Why Do Dogs Turn Away from Cameras ?

The Root of the BehaviorShow more

Dogs rely on body language a lot more than we think. Dogs can’t communicate the way people do, so nearly all of their language information comes from nonverbal cues. As humans, we process a lot of this kind of information, but we may not consciously realize what body language we’re showing to others. And sometimes, what we perceive as affection can be interpreted a different way by our faithful companions. Staring at our dogs, for example, usually makes them uncomfortable. A dog doesn’t have to physically run away to be scared or nervous. Even benign actions, like yawning, licking their lips, and turning their head can be indicators they’re uncomfortable with what’s going on. A Norwegian dog expert, Turid Rugass, has described these signals as “calming signals.” They’re often used when dogs feel uneasy. If you’ve ever hugged your dog, or seen someone else do it, you may have noticed some of these signs as well. Most dogs don’t appreciate being hugged. It’s not only an invasion of their personal space, it’s also a display of dominance. Dogs put their paws on other dogs to show dominance. To a dog, you’re asserting your power over them. Most dogs put up with it, even if they are a bit uncomfortable. But to some, especially if there’s no trust between dog and person, they may feel threatened, fearful, or defensive. This may lead to aggressive responses. Keep that in mind the next time you try to lean in for a dog and owner selfie. When you’re trying to get a picture, you might be making your dog feel nervous. Staring at them while taking a photo is one way we might be putting them off about the experience. Cameras can seem strange and be intimidating to some dogs. Additionally, cameras make noises when zooming or when taking the picture. And they may make some sounds that are too high for us to be able to hear. But a dog’s hearing is much more acute than ours. And if you use the flash, your dog may very well just be scared of the camera itself.

Conclusion

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Some dogs were born to be in the spotlight and really love being photographed. Other pups may be less willing to hold still and look at the camera. Paying attention to your dog’s body language will help you learn the difference: when it is okay to snap a picture and when they would rather be left alone.