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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you want to spoil your special someone. And no, we’re not talking about your significant other — we’re talking about your furry, four-footed, best friend. See why spending Valentine’s Day with your dog might make it your best Valentine’s Day ever!

They’re Always Up For A Date Night

Who needs roses and chocolates when you can spend Valentine’s Day with your pup? Forget those stuffy candlelit dinners – dogs don’t care if you want to stay in and watch a movie, or go out and have some fun. They just want to be with you – no matter what you do!

So why not spend Valentine’s Day doing something special together? If it’s nice outside, take your pup for a hike in the woods or a run on the beach. If the weather isn’t cooperating, curl up on the couch and indulge in some quality cuddle time. Either way, you know your furry valentine will be thrilled with whatever activity (or lack thereof) you choose!

No Dressing up Required

Don’t bother debating over outfits – just spend the evening in your PJs snuggled up with your favorite four-legged friend. Bonus points if your PJ’s match! And even better, you get to choose your favorite shows to watch, no fighting over the remote.

Your Dog Will Always be by Your Side

No matter what else is going on in our lives, our dogs are loyal until the very end. And unlike our human partners, our pups will never tire of hearing about our day and will be there to listen whenever we need it. Who else can give so much love in exchange for a few belly rubs?

Gift Shopping is SO Easy

No need to struggle with finding the perfect gift. Your dog will be happy with whatever you choose. A new toy, some yummy treats, a new collar – whatever you choose will make this their BEST DAY EVER! Even better, is a field trip to pick up a few of their favorites. My dogs love visiting the Polkadog shops and The Natural Dog for great, all natural, locally sourced goodies.

And we all know how generous our dogs are, so don’t forget to pick up something awesome for YOU from THEM 🎁.

So this Valentine’s Day, show yourself some extra love by sharing it with (wo)man’s best friend! Who needs chocolates and roses when you have unconditional love and slobbery kisses? So this year, ditch the traditional date night and cuddle up with your bestest dog instead – you won’t regret it!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Believe and I 💖

Let’s face it, perfection is overrated. And impossible to achieve. Our dogs are so lucky, they don’t lay awake at night brooding over the extra pound they’re carrying or that mom isn’t too happy that they rolled in that slightly smelly thing in the yard. They’ve embraced their perfectly imperfect status 💖

I’ve had the privilege of capturing all kinds of tail-wagging mayhem in my 15+ years as a professional pet photographer. From dogs who will try to convince you that they’ve NEVER heard the word “sit” before to those who’ve mastered the art of zoomies. And guess what? It’s precisely these quirks that make our four-legged friends such rockstars! And why I have the best job in the world!

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Real-life Moments, Real-life Love

In my sessions, perfection takes a back seat to authenticity. I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless moments that encapsulate the quirky, wild, and wonderfully imperfect nature of our canine companions. It’s these unique qualities that make each dog a star in their own right.

From the dogs who treat “stay” like a distant relative and others who believe “fetch” is just a fancy game of keep-away. Forget the script – it’s the unscripted chaos that steals the show.

Championing the Unpredictable

A session without unpredictability is like a hotdog without mustard – bland and missing the kick. The goofy expressions, the sudden sprints, and the little bit of naughtiness make for images that aren’t just pictures; they’re a storybook of a canine’s character.

Let’s bark down those stereotypes that say a “perfect” dog fits a certain mold. In my world, every dog is a superstar, whether they’re a drama queen, a goofball, or the class clown.

So many potential clients feel they have to wait until their dog is “better behaved”, or can be off-leash or “calms down”. And none of those are true. Almost none of the dogs I have photographed in my career are obedience stars or even had much training at all. Most of them are “perfectly imperfect” – great dogs who occasionally raid the trash or chew a shoe or run off in the middle of a session after a rabbit 🐰.

They’re dogs! They’re expected to act like dogs – be a little (or a LOT) crazy, pull on leash, bark their fool heads off just “because”. I didn’t get into this career to photograph robots (I don’t trust robots, even robot dogs, tell me that “dog” will cuddle with you on the couch… ). Your session will be one of laughter, action and slobbery kisses. So don’t wait to schedule a session for your pet – let’s capture all the chaos that makes you love them so much.

Your Dog is Perfect for the Camera – Just as They Are

To all the awesome pet parents out there, your dog is a star in the making – no auditions required. No need to wait for the stars to align or for your furry friend to become a canine Einstein. So, here’s to celebrating the perfectly imperfect, embracing the mayhem, and capturing the essence of your furry partner in crime. Ready? Let’s turn your furry rockstar into a frame-worthy legend.

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Here’s to the tail-wagging, tongue-lolling, laughter-inducing journey of photographing your unapologetically awesome canine buddies. 📸🐶

Donna

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Have a reactive or really shy dog? Click here to read a blog on how I design special sessions just for them. Focusing on their comfort and safety at all times.

