Alright, fellow dog lovers! Buckle up your treat bags and get ready for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of dog sports! We’re about to embark on a journey that’ll make your pup’s tail spin faster than a fidget spinner in a tornado. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Agility: The Canine Ninja Warrior

Imagine your pup zipping through tunnels and leaping over jumps like they’re auditioning for “Mission Impawssible.” That’s agility! It’s a fantastic way to burn off your dog’s energy, keep their brain sharp and cement your teamwork. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other dog-obsessed humans who won’t judge you for having more pictures of your dog than your family on your phone.

If you’re feeling competitive,organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) and Canine Performance Events (CPE) host competitions for every level. Just be prepared – dog agility is seriously addictive!

---

Dock Diving: Canine Cannonballs

Does your dog think they’re part fish? Dock diving might be their calling! It’s like the long jump for dogs, but with a splash landing. Your water-loving woofer gets to show off their best “I believe I can fly” impression while you try not to laugh too hard at their mid-air facial expressions. It’s the perfect sport for dogs who think bath time is a competitive event.

Ready to make a splash? You can contact Seacoast Dock Dogs and American K9 Country to help get your dog’s feet wet. Just don’t be surprised if your bathtub suddenly becomes their practice pool!

---

FAST CAT: The Furry and the Furious

FAST CAT is for those pups who always act like they’re late for a very important date. It’s a 100-yard dash that’ll have your dog moving faster than you do when someone mentions free pizza. The pure joy on their faces as they run will make you wonder if they’ve just discovered the secret to eternal happiness (spoiler alert: it’s probably bacon).

Want to see your dog break the sound barrier? You can read more here and there are frequent FAST CAT Trials at American K9 Country in Bedford, NH. They welcome total beginners, so come give it a try!

---

Nosework: CSI: Canine Sniff Investigation

Ever wonder what it would be like if your dog was a detective? Nosework is your chance to find out! With a sense of smell 10,000 times better than ours, your pup might just solve the mystery of the missing sock or locate that long-lost TV remote. It’s perfect for rainy days when you’re stuck inside, wondering if your dog can sniff out your will to do laundry.

Ready to start your dog’s career as a super-sniffer? You can start simple at home with treats or toys. Ready to take your pup’s sniffer to the next level? Many dog training centers offer nosework classes, and groups like the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) hold trials and competitions.

---

Rally Obedience: Simon Says, but for Dogs

This is obedience training with a fun twist! Rally courses involve moving through a numbered course following the instructions on a sign at each station. These actions might include basic commands like “sit” or “stay,” or fun maneuvers like heeling around cones or moving your dog into certain positions around you. It’s a fantastic way to practice obedience skills in a more interactive and engaging way, perfect for dogs who get bored with doing the same old practice all the time.

The AKC offers rally obedience trials at various levels, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced dog-handler teams.

---

Trick Training: Pawsome Party Tricks

Want your dog to be the life of the party? Trick training is your ticket to canine stardom! From high-fives to playing dead, your furry friend will be the talk of the town. Who knows, you might even go viral on TikTok and finally achieve your dream of being “TikTok famous” (even if it’s just your dog in the videos).

If you want to do more than just impress your friends with your dog’s repertoire, the American Kennel Club (AKC) offers Trick Dog titles with various levels, from novice to expert. And there are lots of online resources and trick dog tutorials to help you get started

---

No matter your dog’s breed, size, or age, there are dog sports out there waiting to be explored.

Dog sports are not just about competition; they’re about having fun and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Whether you’re looking to compete or just have a good time, there are dog sports out there for every pup. So grab your leash and get ready for some tail-wagging fun!

Ready to give it a go? Here are some tips:

• Start slow and positive. Keep training sessions short and sweet, and end on a good note.
• Focus on fun and positive reinforcement. Lots of praise, treats, and happy vibes go a long way!
• Find a training buddy or group class. Training with other dogs can be a great motivator and socialization opportunity.

Remember, the key to success in dog sports is having fun. If you’re not laughing at least once during training, you’re probably doing it wrong. So grab that leash, pack some treats, and get ready to embark on a journey that’ll make you both the envy of the dog park!

Happy training!

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog” – they’re a superstar in the making!

Spring is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. There’s a palpable sense of renewal and possibility in the air, it’s my New Years 🥂🍾🎉. The longer days, warmer weather, and the blooming flowers and trees make this season truly special.

I just got back from a walk with Believe and everything is so ALIVE! We passed trees filled with white and pink blooms, whole hillsides of forsythia and daffodils galore. Even the lowly dandelions look pretty at this time of year. And the birdsong – the woods are filled it. And with the return of Spring we have months of gorgeous days ahead to share with our best friends – laughing, adventuring and making amazing memories!

Basking in the Spring Sun

For me, the best part of spring is the warmth and sunshine 🌞. Gone are the days of battling icy sidewalks and shortened walks. Spring brings longer days, perfect for extended adventures with our dogs. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the park with friends (human and canine) or a challenging hike in the woods, our pups can finally unleash their inner explorer with more sunshine-filled hours to roam.

