
How to Include Your Dog in Your Photos

Dogs are Man and woman’s best friend, so of course it’s only natural to want to include them in important moments such as your engagement or family photo session. Heck, I say dress them up and bring them to your wedding or elopement! However, there are certain things you should be aware of and ways to make it easier to include your fur babies in your special moments.

One
Know your dog
Know your dogs behaviors and make sure you have a game plan on how control them.
If you have a small dog this is easy you can simply hold them in your photos. But if you have a dog that’s a bit too big to hold and carry your going to want to take into consideration how well they behave and how obedient they are.
Does your dog know simple commands such as sit and stay, and do they stick to them even in exciting situations? Are the good off leash? Or do they wander and get excited and not listen to anything anyone has to say?
If your dog is the latter don’t write them off completely for being in your photos, you will just have to adapt your plan… and maybe your expectations. Expect more candid photos and a lot of laughter, but that’s what real life is right? Make it fun and enjoy the authenticity of having your dog sharing in these moments with you.
If you do have a super obedient dog then there will definitely be more chances for nice easy looking at the camera photographs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too! Bring along Fido’s favorite toy and get him or her playing if you’re looking to capture those fun natural moments with your dog.

Two
Bring Incentives
Toys are great for play but treats are the best way to get your dog to cooperate. Don’t forget to bring along a few of your dog’s favorite treats to help give your furry friend some incentive to sit pretty for the camera.
Pro tip: If possible give the treats to your photographer and have them give the commands to capture your dogs attention so your dog looks to them and the camera instead of you. If you desire your babe to be looking at you switch the rolls!

Three
Bring a caretaker
As fun as it is to include your furry friends into your photos, most likely you don’t want them to be in EVERY photo. The best way to deal with this is to organize someone to come along to your session that can take your dog when you don’t want them in the photos.
Decide with your photographer when in the shoot you want to include your pup and have the care taker bring them in for that specific time and take them away again when they’re roll has been filled. This will leave you with the time you need to get other photos without having to worry about you dogs well-being.
Big moments are meant to be shared with friends and family and your fur family is no exception! I hope these tips helped to make you feel more confident in making the decision to include your dog or dogs in your next photo session!