Barking

Dog Barks at Camera? Here’s What to Do!

You just want to record a cute video of your pup, but they won’t stop barking at the camera! Why do they do this? Why does your dog bark at the camera? Are they scared of something? Why are dogs afraid of cameras? Do dogs understand cameras?

Today, we will answer every question you have about this obnoxious issue. We’ll also cover what you really came here for: how to stop your dog barking when recording. It won’t be long until you’ll be able to take all the videos you want! Continue reading below for our article “Dog Barks at Camera? Here’s What to Do!!

How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking When Recording?

Dog Barks at Camera

To stop your dog from barking when recording:

  1. Teach your dog the “quiet” command to use whenever they bark at the camera or at any other time you need them to pay attention and be silent.
  2. Practice by taking your dog to a place you know they’ll want to bark like the park with plenty of treats.
  3. When your dog starts to bark, say “quiet” in a calm and positive voice. If they listen to you and become silent while also giving you their full attention give them praise and a treat right away.
  4. But if your dog keeps barking or soon starts back up, then hide a small treat within your fist.
  5. Put your fist right by your dog’s nose. They’ll still be able to pick up the scent even within your fist and will stop barking to sniff it.
  6. As soon as they’ve quit barking and are paying attention to you, again say “quiet,” and then open your hand to give them praise and a treat.
  7. If they continue to be silent and are giving you their full focus, continue rewarding them with treats and praise.
  8. But if they again start to bark or are not paying attention, repeat the steps of placing a treat inside of your fist, placing it next to their nose, and waiting until they stop their barking and focus on you.
  9. Make sure to always pause until they’ve stopped barking and are giving you all their focus, and then say “quiet” before you reward them with any praise or treats.
  10. This creates a positive connection with your dog with the “quiet” command, and with staying silent and giving you their full attention.
  11. With time, practice, and patience, you will be able to get them to behave with only the “quiet” command, and it will no longer be necessary to put your hand by their mouth.
  12. When your dog is responding well with just the command, then you should begin lengthening the amount of time you wait before you give them any rewards.
  13. Start by pausing for about 2 seconds, then as they do well move that up to 5 seconds, and so on.
  14. Before long, it will no longer be necessary to give your dog any praise and food, and they will be quiet and give you their attention just by you giving the command.

These steps will get your dog to stop barking at the camera, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, overexcitement, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog barks at the camera and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog barking at the camera ever again!

Why Does My Dog Bark at the Camera?

Your dog barks at the camera because the process of having their picture taken or being recorded can be intimidating, which makes them feel anxious. Cameras can also make loud sounds when the zoom is adjusting, which can also be confusing and stressful to dogs. Some dogs will then choose to respond to these worries by barking.

It’s also possible that they could be barking at the person taking the picture or recording the video if they are unfamiliar to your dog. Even if it’s someone known, they can look very different and strange when they have a large electronic device covering up their face and making weird noises. Remember that while it may seem quiet to you, dogs have sensitive hearing.

If your dog is barking at the camera and then not listening when told to stop, however, is when you actually have a problem on your hands. It’s not unusual for dogs to bark in this situation, but they absolutely must respond and act accordingly when instructed to be quiet. Not doing so is a clear sign of disrespect.

Allowing this type of disobedience to continue will give your dog the idea that their behavior is acceptable. They will then begin acting this way more frequently in a wider range of areas, and likely also in a worse, harder to control, and more aggressive manner.

You’ll see your dog is barking at the television, barking to demand breakfast, and barking when told no. If you try to take them on vacation, they’ll bark in your hotel room and bark while you’re at the beach. Practically anywhere, anything, and anyone could become a target.

You can obviously see how frustrating this could make life for you and those that you encounter. To learn how to stop your dog from barking at the camera and also in any other situation, go back to the first section now where we have step-by-step instructions for you to follow.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Cameras?

Dogs are afraid of cameras because they are strange and confusing, and the whole undertaking of having their picture taken can be intimidating. They don’t understand what’s going on or why they’re being told to sit still and stare seemingly at nothing. The zoom on many cameras can also sound very loud to your dog.

Remember that things that are very simple and part of everyday life to you are often completely foreign and unable to be understood by your dog. Being held in place when they’re feeling worried only makes things worse for many dogs in these times. Try your best to be reassuring and give your dog treats to keep them calm while you get them to look at the camera.

Do Dogs Understand Cameras?

Dogs do not understand cameras. To them, they’re being asked to stare off in a direction for no reason at all. Dogs do not get what is going on, or why they’re having to do this which makes them feel anxious and stressed. This makes it even harder for them to pay attention to the loud, strange object that they don’t quite get.

I’m sure you’re sick of not being able to record your dog, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Best of luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Barks at Camera? Here’s What to Do!”

The Author

KB

KB

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.