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.

Welcome to the wild, wiggly, and wonderfully chaotic world of puppy parenthood. You’ve decided to dive headfirst into the land of wagging tails, floppy ears, and slobbery kisses. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In addition to being a pet photographer, I have 20+ years training puppies to be beloved family members. Here are my top five no-nonsense tips to help you survive and thrive during those first few puppy-filled months.

Yes, that adorable puppy ⬇⬇ is mine. This is just a portion of what a young puppy left out of a crate can accomplish in a short period of time…. In my defense, I did put him in his crate, I just apparently forgot to latch the door 😭. Thankfully he didn’t get into anything dangerous, there was just a LOT of cleanup. Which brings me to tip #1 below.

1. Crate Training: Your Pup’s Cozy Den

Let’s talk about crate training—a game-changer for both you and your pup. Picture it as your pup’s personal den—a safe space where they can retreat, rest, and recharge. While some might think it’s like sending them to puppy jail, it’s actually a tool for structure and comfort.

Why It Matters

It’s their safe haven. Dogs are den animals, so a crate becomes their natural den. It’s a spot where they can escape from the hustle and bustle when life gets busy.

It makes potty training 1000x easier. Puppies avoid soiling their living area, so a properly sized crate can help puppies learn to “hold it”. This helps minimize accidents. And when you take them out to do their business after leaving the crate, and they’ll quickly catch on.

It gives you peace of mind when they’re home alone (remember what that kid got into in the movie….) When you’re away, a crate ensures your pup’s safety. No unexpected surprises for you when you return, and no accidental destruction or potential injuries for them.

Crate-trained pups make traveling and any vet stays less stressful. They have a familiar space on the road and won’t have their first crate experience be when they’re sick or injured at the vet.

Remember, crate training isn’t about locking your pup away—it’s about providing a secure space for them to call their own. Done right, it’s a valuable tool for their safety, your sanity, and their overall happiness. And it will make all the following challenges easier 😊

2. Embrace the Chewmageddon: Channel It, Don’t Fight It

Let’s cut to the chase: puppies chew. A lot. Your furniture, your shoes, that important paper you thought was out of reach—it’s all fair game. No object is safe from their tiny, razor-sharp teeth. Instead of pulling out your hair (or what’s left of it), the key here is management. Keeping your puppy safely confined when you can’t watch them (see Crate Training 101 above) and invest in LOTS of puppy-safe chew toys. These little lifesavers will keep your pup’s dental health in check while saving your valuables from becoming their next midnight snack.

3. Potty Training: Where Accidents Happen… Everywhere

Ah, the magical world of potty training. Just as babies take time (YEARS in their case) to potty train, so do puppies (not years, thankfully). Yes, accidents will happen, LOTS of them. No, your pup isn’t trying to make your life miserable. Puppies physically can’t “hold it” for very long. Their bladders are small and their muscles aren’t fully developed yet.

Be vigilant, schedule regular potty breaks, and celebrate when they finally do their business outside. When you catch them mid-accident, don’t freak out. Just scoop them up, take them outside and reward them handsomely for going in the right place. Then make sure you clean up any accidents with an enzyme cleaner from the pet store so your puppy doesn’t get confused and go back to that spot as an alternative potty 🧻.

4. Socialization: Your Pup’s Passport to the World

What is socialization? Simply put, it’s introducing them to the world around them. The people, places and experiences in this big world of ours that they may not have experienced before. Sounds, like sirens or vacuum cleaners. Objects, like umbrellas or strollers. Encounters, like bicycles or people wearing hats. Show them it’s all part of life.

Early positive exposure to various sights, sounds, and situations helps your pup become more confident and less likely to develop fears or aggression later on. But it has to be done right! Which means at their pace! Your puppy needs to be happy and excited by these new experiences or you can actually make your puppy more fearful. So go slow. Take it at your pup’s pace. Always make it positive, using treats and praise to make these experiences happy ones. If they’re overwhelmed, back off and try again later. Remember, socialization is about building positive associations, not pushing them into discomfort.

Embrace this adventure of showing your pup the world, and you’ll reap the rewards of a confident, well-behaved, and utterly charming four-legged friend.

5. Training: Treats, Tricks, and Tons of Patience

Enrolling your puppy in a positive reinforcement-based puppy class can be a vital source of support on your journey with your puppy. We’ll help you teach your pup the basics—including the essential “leave it” (for your puppy who’s into everything all the time). As well as identify and help you solve any struggles your puppy may be having.

In my classes we use clicker training to teach all the basic cues along with a puppy play time to help with their socialization and play skills. Just remember to do your research and sit in on a class before you enroll to ensure they’re using science-based positive training techniques and not any methods that are harsh or heavy-handed.

You can search for positive trainers in your area here.