Plus, for our water-loving dogs, spring often means the return of refreshing swims in every body of water they can find (not that winter stopped the swimming completely, but I don’t have to worry about them getting hypothermia anymore 🥶). It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new trails, discover hidden natural wonders, and let our furry friends run and play to their heart’s content.

Bringing Back the Beauty

The arrival of spring also brings a stunning display of natural beauty. Vibrant spring flowers and the return of Mother Nature’s lush greenery transform the world around us. As a photographer, I relish the chance to capture the return of Nature’s beauty from the drabness of winter. There is nothing like capturing the joyful expression of a dog chasing butterflies in meadows bursting with wildflowers. But you don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture all this beauty. Make sure to take plenty of photos of your dog enjoying all that spring has to offer.

Dining Al Fresco

Another favorite benefit of spring is all the outdoor dining options that welcome our canine companions. From cozy breweries (like Nightshift Brewing in Everett and their Beer Gardens in Boston) to restaurant patios (including most of the restaurants with patios at Marketstreet Lynnfield and if you’re looking for a bit of day trip I’ve heard good things about Longboards in Salem, MA). There are countless opportunities to enjoy a meal or a refreshing beverage while our dogs bask in the warm sunshine. It’s the perfect way to savor the season and create lasting memories with our four-legged friends.

Putting on my “dog trainer hat” for a moment, please make sure your dog is comfortable and actually going to enjoy the bustle and crowds of a brewery or restaurant. Maybe grabbing takeout for a picnic in the park would be more fun for them (and you). My current girl, Believe, would hate the crowds and bustle so we stick to going out for ice cream where we can have much more space and peace (and ICE CREAM 🍦).

Spring is a season that inspires us to live life to the fullest. I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and joy during this time of year. The beauty, the adventure, and the opportunity to connect with our furry friends make spring a truly special season.

What is your favorite spring activity with your dogs? Let me know in the comments and let’s embrace the gorgeous days, the great outdoors and the chance to create unforgettable memories with our beloved dogs.

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”

Woof woof! Hey there, fellow doggos! It’s me, your favorite canine companion, here to share the tail-wagging adventure I had recently. You see, my pawrents surprised me with a wet and wild professional portrait session playing in the water 💦💧

As soon as we arrived at the picturesque pond, I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me. The air was filled with the scent of fresh grass and the sound of gentle ripples in the water. My tail wagged furiously as I bounded around, taking in the sights and smells of this new and exciting place.

My photographer, Donna, greeted me with a warm smile and lots of ear scritches. She explained that today, we were going to HAVE FUN and capture some truly special moments together in this beautiful spot. I couldn’t wait to get started!

Next, we explored the lush greenery surrounding the pond, pausing to pose for photos amidst the tall grass and wildflowers. With the sun shining down on us, I couldn’t help but feel like a supermodel, striking my best poses for the camera.

But the highlight of the session came when we ventured out onto a rustic wooden dock that stretched out over the water. With the wind in my fur and the sun on my face, I felt like I was on top of the world. The photographer captured some truly breathtaking shots of me gazing out over the shimmering expanse of water and then I GOT TO JUMP IN!!!!! I now have images of my superhero persona flying through the air!

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we knew it was time to wrap up our adventure. But as we made our way back to the car, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the memories we had created together.

So, to all my fellow furry friends out there, I encourage you to beg your mom and dad for a super fun portrait session of your very own. They’ll be glad they did when they see those magical images from your day hanging on the walls of your home.

Until next time, keep wagging those tails and chasing those dreams!

Woofs and wags

---

In the enchanting world of pet photography, where every click of the shutter holds the promise of capturing a cherished memory, there exists a delightful truth: things don’t always go according to plan. Yes, you heard it right—despite our best efforts and meticulous preparations, the unexpected often makes its grand entrance, turning our perfectly orchestrated sessions into a symphony of surprises, bloopers and laughter.

Let’s face it—dogs, with their boundless energy, curious antics, and charming quirks, have a way of keeping us on our toes. From impromptu games of keep-away to sudden bursts of zoomies, there’s never a dull moment when our furry family are involved. And while we strive for that elusive “perfect shot,” it’s the bloopers, the outtakes and the candid moments in between that truly steal our hearts.

But here’s the thing: in the midst of the chaos and the laughter, there lies a profound beauty—a beauty that transcends perfection and embraces the raw, unfiltered essence of our furry companions. It’s in those unscripted moments, those spontaneous bursts of joy and silliness, that we find true magic.

So, let us raise our cameras high and celebrate the delightful moments that make each session unique. Let’s embrace the laughter, the surprises, and the occasional mishaps, knowing it’s these moments that mean so much.

And to our beloved clients, we invite you to join us in celebrating all the fun facets of your dog’s personality. Whether your furry friend decides to chase butterflies instead of posing for the camera or insists on giving the lens a playful lick, rest assured that every moment captured is a treasure—a testament to the unconditional love and boundless joy that our pets bring into our lives.

So here’s to the bloopers, the blunders, and the beautiful messiness of pet photography. May we continue to laugh, to cherish, and to capture the extraordinary magic of life with our beloved companions.

Woofs and wags 🐾

Donna

Check out my Session Guide to see how much fun your pup’s session can be.