How to Prepare Your Dog for a Photo Shoot

1. Plan a Week Ahead

Before you schedule your session, you should also let your photographer know of any missing details about your pet so that he or she is prepared and knows what to expect. Schedule your photo session out far enough to give yourself some time to practice luring your pup into the maneuvers and poses he will be performing during the session. A 15 minute training session out of each day is all that is recommended to successfully teach your dog something new. Buy everything you need: a leash, treats, toys.. etc. Think of it as a dance performance.

2. Have a Rehearsal Right Before the Photo Shoot

Even with all of the hard work you put into your dog’s training, how many times have you told your dog to sit or to lay down only to just have him or her jumping around like the crazy dog that he or she is? Training a dog is tough, but just imagine how difficult it is getting one to sit still during a camera shoot and focus for minutes at a time! Believe me, you can rest assured because it really is possible! By having a training session a few hours right before the photo session, it can help rehearse and practice for what will happen during the session.

3. Fine Tuning

Groom, exercise, and give your dog a bath. Even dress them up! A nice bow tie will go a long way during a shoot! You want your dog to look his or her best because this is where memories will be created to be kept forever.

4. Day of the Photo Shoot

On the day of the photo shoot you will want to get his or her energy out before hand. Play, run, or exercise your dog before the session in order to keep him or her calm, but leave something left over for the photo session. You only want to wear out the pup’s hyper activity, not completely exhaust your dog. You still want to have some personality left over for the pictures!

5. Bring this List of Items to the Photo Shoot

During the photo session you will need certain items. Here is a list of items you will need to bring to have a successful shoot.

• Leash and collar: Bring these so you won’t have to worry about losing your dog before the session even begins!

• Treats: You should know his favorite treats! This will keep your dog focused during the whole 45 minutes of the session!

• Favorite squeaky toy: This will also distract the dog and get his or her attention or to direct their head towards a certain direction depending on the shot being taken by the photographer.

• Props: If you have any props that you would like to have within the shoot with your dog you could bring those.

6. During the Photo Session

During the session you will treat it similar to a training session, but relax. Don’t become too tense! Dogs will sense something is wrong and might become anxious themselves. Just act like nothing different is happening and even play with your dog little bit during the session. You will also use treats and toys to lure your dog into the positions you want him in.

7. After the Session is Over

Once your session is over, let your dog rest and give him/her lots of praise because he/she did an awesome job!