Because your pup is family too!
If you’re anything like me, your dog is more than just a pet — they’re part of the family. So it’s only natural to want them in your family photos, right? 🐶💛
Whether you’re planning a full family session or just want a few sweet shots with your furry friend, bringing your dog along can add so much love and personality to your pictures. But — it does take a little planning. Here’s what you should know before bringing your pup to your photo session with me!
🐕 Know Your Dog’s Temperament
First things first: every dog is different, and that’s OK!
Some pups love meeting new people and exploring new places. Others? Not so much. When you’re deciding whether to include your dog in your photo session, take a moment to consider:
- Is your dog comfortable in new environments?
- How do they respond to strangers or cameras?
- Do they get overly excited or anxious in busy settings?
Understanding your dog’s temperament can help us choose the right location, timing, and expectations for the shoot. If your pup tends to be nervous, I can help guide you to quieter, more relaxed spots with fewer distractions.
🍖 Bring Treats (and Their Favorite Toy)
Want the best chance of getting your dog to look at the camera? Bribery! 😄
Bring along:
- High-value treats
- A squeaky toy or ball
- Their favorite chew or blanket
- A portable water bowl (especially during summer!)
These little things can go a long way in keeping your dog happy, focused, and calm — which means more great photos and less frustration for you. And if you forget something, don’t worry — I always bring a few dog-friendly tricks of my own too!
🦴 Choose a Dog-Friendly Location
Not every photo spot in Phoenix allows dogs — especially places with delicate desert plants, wildlife, or park restrictions.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of beautiful, dog-friendly locations that I love to recommend, including:
- Papago Park
- South Mountain’s Pima Canyon (on leash)
- Dreamy Draw Trailhead
- Granada Park
- The base of the Pyramid Trail in Ahwatukee
Need more location ideas? 👉 Check out my list of best family photo locations in Phoenix
🦮 Follow Leash Rules
Even in dog-friendly areas, many public parks and trails in Phoenix require dogs to be leashed at all times.
This helps:
- Keep your pup safe
- Avoid run-ins with wildlife or other dogs
- Respect the space for other visitors
And yes — even with a leash, we can still get beautiful photos! I’ll help pose your dog naturally, and often I can even edit out the leash in your final gallery if needed.
🐾 Get Playful (Don’t Expect a Perfect Pose)
Let’s be honest: most dogs aren’t going to sit still and smile at the camera on cue. And you know what? That’s totally fine.
Some of my favorite photos are the candid, playful ones:
- Your dog running into frame mid-shot
- Big tail wags and sloppy kisses
- You laughing while trying to wrangle your pup
These are the real moments — and they’re often the ones you’ll treasure most. So don’t stress if your dog isn’t perfect. I’ve worked with kids, dogs, and even wild toddlers (sometimes all at once 😂), and I’ve got plenty of tricks to keep things light and fun.
🐶 A Few More Helpful Tips:
- Exercise your dog a bit before your session to help burn off energy
- Bring someone along to hold your dog when they’re not in the shot
- Pack a lint roller for quick cleanup (hello, shedding season!)
- Communicate with me ahead of time so I can prepare
I want you — and your dog — to feel relaxed and happy the whole time. Whether we’re aiming for one cute pup photo or planning an entire pet-focused session, I’m here to make it easy.
Thinking About What to Wear?
If you’ll be holding or sitting close to your pup, choose something you feel comfy in (and don’t mind a little fur!). For more outfit inspiration:
👉 What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session
More Helpful Posts from Cozy Clicks:
- Best Photo Locations in Phoenix for Families
- Photo Locations That Don’t Require a Lot of Walking
- Why Golden Hour Is the Best Time for Family Photos