As we bid farewell to another amazing year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible moments we’ve shared together. From the wagging tails to the slobbery kisses, each session has been so full of joy and laughter and love. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to capture these special moments with your beloved family members.

📸 A Glimpse Into Our Year

Thank You for Making 2023 Unforgettable!

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for choosing me to photograph your pups this year. Your trust and enthusiasm have made this journey so rewarding. I feel privileged to have been a part of your pet’s story.

🐾 Highlights of 2023:

1: I traveled to NC this spring to attend a pet photographers’ mastermind group. This small group coaching opportunity was thrilling. We talked business and mindset, photographed dogs in Charlotte, NC, ate great food and laughed SO MUCH. And the best part, I became good friends with all of the women there who continue to help me grow this passion-project business that I LOVE.

2: I participated in an intensive 6-month photography course, which challenged me to push outside my comfort zone and explore ways of seeing and shooting which I can wait to add to my repertoire.

3: I’ve been so blessed to collaborate with some amazing partners this year (hello, Alta Clara at the Fells and The Natural Dog). One of my goals this year is to continue to expand my partnerships with other pet-crazy small businesses to help us all shine 🌟✨. If you’re a small business that would like to work together, let’s chat!

Looking Ahead to 2024:

As we step into the new year, I’m excited to create many more memories together! Whether it’s capturing the playful antics of your new puppy, the nobility of your senior, or the unique personality of your furry best friend, I can’t wait to continue capturing your journey.

And stay tuned because I have a couple of REALLY exciting new offerings for 2024. From an exciting new session type for the adventurous people and their pets to a massive fundraising effort I’m going to be launching shortly to benefit a local charity (stay tuned for more info…).

🎉 Thank You Again!

Once again, thank you for making 2023 a paw-some year for Donna Kelliher Photography. Your support means the world to me. I’m thrilled to be part of such an incredible community of pet lovers.

Wishing you and your furry friends an amazing New Year!

Warm regards,

Donna

Donna Kelliher Photography ~ Because YOUR dog isn’t “just” a dog.

The memories we capture will keep you warm all winter.

Imagine the scene – it’s a beautiful cool morning, with blue skies and white puffy clouds. A field of summer wildflowers and a stunning husky. All the elements for the perfect summer portrait session. But first Zoey decided we all needed a good laugh and went into huntress mode and hopped and pounced (unsuccessfully) on unseen critters all over the field. She was so happy! I absolutely 💖 huskies, they have such a wicked sense of humor. Thankfully, once Zoey had cleared the area of any menacing chipmunks she was ready to rock her portrait session!

Zoey’s Mom knew that now is the ideal moment to capture beautiful summer portraits of your best pup! The crazy rain has stopped (for the moment) and left us with absolutely lush green everywhere. Add in blooming wildflowers (the black eyed susans are stunning right now) and we have a fantastic backdrop for creating stunning images. Imagine seeing a image like this of your dog on your wall every day. How could that not bring a smile to your face 😊

Summer portraits are all about these fun, outdoor adventures. Your pup can run freely, splash around in ponds and streams, and be their true, happy self. All safely on a long leash, if the law and your dog’s personality require . And with my Photoshop magic no one will ever know they weren’t running wild and free. These photos will be like little memory capsules of all the fun times you’ve shared under the sun.

But remember, summer’s a short and sweet season. Those wildflowers🌻 won’t bloom forever, and the golden hour light is here only for a while. So, let’s not wait! Drop me a message, and together, we’ll plan a photo session that your dog will love and that will give you priceless artwork to treasure. Your pet’s summer adventure awaits! 🌞🐾

Have questions? Check out my FAQ page

Want to know more about my sessions? Grab my Session Guide.

We all know how much dogs love the beach, don’t we? I mean, the feel of sand beneath their paws, the sea breeze in their fur (the occasional smelly thing to roll in…). Add in the opportunity to frolic around on an endless stretch of sand and surf, it’s a canine paradise. So I wanted to share why the beach is also a perfect location for your dog’s portrait session.

Natural Beauty

The beach is one of the most beautiful locations for photography (and just in general, IMHO). The beach colors – the blue skies and white clouds, the light tan sand, and the shades of green and blue water, make for a stunning color palette. And the openness of sand and sea and sky is such a clean, uncluttered backdrop for your pet’s portraits, Perfect to decorate any home.

My favorite beach for sessions is Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester. There is so that makes this beach perfect for your session. It has it all – from dune grassses (we only pose on the walking paths through them, never disturbing the actual dunes or wildlife that make them home), to HUGE boulders for climbing and posing. Plus lots of tidal pools, surf for the dogs to play in and plenty of room to run!

