Deaf Dog Q&A: How To Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs?

Deaf Dog Q&A:
How To Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs?

Deaf Dog Q&A  is a series of blog posts in which I answer readers, friends and followers questions about anything related to deaf dogs. Today’s topic is Deaf Dog Q&A: How To Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs?

If you have a burning question about your own deaf dog, if you need help because your senior dog is losing his hearing, if you need suggestions because you are about to adopt a deaf dog, or if you’re just curious about deaf dog training, safety or pretty much anything else related to deaf dogs, shoot me an email HERE.

Submit a question and yours just might end of being used in this series! Don’t fret none… your name will not be published upon request. So, today’s topic is Deaf Dog Q&A: How To Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs?

Deaf Dog Q&A: How To Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs?

Dear The Graffiti Dog,

I follow you on Instagram and am wondering you get your deaf dog’s attention when taking photos if they are not looking at you? I always took whistling at my dogs for granted, but clearly this is ineffective for a deaf pup.

~ From Matt with @streetartpoetryslam on Instagram

Hi Matt,

Thanks for all your support on my Instagram and it’s been great getting to know you a bit!

And yes, flicking photos of deaf dogs is definitely different than snapping photos of hearing dogs. But like most things about deaf dogs, it’s not harder- it’s just different.

Taking photos of my deaf dogs actually involves making sure they know a few key hand signs hands as well as some preparation and adaptation on my part.

Signs Your Deaf Dog Should Before You Take Photos Of Deaf Dogs

Since communicating with a deaf dog requires teaching them hand signs, the first step before taking photos of your deaf dog is to make sure your he knows a few specific hand signs.

For best success when taking photos of your deaf dog, he should know the following hand signs:

• Directional training, or “Go There”
• Sit
• Stay
• And finally, “Watch Me”. 

“Watch Me” is especially important since deaf dogs “listen” with their eyes- meaning that if he can’t see you, he can’t “hear” you.

Preparing To Take Photos Of My Deaf Dogs

Before I begin taking photos of my deaf dog, I need to prepare myself and my dog.

1st, I choose the angle or perspective of the photo I want.

2nd, I then decide where I need my deaf dog positioned in relation to the street art mural or graffiti so I can get the shot I want.

3rd, I use directional training (“go there”) to position him in the spot I need him for the photo.

4th, once he’s positioned where I want him, I give him the sign for sit.

And 5th, immediately after he sits, I give him the sign for stay.

Taking Photos Of My Deaf Dogs

After my deaf dog is positioned, here are the steps I follow. Other people with deaf dogs may have different processes but this is what works best for me and my dogs.

When taking photos of most dogs, you need to get on the ground so you’re at his level. I frequently sit, lay down and crawl around as I’m taking photos so I get different angles and perspectives- of both my deaf dog and the street art.

FUN FACT: Crawling around on the ground with a camera while taking photos of your deaf dog will garner you LOTS of attention from passersby. I recommend wearing jeans or shorts that you don’t care about keeping clean and tossing on a baseball cap because peeps WILL take photos of you taking photos of your deaf dog!

1. Once I’ve positioned myself, I get my dog’s attention with a slight wave of my hand or by extending my arm up.
2. Once I have his attention, I give him the sign for “Watch Me”.
3. I usually shoot photos in burst mode. I’ve discovered that the unexpected, candid photos of my deaf dog suddenly looking at and watching someone or something other than me are sometimes the best photos.
4. I usually take photos of my deaf dogs from different angles or perspectives. In this case, once I’ve taken photos from one angle, I reposition my deaf dog for the next set of photos.

The Biggest Difference When Taking Photos Of Your Deaf Dog

One of the biggest differences when taking photos of deaf dogs is that I need to keep one hand free to “talk” to my dog with hand signs.

This means that I shoot with one hand and and sign with the other. This is prolly the biggest adjustment I have had to make. In time, it’s become so natural to me that even when I’m shooting photos of my hearing dogs, I still shoot with one hand- after all, my hearing dogs know hand signs as well!

I hope this explains my process when taking photos of my deaf dogs. If you have any other questions- either now or in the future- please drop a comment below or hit me up here.

What questions do you have about deaf dogs? Shoot me an email HERE.

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