Of dogs and men
When it comes to jumping into the water, dogs are nothing different to humans. One will hop into the wet unknown, the other cautiously fathoms the depth of the water with a paw first. What they all share is the marvelous joy of splashing around once the first shyness is overcome.
Most dogs don´t like water on their delicate nose. Therefore they stick it up in the air pretty much while paddling through the water. That´s great for topside/downside shots. Others like to duckdive for things, some even move around like seals.
I like to give the dog all the time it needs to adapt to the new element. This will pay back with great captures of elegant swimmers or, if you like, with funny snapshots of teeth and scary chaps.
I love dogs but my life in a big city and the many travels do not allow for giving them the life that they need and deserve.
All the more I cherish every chance to work with dogs.
My favorite dog is a dachshund. I am a big fan of Crusoe, the "celebrity dachshund" from Canada. Too bad that so far I could only photograph him above water.