What could be better!

Gorgeous Light🌞

I absolutely love the quality of the light at the beach early in the morning and early evening. That warm golden light makes every dog into a superstar. And the color in the sky as the light rises or sets is absolutely stunning.

FUN!🎉

In addition to posed images, I love to create action shots and fun candid images of your dog being a DOG. From flying down the beach chasing a ball to splashing in the waves or rolling happily in the sand, it’s like freeze-framing moments of pure happiness!

Most of my beach session clients add an album to their wall art choices as there are always too many awesome, fun images to narrow them down to just a few.

Best Bonding Moments 🐾❤️

So what are you waiting for? Just imagine images of your beloved dog striking a pose among the beach grasses or frolicing in the waves. Now imagine seeing those images every day when you enter your home. Remembering those moments playing on the beach. Let’s hit the beach and create images you’ll treasure. Let’s make some magic!

Grab my Session Guide to see just how to book your very own beach session!

Want more great beach ideas for your dogs from some of the top pet photographers in the country, follow along as Syracuse NY dog photographer Nancy Kieffer shares a recent beach photo session https://nancykiefferphotography.com/Sandy-paw-captures-at…

Being owned by a dog is one of life’s greatest joys. Let’s face it dogs are pure joy! With our busy lives and never-ending commitments we could all stand to learn so much from our dogs about bringing more joy into our lives. Here are few of the lessons my dogs have taught me.

It’s the Simple Things in Life

Dogs live in the present moment and enjoy every single thing life has to offer – from a walk around the block to snuggling up on the couch for movie night! They are a constant reminder to take a break and enjoy life. They know that happiness doesn’t come from stuff or “likes” on social media but from enjoying every moment in the company of the ones we love.

The Power of Play ⚽

When was the last time you played? I mean really played (and not on your phone 😜). If you’re like me, PD (Pre-Dogs), it was a LONG time ago. Our dogs are masters at playing – with toys, balls, leaves blowing in the wind. They don’t need an excuse to let loose and just have FUN! And lucky for us, they’re usually willing to let us in on the fun too.

And when we join them for playtime, their joy is infectious. We laugh at the silly faces they make while trying to catch a ball (and when it bounces off their nose yet again). We marvel at how FAST they are as we try to keep up. It gives us an opportunity to take a break from reality and just enjoy the moment for what it is – pure bliss!

Unconditional Love & Loyalty

Finally, one of the greatest gifts our pets give us is their unconditional love and acceptance. No matter what kind of day we’ve had or how we’re feeling our pups will always greet us with their wagging tails and adoring eyes. Their constancy is an affirmation that everything will be alright. That kind of unwavering loyalty can transform any day from ordinary to extraordinary. And that my friends is true love and what is more joyous than that.

As we look around at how much happier life is with them in it, feel free to share the ways your dog has made your life brighter. How does your dog bring you joy? Share your stories with us in the comments! We would love to hear all about it.

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Want some more joy in your life? Check out this post from Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, Washington, who’s starting a fundraiser for dogs right after ending one.

https://bigwhitedogphotography.com/fundraiser-for-dogs

Ahh, Spring in New England. Is there anything better? After months of dreary days, cold weather and approximately 4 hours of daylight a day (okay that’s probably a bit of an exaggeration) I think we’re all ready for winter to be over!

We’re longing for the warmer temperatures and longer days that spring brings with her. The extra sunshine, the leaves returning to the trees and flowers blooming everywhere is just the antidote we need after a long winter. Finally we have more time to spend romping outside with our furry family members. What are you and your dog looking forward to as spring approaches?

Some fun spring ideas!

Twister and Believe are looking forward to lots of fun things this spring (maybe your dogs would like to try them out too).

• Getting outside more and exploring some new hiking trails.
• Visiting the beach before it closes to dogs for the summer.
• We’re planning a ROAD TRIP! Grab your pup and hit the open road to check out a new dog friendly location for a few day getaway. Here is a great guide to a ton of ideas for New England road trips. I can’t wait to try out most of them!
• Hosting a doggy playdate – we love to invite few fur friends over for some fun in the yard! It’s a great way for pups to socialize in a safe environment.
• Visiting a dog-friendly restaurant. There are a lot of restaurants with patio seating that allow your pup to come with you while you dine (I love Marketstreet Lynnfield for lots of dog friendly options). I always pack some water and snacks for my dog as they hang out at my feet. Important tip for this, make sure your dog would be comfortable in the close quarters on most patios and able to chill for an hour or more without barking or mooching off the other diners 😊.
• If your dog isn’t ready for the restaurant scene: Have a picnic with your pup. Pack up some yummy treats for you both and enjoy the sunshine.
• And since my dogs favorite thing is to play in the water, have a pool party! Yes their pool is just a kiddie pool with a few inches of water in it but that doesn’t dampen the fun. And since they’re Border Collies who love to chase anything that moves, they LOVE the sprinkler too.

