If you’re like me, your family isn’t just made up of humans. Your dog (or dogs) is just as much a part of your crew as anyone else, which means they absolutely deserve a spot in your family photos. But let’s be honest—bringing a dog to a photo session can feel a little chaotic. Will they behave? Will they sit still? Will they cooperate at all? Questions we all ask when wonder about family photos with dogs involved.
As a Spokane family photographer who specializes in photographing people with their dogs, I’m here to tell you it’s 100% possible to include your pups in a way that feels natural, stress-free, and fun. Here’s my best advice for making your family photos with dogs a success—without losing your sanity.
Find a Photographer That’s More Just “Pet Friendly
There’s a big difference between a photographer who allows dogs at a session and one who truly knows how to work with them. It’s kind of like the difference between a general doctor and a pediatrician—you want someone with experience in exactly what you need.
A photographer who specializes in pets and families will bring patience, expertise, and the ability to keep things calm (even when your pup has other plans). When researching photographers, go beyond their portfolio and ask questions like:
✔ What’s your experience working with nervous or high-energy dogs?
✔ Can you remove leashes from a shot if needed? (This helps keep dogs safe while still getting clean, polished images.)
✔ Do you have any background with dogs outside of photography? (Dog trainers, vet techs, and lifelong dog lovers tend to have a natural ease with pups.)
A true dog-inclusive photographer won’t just tolerate dogs—they’ll know how to work with their personalities, whether they’re shy, excitable, or somewhere in between. That means less stress for you and a better experience for your pup.
Preparing For Family Photos with Dogs
✔ Arrive early and let your dog sniff. Seriously, this matters A LOT. Smelling is a dog’s primary way of processing the world—like sight is for us. Show up 15-20 minutes early so your dog can sniff around and settle in. Think of it like taking the blindfold off before they’re expected to focus.
✔ Feed your dog before the session. If your session is around mealtime, feed your dog (and yourself!) first. A hungry pup is a distracted pup—same goes for kids and adults.
✔ Pack high-value rewards. This is not the time for those boring, healthy dog treats. Bring out the big guns—string cheese, chicken, whatever your dog loves. Q’s personal favorite? String cheese. Cheese is basically magic.
Pick a Dog-Friendly Location for Your Family Photos
Choosing the right location is key to making your session dog-friendly and stress-free. Here’s what to consider:
Make sure dogs are allowed. Some popular nature areas don’t allow dogs, so always check the rules first. Think about how busy the area is. Even the most well-trained dogs can get reactive with other pups. If your dog isn’t a social butterfly, look for a quieter location with space to spread out. Avoid wildlife-heavy spots. Lakes with ducks? Cute for photos, but huge distractions for dogs. Also, duck and goose poop? Hard pass.
Don’t forget, photos at home are often just as great as going out on a grand adventure.
Family Photos Tips with Reactive Dogs
If your dog is reactive, that’s okay—it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great session. Here are a few things help:
- Bring a friend a long to your shoot. A second set of hands gives you a chance to relax and get some photos without worrying about your dog.
- Consider an at-home session. Home sessions are a fantastic option for reactive dogs because they’re already comfortable in their space. You can read more about my At-Home Photography Sessions.
Don’t Forget: Set Realistic Expectations For Your Family Photos
A good photographer will have tricks for posing with your dog, but here’s the real truth:
Your dog is not going to stare perfectly at the camera for 45 minutes straight. And that’s okay.
When we set unrealistic expectations, we just stress ourselves (and our dogs) out. Instead of worrying about getting that one Pinterest-perfect pose, embrace the natural moments. Let your dog just be there with you, and the best shots will happen organically.
The best family photos with dogs? The ones where everyone—human and canine—is just being themselves.
Cheers!
MB – A Spokane Photographer whose more than just “Dog Friendly”
