Preparing Your Dog (and yourself!) for a Pet Photography Session

New experiences can be daunting for dogs and their owners, full of what ifs and worries about how your pet is going to behave. If you're considering booking a photographer to take photos of your beloved companion, you might be hesitating due to not being sure how it'll go. As a certified dog trainer turned pro pet photographer I understand both the challenges that can come up during a shoot, as well as what goes into setting a dog up for success and how to work them through the struggles and make the process as easy and fun as possible!

IF YOU HAVE A FEARFUL/AGGRESSIVE/SPECIAL NEEDS DOG... it might be best to consult with a certified ethical trainer while working on these things to ensure your dog is comfortable and moving at their pace. I am one of these trainers- feel free to contact me with questions!

Pyro the Malinois playing with his rope in-studio

Before the Shoot: Planning Ahead

Let's discuss what you can do in the weeks (or even months) leading up to the shoot to have the best chance of success.

First, consider what type of shoot you're wanting to get done. The environment during an outdoor shoot on a trail or at a park is going to be greatly different than a studio environment. Depending on what kind of photos you're wanting to get done, your goals might vary slightly.

Differences to consider between on-location (outdoors) or In-Studio shoots

• For both types, especially studio photos: flash lighting will likely be used during the shoot depending on how comfortable your dog is with it. A good pet photographer will take the time to slowly condition your dog to the flash so it isn't scary. However, it might be helpful to slowly expose your dog to sudden bright lights and follow it up with treats (think strobing a flashlight, then giving your dog a cookie). Guidance from a qualified trainer will be helpful during this process if your pup is exhibiting fear/stress.

• For on-location shoots: Other dogs/people will likely be present on the trail or other location. If you have a reactive dog make sure to tell your photographer ahead of time so they can choose a good location and help set you up for success. However it may be helpful to work on their training skills around distractions- start at a distance from distractions and gradually make it more challenging. And remember to always reinforce good behavior with treats/toys!

• For studio shoots: It will be helpful to get your dog comfortable with new indoor/enclosed spaces. Consider training your dog at pet friendly stores during less busy times, and work on their ability to focus/perform basic behaviors such as sit, down, stay, shake, etc.

• For studio shoots: Exposure to novel objects such as tall stands/poles, large pieces of paper, moving objects will be helpful to prepare a nervous dog for a studio shoot. Your photographer will most likely be willing to help with this- getting a dog used to being around studio equipment will be hugely helpful.

If you are at any point unsure how to proceed with working with your dog, I recommend a consult with a certified positive trainer.

Atlas the Groenendael posing at an on-location shoot

The Day of the Shoot

There are also things you can do the day of to give your pet the best chance of rocking their shoot!

Before you meet your photographer:

• Don't feed your dog right before the shoot- hold off on regular meals until after the shoot. A food motivated dog is easier to pose and work with!

• If you have a high energy dog, give them some exercise so they aren't bouncing off the walls! But find a balance- don't work them until they are exhausted. They ideally should be wanting more things to do, but not completely full of energy.

• Prepare different value levels of treat- think high value (hot dogs, cheese, chicken) medium value (freeze-dried treats, jerky) and low value (kibble, dry treats). How motivating each treat is to your dog is dependent on their preferences- you know your pet best! It's always better to have too many treats to choose from than not enough.

• Prepare proper gear for your pet to wear- a thin collar and leash is best for when photos are actually being taken, but your pet is welcome to wear a harness/head halter if needed before the photos are taken.

Checklist of what to bring to the shoot:

• Different kinds of prepped treats

• Reliable gear (thin gear for photos, regular gear as well if needed)

• Toys if your dog likes them

• If your dog is trained to use a settle mat/place mat, this will be good to bring

Brita the pit bull relaxing in her front yard

What I Do as a Photog

There are also strategies I use as a pet photographer to set everyone up for success. I use my skills as a dog trainer to read the situation and work towards the goal of some amazing photos!

These are some key things I do as a photographer to help the shoot be successful:

• Slowly and gradually expose the dog to flash equipment and accompany this with high value food and rewards

• Back off and move at the dog's pace if necessary

• Use calm body language to keep the dog from becoming overly excited or amped up

• Use a soothing voice to speak to the dog

• Utilize treats, toys, and training games to make the shoot a fun experience for the dog

• Listen to you as the owner if you have a concern or comment

And if your dog is unable to handle the shoot, I am always to willing to hold your deposit and reschedule for another time. I am also able to provide behavior consulting services to help you work towards your goals.

Conclusion

If you're nervous about signing up for a pet photography session- I 100 percent understand! There are a lot of factors that go into this. But a good photographer will do everything they can to help things go smoothly- and these tips I described will help you prepare your dog for the big day.

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at jordan@atlaspetphotography.com