He smiles his little heart out whenever he sees me. But the second he sees my camera, he flips into full profile/mugshot mode as if he's about to be booked and processed ... or else he just turns his butt on me and plops down showing me the back of his head.
Could he have been traumatized by the paparazzi in a past life or something?
I taught my German Shepherd how to smile on cue using clicker training and positive reinforcement. The only difference is that I use the cue 'what does a shark look like? 'instead of the cue' smile. '
I taught him this trick by asking him 'what does a shark look like?' And lifting his lips at the exact same moment when I clicked my clicker. I continued to jackpot him with treats every time I did this, and after doing this for approximately two weeks, I asked him 'what does a shark look like?' and he offered the behavior instantly.
Do you have a cell phone that takes pictures? That could be a way to take your dog's picture instead of using a digital camera.
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With your cell phone flipped open, casually aim it in your dog's direction. Make sure you offer him a calming signal such as a casual sigh or a yawn so he doesn't know that you're up to something. Also make sure that the shutter is turned off so he doesn't hear the 'clicking' sound of the camera phone when you take his picture.
I hope this helped:).
Lol what a cute story! Our dog is stubborn like that.
I guess just work on training. When he smiles, say Smile! Maybe if you say it enough he'll do it on command.
Every time he smiles say "Smile, good boy smile" and give him lots of praise . It will take time but eventually he will associate it with smiling and will learn what "smile" means.
My dog Cindy was the same way. She is no longer with us and I really hate that I don't have more pictures of her.
