This is an exciting post, because it’s the first post-COVID session I get to blog about! I’m so happy to share one of my very first photo sessions back, especially since it features these two adorable Australian shepherds, Crystal and Sky! Sky is a 1-year-old, 70-lb welcoming committee who just can’t help but love everybody. He’s a big, bouncy boy! His older sister, Crystal, is on the complete opposite of the spectrum in many ways – most noticeably in energy level. She is 15 1/2 years old, taking things at a slower pace, and is unfortunately battling bone cancer – which ultimately was the reason for this photo session. I made sure to give her plenty of extra attention and to make her feel as special as possible. Both of these Aussies are such sweethearts!
Crystal and her mom’s bond is indescribable. They have been very close since day one (literally) and I’m so glad I was able to witness their connection. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a bond that strong before, and let me tell you – it was truly beautiful! I wanted to be with them and soak up their calm, peaceful energy all day. We decided to have the photo session at their home to make it as easy as possible for Crystal. And thankfully she rewarded us with some lovely poses & expressions while she relaxed in the backyard & garden.
Sky, on the other hand, wanted to take things a bit faster! He wanted to show me around the whole yard and run around for a bit. Plus he was quite put out when it was Crystal’s turn for photos – I mean, it’s confusing why you have to share the spotlight when you’re that handsome. It was a bit of a challenge to balance their different energy levels, but we made it work just fine. And I think it’s safe to say that the Aussies’ favorite part of the session was when the Vienna sausages and goat cheese came out! Neither dog seemed to mind working for those, haha!
This is Sky. Look at that handsome boy… such a good dog. Even if he is a little silly. :)
And this is Crystal. See her one blue eye? What a special girl.
This turned out to be such a lovely afternoon. Dori, I’m excited to share all of the images of your beautiful Aussies with you very soon!
Times are undeniably strange these days during the coronavirus quarantine. Days are starting to run together, and I think just about everyone is missing social interaction! I’ll admit that I’m feeling just a tad bit stir crazy – maybe you are too? Thankfully, I’ve come up with a few fun ideas that may keep you and your pup from too much boredom. Since we all have a bit of extra time on our hands these days, let’s go ahead and embrace this 1-on-1 time with our dogs!
New Puzzle Toys!
I’m not sure if I know any dog that doesn’t love a brand spankin’ new toy! Interactive treat toys like a puzzle toy can keep them entertained for quite a while. A treat toy like a Kong that can be filled with different yummy things is another great start – did you know you can fill it with peanut butter (or their favorite treat of choice) and freeze it? It’ll take them a lot longer to work on after it spends a few hours in the freezer. I’d say that’s a win-win for everyone!
Another suggestion I have is to rotate toys throughout the next few weeks. For example, this week use only let them play with a handful of their favorite toys, and then next week put those away and put out a totally different selection instead. Mixing it up keeps things fresh!
Muttropolis, a pet store in San Diego, has a ton of unique toys to choose from to keep your pet busy. HERE are all their interactive toys in one place, which is probably where you’ll want to start. Take a look and treat your dog while supporting a local business (which is so important to do right now)! Did you know they’re also offering free shipping or curbside pickup, whichever you prefer?
Also – do you have a backyard to play in? If so, have you ever introduced your dog to a bubble toy?!
Get Active!
How about going for a quick walk or jog? Getting fresh air isn’t only beneficial for your pet, but also for you!
As our beloved animals watch us spending more time at home, perhaps glued to our computers or iPhones trying to stay connected on social media. Perhaps our love for them can be our reminders for us to put down the phone for a few minutes and get some fresh air.
The benefits we receive would be much needed vitamin D & exercise “while keeping our social distancing” and our doggies would be delighted to get more exercise, smell the spring flowers and can collect the smells of the day. Some countries have reached the point where all movement outside is restricted, but even in those places walking the dog is allowed as an essential exemption.
Our pets are our greatest teachers in uncertain times, learn from them. It’s simple; love one another.
I love that perspective! How true! Zen Pet is one of the top pet sitting & dog walking companies in San Diego, so Denise knows what she’s talking about.
Alternatively: do you have stairs in your house? Put them to use and tire your dog out by jogging up and down the stairs together, or maybe tossing a ball up a flight to fetch. (Safely, of course! No tripping over each other or tumbling down the stairs!) It’s not only a workout for them, but for you too! I’m willing to bet that you’ll both get a good nap afterwards. :)
Training
Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks? (Or re-learn the old ones he/she should already know?) Training and working on obedience is a great way to bond and make use of the extra time you get to spend with each other. Click HERE to get a list of some fantastic ideas on different tricks to work on to get you started!
