Do you want to capture all the action while you’re out on a hike with your furry friend?
Well, now you can with this easy guide on how to mount a GoPro on your dog!
This will allow you to get some amazing footage of your pup running through the woods, playing in the park, or just lounging around at home.
Plus, it’s a great way to capture those special moments that you’ll never want to forget.
Why Mount A GoPro On Your Dog?
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider mounting a GoPro on your dog.
First, it’s a great way to get some unique footage that you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.
If you’re out hiking or playing in the park, your dog is likely going to be moving around quite a bit — and with a GoPro mounted on their back, you’ll be able to capture all of the action.
Secondly, it’s also a great way to create some lasting memories. Whether you’re taking your pup on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or just going for a walk around the block, having those memories captured on film (or rather, digital) can be priceless.
What You Need
In order to mount a GoPro or other action camera on your dog, you will need a few things.
The first is, of course, the camera itself.
If you don’t already have a GoPro or other action camera, you’ll need to purchase one before moving forward. We’ll cover some of the best options for dogs later on in this article.
In addition to the camera, you’ll also need a harness that’s specifically designed to hold an action camera.
You can find these online or at most major retailers (like Best Buy or Target).
Safety First
Before mounting the GoPro or attaching the harness, it’s important to make sure that your dog is comfortable with both.
Let them sniff and investigate the camera and harness so they know what they are and aren’t allowed to play with.
Once they seem relatively comfortable, put the harness on them without attaching the GoPro.
This will help them get used to wearing the harness without any added weight.
Let your pooch hang out for an hour or two with just the harness attached.
Once your dog seems comfortable with the harness, then proceed to attach the camera.
How To Attach A GoPro Harness To Your Dog
Attaching the GoPro dog harness is pretty easy. Just follow these simple steps:
First, put the harness on your dog and adjust it to fit snugly.
Next, thread the camera mount through the loop on the back of the harness and screw it in place.
Finally, attach your GoPro camera to the mount and tighten it down (once your dog has had some time to become acquainted with the harness sans camera).
Now you’re ready to start filming your furry friend’s adventures!
Best Action Cameras For Dogs
While any size dog can wear a GoPro harness, it’s worth noting that small dogs may have a harder time carrying around the extra weight of a camera.
Certain action cameras will be ideal for small dogs.
For example, the GoPro HERO Session is super lightweight, making it ideal for little pups.
Meanwhile, the GoPro HERO10 is a great option for medium to large dogs.
It’s not as bulky as some of the other models, but it still offers great features and image quality.
Best Action Camera Mounts For Dogs
With a chest mount, you can easily capture all the action without having to worry about your dog’s fur coat getting in the way.
The GoPro Fetch Dog Harness is perfect for capturing all the fun and excitement of playing fetch or going on a hike.
This harness is one size fits most. It is fully adjustable to fit small, medium and large breed dogs from 10 – 120 lbs.
The chest mount can also be removed to accommodate smaller-sized dogs.
Mounting Locations
When it comes to mounting your GoPro camera on your dog, you’ve got a few different options.
The most popular location is on the back, right between the shoulder blades.
This placement gives you a nice wide shot that captures everything your dog is doing while still allowing you to see his/her head and ears in the frame (which can be super cute).
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can also mount the camera on your dog’s chest.
Tips For Capturing POV Dog Footage
With your GoPro properly mounted on your dog, you’re now ready to start capturing some amazing footage from their perspective.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shooting cool POV footage of your pup:
- Keep the camera close to your dog’s head for an immersive experience.
- Get down on their level when possible to really capture their perspective.
- Play around with different angles and shot types (wide, close up, etc.) to mix things up.
- Be sure to keep an eye on your camera while your pup is running around. It’s easy for it to get knocked off if they bump into something.
Expect Bad Footage
This will likely be your dog’s first foray into the world of filmmaking, so keep your expectations low!
A lot of the footage you shoot with your dog will likely be very shakey.
You also won’t be able to capture audio very well, so don’t expect any amazing sound bites.
That being said, there are ways to work around these problems and still end up with some pretty great footage.
- Try using a higher frame rate (60fps or above) to help smooth out the shakiness.
- Invest in an external microphone that you can clip onto your dog’s collar. This will allow you to get much better audio quality.
- Shoot in short bursts rather than one long take. This will make it easier to edit out the bad parts later on.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this guide helpful and are now ready to start filming your dog’s adventures from their point of view!
And until next time, happy adventuring!
