Holiday Photos With Your Dog

Choose a time when your dog is calm, such as after a walk or a meal. Pick a quiet place with good light and no distractions, and set up before you bring your dog in. Have a helper if possible, one person to handle the dog, and one to take photos. Gather treats, toys, and any props, and keep them ready.

Think about the photo you want. A simple, natural shot, such as your dog sitting by the tree, often looks better than a complicated setup. Aim for a few good photos, not a perfect one.

A few simple skills make a big difference. Practice them in the days before.

• Sit and stay, so your dog holds still.
• Look at me, or a touch cue, to get eye contact.
• Down and settle, for lying poses.
• A mat, so your dog knows where to be.
• A release word, so they know when the pose is over.

To get a good expression, use a sound or a toy, held just above the camera. A squeaky toy, a crinkly wrapper, or a treat can bring ears up and eyes forward. Use sounds sparingly, since dogs soon get used to them. Reward your dog for holding the pose, and take several photos in quick succession. Burst mode on a phone helps.

Get low, at your dog's eye level, for more engaging photos. Avoid flash, which can startle dogs and cause red-eye, and use natural light near a window instead.

Festive props can be fun, but they must be safe. Choose lightweight, comfortable items that do not restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid anything that dangles near the face, has small parts, or is made of tinsel, ribbon, or glass. Introduce costumes and props gradually, with treats, before the shoot, as described in our guide to costumes.

Note: Do not leave your dog unsupervised with decorations, lights, or props. Remove anything your dog tries to chew, and avoid plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia.

Keep it short, five to ten minutes. Stop when your dog loses interest, or shows signs of stress, such as yawning, lip licking, turning away, or panting. Go back to easy poses, reward, and end on a good note. Take a break for a walk, or a game, and try again later if needed.

1. Exercise your dog, and let them go to the toilet.
2. Set up the area, and have treats and props ready.
3. Ask for a sit or down, and reward.
4. Take a few photos, with a cue and a treat.
5. Reward generously, and end before your dog gets tired.
6. Review the pictures, and choose the best.

Group photos are harder. Practice with everyone, with the dog in position first. A person holding the leash out of the frame can help. Include a mat, and have everyone stay calm. Do not force your dog to be hugged, or held in a pose they dislike, and keep children gentle. If your dog is nervous, take a photo of them alone, and edit the pictures together later.

The best pictures show your dog relaxed and happy. A natural expression is worth more than a perfect pose.

Good photos are often more about light than equipment. Use soft, natural light by a window, or outdoors in the shade or on an overcast day, which avoids harsh shadows and squinting. Turn off the flash. Take photos from your dog's eye level, or slightly below, which gives a more engaging and intimate view. Keep the background simple, such as a plain wall or a tidy corner, and make sure the dog stands out. If your dog has black fur, avoid dark backgrounds, and if they are white, avoid white ones.

Some dogs will not sit still, and some hate the camera. These ideas help.

• Wiggly dog: use a settle on a mat, a chew, or a short walk beforehand.
• Camera-shy dog: let them sniff the phone, and reward calm behavior near it.
• Eyes closed or looking away: use a sound or a treat at the lens, and take a burst of shots.
• Dogs who refuse costumes: skip them, and use a scarf or a festive background.
• Anxious dogs: keep it brief, stay calm, and stop if they show stress.

Reward your dog with a favorite treat, a game, or a walk, so that the experience ends well. Look through the photos together later, and pick the best few rather than trying to perfect everything. Keep the props and decorations out of reach, since they may be tempting once the session is over. If you plan to send cards, order early, and consider candid shots taken during relaxed moments, which often capture your dog's personality better than a posed picture.