Photographing a dog so people notice

People call about a dog they saw in a photo. That is why a good photo is one of the most useful kinds of help.

Go outside

Natural daylight with grass or trees behind looks far better than a kennel or a flash. The best time is morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low.

Get down to eye level

Crouch or even kneel. A photo from above makes a dog look small and sad; one from its eye level makes it feel close.

A helper with a treat

A second person behind you with a treat or a toy gets you a look into the lens and pricked-up ears.

A few photos tell the whole story

A portrait, the whole dog standing, and the dog in motion – on a walk or with a person. That way future owners understand its size and temperament.

Short but true

Instead of “loving and loyal”, write what the dog actually does: “walks beside you without pulling”, “afraid of the hoover”, “likes to lie on your feet”.