Tips For Family Photos With Your Dog

If you're anything like me, your furry companions are an integral part of your family. So, why not include them in your annual family photos as well? Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to organize your spouse and kids, let alone figuring out how to involve your dog too. Which is exactly why I've compiled some useful tips to make including your canine family member a smoother and enjoyable experience.

• Be Patient

  Dogs are unaware that they have turned into models. To them, it's all about meeting a new friend, exploring new surroundings, and encountering a strange object that keeps making a clicking sound when placed in front of them. This last part can be quite perplexing for a pup... I speak from firsthand experience.

  So, remember to be patient. Let your pup greet the photographer and get accustomed to the new individuals, scents, and surroundings. If your dog appears anxious around the camera equipment, ask the photographer to let them sniff it. Additionally, try to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor as dogs often mirror their owners' emotions.

• Consider the Location

  For instance, if you have never taken your dog to a bustling place like the downtown mall on a Friday night, where there are crowds, musicians, and tempting smells, it might not be the ideal first outing for them. Unless your dog is accustomed to new environments, introducing them during a family photo session could lead to chaos.

  It's better to familiarize them with the environment in advance. This allows them to acclimate them to the sights, sounds, and smells, or opt for a calmer setting like a park. Another great choice is having a photoshoot at your own home! Home sessions are wonderful as they are personal to you, your family, and your fur baby, making everyone feel at ease. It's a win-win situation!

• Practice

  The saying is ‘Practice makes Perfect’, right?

  In a perfect world, we would all be dedicated to our pups' obedience training. However, there are times when you realize it has been a while since you last practiced (I can relate!). Don't worry if you've been absent on training; now is the perfect time to get back into it.

  For instance, when you ask your pup to sit, they typically would face you and not towards a photographer. To address this, practice having them sit facing the desired direction, then move behind them and ask them to stay. This will be beneficial for capturing great photos on picture day as they would have practiced this ahead of time. Also, it'd beneficial to revisit some basic commands like sit, stay, and come.

• Bring Treats

  Lastly, and definitely not least, remember to treat your furry family member with some delicious snacks to reward them for their excellent work! Many dogs are food-driven and eager to work for treats (similar to some toddlers with M&M’s, but that's a discussion for another time). Bring small, tasty treats that you can give without concerns of overfeeding or running out. My dog's favorite is a classic milk bone, which I break into small pieces for training and keep in my pocket. This is a great discrete way to have them on hand for a quick reward during a session.

• Designated Dog Wrangler

  This is incredibly helpful! Especially when you're outdoors in a park or a public area. It's helpful to have someone familiar with your dog who can assist you. Since every picture may not include your dog, this allows you to avoid the hassle of figuring out where to secure your pup or how to manage them. Having someone ready to step in and hold the leash will bring you so much peace of mind!

Do you have additional suggestions that could benefit families who enjoy bringing their dogs along? If so, message me and let me know!