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There you have it, new pup parents! Remember, every puppy is a unique ball of energy and fluff, so go easy on yourself. With a healthy dose of patience, a sprinkle of humor, and the ability to find joy in the midst of chewed-up shoes, you’ll be a pup parent extraordinaire in no time. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and get ready for a lifetime of unconditional love and unlimited belly rubs. Woof, you’ve got this! 🐾

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Would you like to read more about PUPPIES?!? Of course, you would check out this blog where Charlotte NC dog photographer Kim Hollis of BARKography talks about her love of photographing puppies. https://barkography.com/blog/i-love-photographing-puppies

Are you a pet parent with a reactive dog? Or one who’s very shy or anxious? Would you love to have beautiful artwork of your beloved pet in your home but are worried about how your dog would behave during a portrait session? Whether the photographer could even work with your dog? Or even worse, would judge you for your dog’s behavior?

Today, I want to share with you why choosing a pet photographer who understands reactive, shy or anxious dogs can make a world of difference in creating a stress-free and truly remarkable experience. I’m a pet photographer and positive dog trainer. I have decades of personal experience living with and training reactive, shy and anxious dogs. I understand the challenges you face because I’ve lived them. Let me share with you why choosing a photographer who has a lot of experience working with scared and reactive dogs is the best decision for capturing unforgettable moments with your best friend.

This was my super sound-sensitive, reactive girl, Ziva. She taught me so much and made me not only a better dog trainer, but a better pet photographer. She was flight risk, so our sessions were always ON LEASH and in quiet locations.

So what do you and your dog need in a pet photographer?

1. Empathy and Understanding for your Reactive Dog’s Needs

Reactive dogs require extra patience, care, and sensitivity. Working with a pet photographer who owns and works with reactive dogs ensures they empathize with your situation. I understand the unique challenges and can create a safe, stress-free environment for your furry friend to relax and be themselves. This leads to authentic and remarkable images that truly reflect your pet’s personality.

2. Specialized Techniques to Keep Everyone Safe and Happy

Photographing reactive, shy or anxious dogs requires a specialized approach. My experience with positive reinforcement techniques, redirection strategies and body language cues will keep your dog calm and comfortable during the session. This expertise guarantees stunning photos even with super “challenging” dogs.

3. Safe and Controlled Environment that Protects your Reactive Dog

When you choose a pet photographer who understands reactive dogs, you’re selecting someone who prioritizes the safety and well-being of your pet above all else. I will take the necessary precautions to create a controlled environment, minimizing triggers and potential stressors. Your pet’s safety and comfort is paramount. I’ll design your session with your dog’s safety and comfort in mind – from selecting a suitable, quiet location, letting your dog set the pace and allowing your dog to be securely leashed for their entire session (with leashes magically edited out for your final artwork).

4. Collaboration and Customization to Design your Perfect Session

Working with a photographer who understands reactive dogs means collaborating with someone who values your input. I listen to your concerns, preferences, and goals, and tailor the experience to your dog’s needs. Your dog always comes first during our session. This ensures that the photos reflect your dog’s individuality and personality. We capture the dog you know they are inside, not the sometimes stressed, reactive dog that the world sometimes sees.

Remember, capturing these precious moments with your dog is not just about the final images but the joy and memories that come with them. So, don’t hesitate to seek out a pet photographer who not only has the technical skills but also firsthand experience with reactive dogs. They will go above and beyond to ensure your pet feels comfortable, loved and is beautifully captured in each and every photograph. And you will have beautiful artwork from your day that will bring you joy every time you look at it.

Would you like more information about designing the perfect session for your dog? You can check out my Session Guide for more information or Contact Me for more information.

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. Make sure to monitor your dog around Christmas trees, Menorahs and other decorations. Puppies, especially, are curious creatures and they love to investigate new things. Many years my Christmas tree was surrounded by an x-pen to keep it upright and the ornaments safe. Thankfully, my dogs have outgrown tree destruction, but be especially careful with your young dog.

2. Keep toxic plants out of reach. Many common holiday plants including holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies can make your pets sick, some seriously. If you’re decorating with these plants, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pet or choose safer alternatives.

3. Don’t leave your dog alone with visiting children, especially if your dog is not used to them. Excited children can unintentionally hurt or scare dogs. If you have young children visiting during the holidays, make sure they know how to approach and interact with dogs safely and supervise closely. And make sure to give your dog breaks in a safe place, like their crate, where no one can bother them.

4. Be careful with holiday food and treats. Dogs are often tempted by tasty holiday foods but many of these can be dangerous for them. Pan drippings, uncooked bread dough, chocolate, raisins, grapes and onions can land your dog in the emergency vet. Who wants that on the holidays? Stick to their regular food and treats instead.

5. Keep an eye on alcohol consumption (no, not on Aunt Minnie’s, well, maybe hers too 🍷🍺🍹). Dogs can be sensitive to alcohol and it can make them very sick (again who wants a sick dog on the holiday 🤮. So be sure to keep alcoholic drinks well out of reach.

6. Make sure to make special time just for you and your dogs. A nice long walk, a run in the park or even just a snuggle on the couch are a perfect holiday tradition 💗

Happy Holidays to all!

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!

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, and many of us like to include our furry family members in the festivities. As we approach the busiest travel week of the year, I thought I would share my top 3 tips to make traveling with your dog this holiday season as stress-free and happy as possible.

