjoy watching her grow up.
We are excited to see what kind of a hound she becomes.
Such great advice, great to start them out young.
We have to get her to model since photos are our life.
Children, kittens and puppies, even young pet birds, can all learn well if we follow your tips!
Kittens, maybe not since cats are not real obedient, but kids and puppies for sure!
Oh. my. dawg…that last photo is just hilarious! Well done, baby Olivia (and Mom).
The clown really comes out!
she is just the cutest thing…i love her expressions. so unique. she makes a great cover girl. the sleeping pic is so cute, like a little angel, and the one above with her eyes popping!
She is very sweet and mellow most of the time, but now and then she gets a wild fur and goes nuts.
From one Olivia to another, you’ll grow into it🐾
Love that last pic😆😂🤣
💜nose nudges💜
She is already getting much better.