If you’re thinking about bringing your dog to your family photo session, my advice is simple: do it.

For many families, dogs aren’t just pets. They’re part of the family story. They greet you at the door, join you on hikes, slobber all over the kitchen floor, steal your spot on the couch, and somehow always know when someone needs extra snuggles.

If your family wouldn’t feel complete without your dog, they belong in your photos too.

As a dog mom myself, I love having dogs at family sessions. Every dog has a unique personality and watching them interact with the people they love is one of my favorite parts of photography.

Here are a few ways to help your dog feel comfortable and set them up for success during your dog family photo shoot.

Schedule Grooming a Few Days Before Your Session

A fresh grooming appointment can help your dog look and feel their best.

I recommend scheduling grooming a day or two before your session rather than the day of. That gives you time to address any unexpected grooming surprises and keeps one more thing off your plate on session day.

The goal is a relaxed experience for both you and your dog.

Choose a Simple Collar and Leash

Less is usually more when it comes to photo-ready dog gear.

Bring a simple collar and a standard leash that complements your family’s style. Heavy-duty harnesses, retractable leashes, and bulky training equipment can become distracting in photos and may not be the safest option during a session.

A clean, simple look helps keep the focus where it belongs: on your family’s connection.

Burn Off Some Energy Before the Session

A little exercise goes a long way, for young kids AND dogs.

Before your session, take your dog for a walk, toss a ball around, or spend some time playing outside.

This helps take the edge off extra excitement and can make it easier for your dog to settle into the session once we get started.

Colorado dogs are adventurous by nature. Giving them an outlet for that energy beforehand can make a big difference.

Bring Favorite Treats and Toys

Your dog’s favorite treats and toys are some of the best tools we can use during a session.

Treats help encourage sitting, staying, and looking in a certain direction when needed. A favorite toy can also grab their attention or give them something familiar to focus on.

These little rewards help keep things fun and positive for your pup throughout the session.

Bring an Extra Helper

One of the most helpful things you can do is bring an extra set of hands who can help manage your dog when they’re not actively in photos.

I always like to create variety during a family session. We’ll capture photos of everyone together, photos of the kids with the dog, individual portraits, and family images without the dog as well.

Having someone available to hold the leash, offer treats, or take your dog for a short break helps everything flow smoothly. But if you cannot find someone, don’t stress! We can make it work.

Embrace the Chaos

This may be the most important tip of all.

Dogs get excited.

They get distracted.

They find interesting smells.

They decide a squirrel deserves their full attention.

That’s normal.

Please don’t worry if your dog isn’t perfectly focused every second of the session. Some of the most memorable images happen during those unscripted moments.

Stay flexible. Let your dog be a dog. Let me handle the chaos. Trust me. Somehow I can always get a good shot of the dog AND the family.

The playful moments, the curious looks, and the bursts of energy often become the photos families love most.

One of my favorite sessions involved two sisters running through a meadow with their dog racing alongside them. The girls were giggling, the dog was having the time of her life, and nobody was worried about standing perfectly still.

The photos captured exactly who they were in that season of life.

Years from now, that’s what they’ll remember.

Why I Love Including Dogs in Family Photos

Dogs bring so much personality to a session.

They make kids laugh.

They encourage families to relax.

They remind us to play.

They help create moments that feel natural and honest.

Around here, I believe family photos should celebrate the people you love most. For many Colorado families, that absolutely includes the dog.

The muddy paws.

The happy tail wags.

The goofy smiles.

The loyal companion who’s been part of your family’s adventures.

Those memories deserve to be preserved too.

Because nobody remembers perfect.

They remember fun.

Let’s be honest—your dog somehow grows up even faster than your kids. Make sure your furry family member gets their moment in front of the camera too!

Planning a Dog Family Photo Shoot in Castle Rock?

If you’re part of a wild-hearted family that loves including your four-legged family members in your adventures, I’d love to help you create photos that celebrate this season of life exactly as it is.

Bring the dog.

We’ll make some memories together.