1. Get Your Dog Used to the Car
If your dog isn’t used to riding in the car, start by taking them on short trips around town before embarking on a longer journey. This will help them get used to the car and make sure they’re comfortable. If your dog seems nervous or anxious, try playing calming music or trying one of the many natural calming products to make their journey more enjoyable. A crate or doggie seatbelt is a good way to keep your dog contained, secure and safe while driving.

2. Pack Their Favorite Things
When packing for your trip, don’t forget to include your dog’s favorite toys, blanket, and treats. Bringing along their crate will give them a safe place to rest and recover for all the festivities. This will help them feel more at home in an unfamiliar environment and make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Also, be sure to pack plenty of food and water—nothing will put a damper on your holiday fun faster than an upset tummy from different food and water 🤢🤮

3. Plan Your Stops Ahead of Time
When traveling with your dog, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure there are plenty of rest stops along the way so they can stretch their legs, have a drink of water, and potty. A little planning goes a long way towards making a road trip with your furry friend stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

We hope these tips are helpful as you prepare to hit the road with your furry friend this holiday season! Remember, if you take the time to plan ahead, you’re sure to have a stress-free trip that everyone—two-legged and four alike—will enjoy. Happy holidays!

A few ideas to keep our pets safe in this HEAT!

I don’t know about you but this heat has me feeling a bit like my buddy here. I think I’m melting…. And I know Twister feels the same (Believe, well she’s crazy and will gladly lay out in the sun on a day like today unless I make her come in – and I do, no worries). And with temps predicted in the 90’s all week, I thought I would share some of the things I’m doing to help my dogs stay cool (and sane) on these HOT days. Some of the simplest ways of keeping our pets safe in the summer heat, hopefully, don’t even need mentioning (but I’m going to anyway 🙂 – not leaving your dog in the car (even for just a minute), walking early in the morning or late evening when the temperature is a bit cooler and making sure they have access to water at all times.

But what to do with high-energy or just plain bored dogs when this heat stretches on and on and on… Here are a few things that I like to do to keep everyone sane on these hot days.

• We make sure to get a good play/training session in early in the morning before the sun is up and the heat is on or my guys will be crazy all day.
• I have lots of frozen marrow bones and stuffed Kong toys to chew on when they’re stuck inside. Licki mats and snuffle mats are another great option to keep their minds and bodies occupied.
• We play foraging games inside and out. What’s a foraging game you ask, instead of putting their food in a bowl, simply scatter it in the grass outside or on the floor inside and let them hunt it up. Or take some yummy treats and hide them around the house and let your dog use his nose to find them.
• I make doggie frozen treats, by freezing bone broth (from the pet store) with some treats in a small plastic bowl. Pop it out of the bowl to serve and let them stay cool while enjoying a healthy treat.
• Since we’re cooped up in the A.C, now is a great time to work on teaching a new trick or two and working on their fitness exercises. Wait, what there are canine fitness exercises??? Yup! My dogs play agility, so we have some equipment that we work on but here are 4 simple exercises that you can do right at home with your dog from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room.
• SWIMMING! My dogs LOVE to swim. Especially Believe, she will stay go out and just swim around forever, especially if I’m out with her. You do need to be mindful of water quality issues, especially the risk of blue green algae blooms in this super hot weather. But this is the ultimate way to beat the heat. Your dog not the swimming type? A wading pool or just a run through the sprinkler can be great ways to cool down.

So those are my top ideas to keep you dogs cool and occupied during this heat wave. What are some of your ways to help your dogs beat the heat?

Want more info on this topic, here is some great information from the ASPCA

1. Get down on their level.  While you can take really cute photographs of your dog looking up at you adoringly :-), you’ll usually get much better results from a lower vantage point.  I’m usually kneeling or lying on the ground during my sessions. 2. Choose an uncluttered background.  Look for an area without distractions or clutter behind them to keep the focus on your beautiful dog. 3. Natural light is best.  Indoor lighting can give strange color casts to your images.  Play around with both bright sunshine – great for black dogs – and shady areas to see which you prefer.  4.Fill the Frame.  Don’t leave a lot of empty space around your subject unless it’s part of your composition. Get up close and personal.  Since I’m typically photographing dogs I don’t know well, I use a long lens during my sessions so I can zoom in closer without having to get into the dog’s space and maybe stress them out.  5. Get their attention.  I use treats, toys, noisemakers, kissy noises (sometimes making quite the spectacle of myself 🙂 to get the dogs to look at me with a happy expression.  6. Capture their uniqueness.  Does your dogs have a quirky smile, a floppy ear, a favorite toy –  make sure to capture and celebrate all the wonderful things about them.   7. Remember to get photos of you and your dog together.  They’re never with us long enough, remember to capture and celebrate the bond you share. 8. Let them play. Sometimes the best photos aren’t the posed shots but just dogs being dogs. Make sure to capture the candid moments that you share. 9. I saved the most important tip for (next to) last – PATIENCE. Dogs do things on their own schedule, we can’t ask them to “look at the camera and smile”. Patience is probably the biggest key to pet photography. Keep it fun, take your time with lots of breaks for sniffing and belly rubs. 10. And last but not least, if all of the above don’t work, hire a professional ;-).