How To Train Your Dog to Take a Selfie

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Say peanut butter… and make those duck lips! Selfies are so in right now, so why not get your dog in on the fun! Here’s how to train him to take a selfie on his own.


As long as you follow the proper steps and utilize the right training methods you can teach your dog to do just about anything. Not only can you teach your pup to jump through hoops and to fetch the paper, but you might even be able to teach him to take a selfie! Your dog won’t be able to hold the phone or choose a filter, but by following a few simple steps you can teach him to snap a shot using your smartphone camera. Here’s a step-by-step guide for teaching your dog to take a selfie.


Things You’ll Need:


  • An iPhone or iPad
  • Big Camera Button application
  • Zippered plastic bag
  • Peanut butter
  • Doggie treats


Steps to Follow:


Once you have assembled the materials above (as well as your dog) you can start teaching him to take a selfie.


  1. Download the Big Camera Button on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Place your iPhone or iPad inside the zippered plastic bag and seal it tightly.
  3. Place a small amount of peanut butter on the plastic bag over the screen of the iPad or iPhone and put it on the floor.
  4. Draw your dog’s attention to the phone and wait for him to touch it or lick it.
  5. As soon as your dog licks or touches the phone, say “Yes!” in a positive tone and offer him a small treat – you can also use a clicker to help your dog identify the desired behavior.
  6. Repeat this process several times until your dog learns that touching the phone earns him a treat and your praise.
  7. Stop using the peanut butter and hold the phone out to your dog (keep it inside the plastic bag).
  8. As soon as your dog licks or touches the phone, say “Yes!” in a positive tone and offer him a small treat.
  9. Repeat this process several times until your dog gets the hang of it.
  10. Open the Big Camera Button application and make sure the front-facing camera on your iPad or iPhone is activated – you should also turn in Burst Mode.
  11. Hold the phone out to your dog and wait for him to touch or lick the phone, activating the camera shutter and snapping a photo.
  12. As soon as your dog licks or touches the phone, say “Yes!” in a positive tone and offer him a small treat.


By following the steps above you can teach your dog to take a picture of himself using the Big Camera Button application. By putting the phone in Burst Mode your dog will take multiple shots with each touch of the camera, which increases your chances of getting a good shot. If you want to take the trick even further, you can download other doggie apps like the App for Dog painting application or Game for Dogs.


Before you teach your dog to take a selfie using your iPhone or iPad, consider the consequences of teaching your dog to use your phone. If you reward your dog for touching or licking the phone to take a photo you shouldn’t be surprised if he tries to lick the phone when you are using it. Keeping your phone in a waterproof protective case is recommended to avoid accidental damage.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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