Flying Muzzles: What Happens to Dogs When They Catch a Treat

Have you ever noticed how your pet's face changes when you offer them a treat? Eyes light up, ears perk up, and drool barely stays in the mouth. German photographer Christian Wiler didn't just notice this moment—he turned it into art that has won over thousands of hearts around the world. For three years, he has been creating a series of photographs called "Dogs Catch Food!" capturing four-legged creatures in the moment of pure canine happiness—when they catch a snack mid-air.

Main points from the article:

• Christian Wiler created a unique photo series called "Dogs Catch Food!" which has gathered over 140 thousand followers on social media;
• The project was born by accident—due to rainy weather, the photographer started shooting his dog at home;
• The secret of successful shots lies in finding the individuality of each dog and using the right technical approach;
• Wiler’s project proves that art can be born from simple everyday moments;
• Wiler’s works show that sometimes all it takes to see genuine emotions is just a piece of treat.

How the idea for "tasty" photos was born

The story of the project started with bad weather and a bored Labrador. Christian, having bought professional photography equipment, had planned to shoot nature, but the rainy day changed his plans. Staying home, the photographer decided to practice on his dog Lotta. The problem was that the pet didn’t want to pose and sat too calmly in front of the camera.

"I couldn't figure out how to make Lotta show emotions for a long time," says Christian. "And then it hit me: what can cause a strong reaction in any dog? Of course, food!"

The solution was simple and genius at the same time: throw treats and catch the moment when dogs grab them. The first photos convinced Wiler that he had struck gold—the face of Lotta looked so comical and touching that you couldn't help but smile.

Technical secrets of "tasty" shots

To capture that exact moment when a dog catches a treat, simply pressing the shutter button is not enough. Christian uses special camera settings and thoughtful lighting to freeze a moment lasting only a fraction of a second.

"For such shots, you need fast shutter speed and good autofocus," shares the photographer. "But the main thing isn’t even the technique—it’s patience and understanding with four-legged models. Some dogs immediately understand what is expected of them, others need time to get used to the camera."

Interestingly, Wiler chose naturalness over studio setups. He prefers to photograph dogs in familiar surroundings—home or the park. This helps animals feel comfortable and express genuine emotions.

Each dog is an individual

Over three years of working on the project, hundreds of different dogs have passed through Christian’s lens. And each, according to the photographer, showed its own unique character.

"Some grab food with fierce passion, as if it’s the last piece on the planet. Others do it elegantly, almost aristocratically," says Christian. "Bulldogs, for example, often look as if they’re not just catching a treat but saving the world from an inevitable catastrophe—their muzzles are so serious."

It’s especially funny, according to the photographer, how dogs with long ears look—when jumping for food, their ears seem to gain a life of their own, creating fantastic shapes in the air.

From hobby to profession

What started as a random experiment turned into Christian’s full-time professional activity. Today, pet owners queue up to have their animals featured in the famous photo series.

"I never thought I’d make a living by throwing food at dogs," laughs the photographer. "But there’s something very right about it. I make both animals happy, who get treats, and their owners, who see their beloved pets from a new, often unexpected angle." It’s notable that Wiler carefully selects treats for his models, considering each dog's preferences and health needs. "Some can only have special hypoallergenic food, others are crazy about pieces of cheese or chicken," he explains. "The main rule is safety and comfort for the animal." Photo: Christian WilerPhoto: Christian Wiler

Why these photos are so popular

In a world saturated with idealized retouched images, Christian Wiler’s works charm with their sincerity and authenticity. They remind us of simple joys in life and that happiness can hide in small things—like a piece of dog treat.

"I think people like these photos because they see real emotions," reflects Christian. "Dogs don’t know how to fake it, they don’t understand what posing is. When they’re happy, it’s obvious and unmistakable."

Besides, in an age of worrying news and constant stress, joyful dog photos become a kind of therapy, helping to distract from problems and smile.

Looking at Christian Wiler’s photographs, one can’t help but wonder: maybe we all should take a leaf out of dogs’ books—be happy with simple things, live in the moment, and not overcomplicate life? Perhaps happiness is as simple as a treat flying through the air. You just need to know how to catch it.