Tips on how to get acceptable video coverage for your Dog Scout Certification

If you are not familiar with your camera, please be sure to do some test filming and check it for quality prior to taping for the test. This is especially true for rented or borrowed video cameras. If you need a camera, check the phone book under “Video” for rental places or ask friends and family if they have a recording device you can use.  Acceptable formats include: DVD, VHS, VHS-C, Hi-8 and on-line video such as a “YouTube” video.

The use of a tripod is recommended, even when there is someone behind the camera controlling where it is pointing and the zoom function. The tripod will help reduce shaking and prevent me from getting a headache while reviewing it J

Be sure that you get all of the action on the tape (the full heeling pattern, all of the dog and parent’s motions regarding the leave it, etc.)

Be sure to fill the frame with the subjects. If you appear to be too far away on the tape, I may not be able to see what I need in order to evaluate it. It is always best to have a helper do the filming if possible. Be sure they know how to work the “zoom in” and “zoom out” functions to keep the screen full as the subjects move toward or away from the camera.

Figure out the best position for the camera prior to hitting record. Have a helper look through the eye piece to be sure all action will be captured and that the subjects do not appear to be too small. During the stay exercise, for example; the camera will likely be behind the dog and show the parent leave, display baggies and return. In this case, the camera would not get zoomed, because both the dog and parent need to stay in the shot. Just be sure the parent does not walk out of the picture J If you have to work alone, place items at the edges of the picture (so you know what area can be seen and where you leave the picture).

Do your best to reduce any visual clutter in the background. The best is a simple and monotone background such as a wall. But I know that is not always possible. Greenery such as bushes, a green field, or distant trees make an excellent backdrop.

For motion shots, do your best to move from side to side in front of the camera instead of toward and away from it. The stay and recall exercises would be the exception to that because the parent gets separated from the dog and both need to stay in the picture while 15’ apart. Set the dog 15’ from the camera and call him to you so I can clearly see his behavior when he reaches you. For the stay, the dog will be closest to the camera so I can see if he/she moves.

If you wear glasses, be sure to use them when you set up the focus on the camera. Then if you wish, your glasses can be removed and the eye piece adjusted to the focus of your eye. Otherwise, the whole tape may be blurry.

If working indoors, be sure there is sufficient light to see the details without harsh shadows. Dog training centers usually are well lit and may allow you to rent some ring space to do the filming. You can also use local parks, a tennis court or someone’s yard or home. If you have a choice, pick overcast days when outside. A bright overcast allows for maximum light while minimizing the dark shadows. If you are taping under sunny conditions, do it when the sun is directly over head. Otherwise, keep the sun behind the camera. Never shoot into the sun, the picture quality is poor and you can damage the light sensors in your camera.

Be sure items related to the exercise are easy to see on the tape such as the food on the ground/floor during the leave it. Placing the food on a plate that contrasts with the floor/ground will make it easy for me to see where it is located so I can tell when the dog should be responding. If you turn out to be too far away for me to see your clean up bags during the stay, simply show them again when you return to your dog.

Pick areas where it is safe to videotape. Remember, if someone has their eye to the camera, they have a very limited view of their surroundings. Do not videotape near traffic or flying objects (like baseballs or golf balls for example.)

Please remove the date stamp and/or counter from the picture. Keep in mind that some cameras require you to do this each time you start taping. The date stamp may cover critical actions that need to be seen and evaluated. If you need to do this, check the manual for the camera. If you no longer have the manual, many are now available on-line.

Be sure your camera/tri-pod is set up in a way that gives it maximum protection from moving objects (like dogs, dragged leashes, moving people etc.) It is a bad feeling when you see your camera about to go splat and you can’t save it.

Use good quality tapes, they do make a difference.  Your tapes may or may not be returned.  If you do an exceptional job, your tape could be used as an example for others (with your permission.)

It is recommended that if you have the option of using plug-in power, you use it. It eliminates the chance that you will run out of battery power at an inopportune moment. If you need to use battery power, having a fully charged back up battery is recommended.

Keep the camera and tapes away from any magnetic fields. Be sure to mark them “VIDEO- DO NOT SCAN” when you send them to help prevent the postal X-ray equipment from damaging your tape.

If going from indoors to outside when there are distinct temperature differences, it is a good idea to give the camera at least ½ hour to adjust and prevent condensation within the camera (which will cause it to shut down.)

Audio can be important in most cases. I need to be able to hear your cues to the dog and (during the training parts) the clicks (or verbal marker). Keep in mind that slight breezes can sound like hurricane force winds on the tape. Also, if someone is taping for you, their comments will be heard loud and clear.  If you have the option of a wireless microphone you can clip on yourself that would be excellent!

Good Luck! If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Certification Program Director DogScouts@hotmail.com