So what fun are you and your dogs looking forward to this spring? Anything that I can add to my dogs’ list?

And what about some spring portraits to remember these special days?

On top of all that doggie fun to be had, as a pet photographer one of my favorite things about the return of spring are SPRING PORTRAIT SESSIONS. Finally we can get back outside and photograph your dog in all the beauty that a New England spring provides.

I have several locations that really capture spring’s beauty. From flowering trees and native wildflowers in bloom to lush green fields and bubbling streams. These locations definitely capture the beauty of New England in SPRING. And while this time of year is amazing for all dogs, for those pups who don’t like the heat, now is the PERFECT time to schedule their session. Check out my Session Guide and Contact me if you have any questions or to plan your dog’s spring session. Let’s kiss winter goodbye and cherish these bright, beautiful days while we welcome in the beauty of spring!

which honestly, is every day around here…

It’s so easy to take for granted the gifts that our furry four-legged companions bring into our lives — from their unconditional love to those unforgettable moments of pure joy and fun they share with us. While we all have our endless “to do” lists and responsibilities pulling us in a million different directions, National Love Your Pet Day (which just happens to be today, Feb. 20) is the perfect occasion to go all out to show our pets just how much we treasure them.

This year one of my dogs is approaching the end of his days. My boy, Twister, has seen me through so much through the years, brought me boundless joy and has the absolute biggest heart. And while love can’t stop the inevitable I will make every moment count with my bestest boy. So for this Love Your Pet Day I am giving him a day filled with all the special things I can squish into 24 hours.

So what would your pet like most for Love Your Pet Day? Special treats, an extra long walk, more belly rubs? Let’s get creative and make this an extra-special occasion. I’ve come up with a few ideas for my dogs, so let’s pamper them in style:

• Bake them some special treats (or buy them if you’re not all that great in the kitchen…).
• Check out a new hiking spot.
• Keep them company all day long (a perfect excuse for a day off work in my opinion).
• Take a road trip for a pup cup or a doggie ice cream (don’t forget something for yourself too)
• Hit the beach for a romp with some doggie friends.
• Donate to a shelter or animal charity to help dogs who haven’t found their person yet.
• Take them out to a dog-friendly brewery or restaurant for your celebration.
• Let them choose the show to watch on TV.
• Take them to the pet store to pick out a new toy.
• Extra cuddles!

However you choose to spend today, I hope you and your favorite four-legged family member have an amazing day!

Does your pet have to share you with another human? Check out this blog post by Gretchen Decker with Gretchen Decker Photography, sharing ways to involve your dog in your wedding celebration. https://www.gretchendeckerphotography.com/…/Involvingdo…

1. Go exploring. As your dog gets older, they may not be able to handle long walks or runs like they used to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some quality time together outdoors. Take things slow and let them stop to smell the roses (ok, the pee mail, but same concept 🐶). Check out some new trails or neighborhoods. This is a great way to get some exercise while also stimulating their senses with new sights and smells.

2. Play brain games. Just like people, dogs can benefit from a good mental workout. Try hiding treats around the house and giving them a little scavenger hunt. Or get a puzzle toy that encourages them to think critically in order to get the reward. I love this shaping game to keep my dogs mentally sharp and tire them out in the bad weather when outdoor activity might be limited.

3. Take them with you when you run errands around town (weather permitting of course). I like to take my dogs to Marketstreet Lynnfield, an outdoor mall with dozens of stores that welcome dogs and a Polkadog bakery to pick up some awesome treats. Or grab them a “puppuccino” at your local coffee shop while you grab your morning coffee. Not only are these fun activities to do together, but it’s also a great way to socialize your senior dog — something that’s important for dogs of all ages.

4. Have some “senior playdates.” While most senior dogs have no interest in hitting the dog park (it’s kinda like the club scene for dogs and most of our seniors have outgrown that craziness). But getting together with their doggie friends is still important. My dogs love romping on the beach or in the woods with their dog and human friends This will give your dog a chance to keep fit and have some fun.

5. Teach them some new tricks (or brush up on old ones). Dogs of all ages love learning — and it’s never too late to start! Whether you teach them how to roll over or simply brush up on their basic training, teaching your old dog some new tricks is a great way to keep their minds sharp as they age. Not only that, but it gives you both something fun and rewarding to focus on together—and who knows, maybe you’ll even end up impressing your friends and family in the process!

What do you and your old dog like to do together? Drop your favorite idea in the comments, Twister is always looking for more fun stuff to do 😊. So let’s get out there and have some fun with our long-time friends. They’ll love us even more for it!