Including your beloved pet dog in your family portraits can create truly special memories. With some planning and preparation, having your dog join your photo session can be a joyful and stress-free experience. Here are some important tips to ensure your furry family member shines in your portraits.

Let Your Photographer Know in Advance

Informing your photographer in advance that you want to include your dog is important for a successful session. This allows for proper planning, including choosing a pet-friendly location and preparing any necessary equipment or props. Your photographer can also offer specific advice based on their experience working with animals.

When you reach out to your photographer, discuss your dog’s temperament, size, and any specific concerns you might have. This information helps them tailor the session to accommodate your pet’s needs.

Exercise Your Dog Earlier in the Day

One of the most effective ways to ensure your dog behaves well during the photo session is to tire them out beforehand. Take your pup for a long walk or play an energetic game of fetch earlier in the day. A well-exercised dog is typically calmer and more cooperative during the photo shoot.

Consider your dog’s energy levels and exercise needs when planning this pre-session activity. For high-energy breeds, you might want to schedule an extra-long walk or an intense play session. For older or less active dogs, a moderate walk might be sufficient.

Bring High-Value, Small Treats

Packing some small, enticing treats for the session can be valuable for getting your dog’s attention and rewarding good behavior. Choose treats that your dog finds particularly exciting but aren’t messy or likely to cause upset stomachs.

Small, easily consumable treats work best, as they won’t disrupt the flow of the photo session. Consider options like small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats.

Set Realistic Expectations for Your Dog’s Behavior Based on Their Training

It’s important to have realistic expectations about how your dog will behave during the photo session. Even the most well-behaved dogs can become excited or distracted in new environments. The level of obedience and focus you can expect from your dog should be based on their current training and temperament.

If your dog is still in the early stages of training, you might focus on capturing more candid, playful moments rather than expecting them to hold perfect poses. For calmer dogs, you might be able to incorporate more structured poses or commands into the session.

Consider Bringing an Extra Set of Hands, Especially for Outside Sessions

Having an additional person present during the photo session can be extremely helpful, particularly for outdoor shoots. If your dog feels uneasy in strange environments, this person can provide a sense of security, handling, or attention.

Choose someone your dog is familiar and comfortable with, such as a family member or close friend. They can help manage your dog between shots, hold treats or toys to capture your dog’s attention, and even participate in some of the photos if desired.

Consider a New Collar or Leash

A fresh, clean collar or a stylish leash can add a nice touch to your portraits. Choose something that complements your family’s outfits without being too distracting. Your dog will feel more special for the occasion and your photos will look better.

When selecting a new collar or leash, consider the color scheme of your family’s outfits and the location of the photo shoot. Opt for something that enhances rather than clashes with these elements.

You can bring your dog along for the photo shoot and make wonderful memories if you keep an optimistic outlook and stick to these suggestions.