The incredible trainers over at Specialty Dog Training in North County are suggesting one specific skill to work on:
Name recognition and focus – it is so important for your dog to love their name, respond to it consistently, and focus on you instead of the millions of distractions around them. By having strong name recognition, you’ll be able to get your dog’s attention and they will respond better and follow commands better when they are tuned-in and focused on you.
Click HERE to see their tips on exactly how to work on name recognition at home right now. (They also list some pretty incredible deals they’re having right now!)
Or: have you ever tried to set up a makeshift agility course in the living room? If not, I highly recommend it! You can keep it simple by having them jump over the couch cushions or go through a blanket you set up as a barrier. Successfully completing an obstacle course will definitely help boost their confidence!
Games
One of my personal favorite games that I play with Bailey is “find the treat!” It’s super simple – I let her sniff a treat, have her sit & stay, I then go hide the treat somewhere in the next room in a place that’s mildly challenging to find. Then I call her, she searches for the treat, and eventually she finds it & we celebrate! This is a great way to work on some obedience while also giving her some positive reinforcement. Bailey is allllll about treats and would probably agree that it’s her favorite game too!
I hope these ideas spark some inspiration during this trying time. Not to mention provide a bit of distraction too; reading the news can be a scary way to spend time these days, but dogs have an amazing way of centering us in the moment and reminding us to simply be happy. And who couldn’t use more of that right now?
I’d love to hear how you are passing the time with your pet while you’re both in quarantine! Stay safe, everyone!
“Siblings (n.) A combination of a best friend and a pain in the neck. They might be the most annoying people around you but you still love them endlessly.” – Anonymous
Simon and Aoife have what I would call the typical brother-and-sister relationship. Aoife is the older sister who seems to roll her eyes and put up with her brother’s antics, whereas Simon couldn’t be more of a younger brother – he’s mischievous, playful, and downright impish. (If Aoife could talk I think she’d agree with me, haha!)
Aoife is a mixed-breed terrier and has a beautiful Irish name, which is pronounced “EE-fah”. She was actually rescued off the streets of Mexico and adopted soon after her dad moved to the United States. It’s so cool to see the bond that Aoife and her dad have developed, since they’ve been together for quite some time now! She is about 13 years old now and is just a sweetheart with a calm, easygoing personality. You can tell that she’s very content and doesn’t need a lot of fancy things… just her dad. (And it’s good thing she’s such a happy girl naturally, because she doesn’t get to play with a lot of toys – her younger brother steals them all!)
Simon is a golden retriever and is the baby of the family at two and a half years old. If he can get away with it, he’ll do it. So even if he already has a great toy, any toy Aoife has (or is eyeing) is better and he feels the need to take it. Of course, right? And since he’s bigger, stronger, and faster, he can! But what I noticed about their relationship is that it’s not like he’s the boss or a bully to her – that’s not the dynamic at all. They actually get along great and accept each other for who they are as siblings. (Which is a pretty great lesson for people too!)
For our photo session, we started in the studio because their parents wanted that classic aesthetic; the studio lets dogs shine and brings out their natural beauty, with no visual distractions. Aoife is one of the most unique-looking, beautiful dogs I’ve ever worked with, so I was thrilled to get her in the studio! She is so photogenic and was happy to pose for us. We had to laugh, though, because their parents were sure that Simon was going to be the “difficult one”. He’s still a puppy and loves to be on the move, which is a recipe for being tricky to photography, but thank goodness: he’s very food-motivated! This helped tremendously and he actually turned out to the easier dog for me to work with! It was a funny surprise and we were all surprised at how well Simon did – really, how well both of them did – for their very first photo session.
We ended up with our fair share of “smiling” photos, but I couldn’t resist sharing this cute dual-head-tilt moment. (I must’ve made the weirdest sound just then, haha!)
We then moved onto Del Mar Beach and made the most out of some slightly cloudy weather! I think Simon may have been the happiest out of all of us since he got to let loose and had plenty of room to run around; he was living his best life. We all had a great time!
Erika & David, thanks for such a fun afternoon! I’ll see you both again very soon!
Do you ever find yourself wanting to have professional photos taken of your dog, but then you aren’t so sure, because your dog happens to be shy or skittish? You might be thinking “what if they don’t warm up to the photographer? What if they are camera-shy and won’t even participate, or they hate the whole experience? Then I’m stuck paying for portraits that I won’t even like!” I’ll let you in on a secret – you aren’t the first person to have these concerns and you definitely won’t be the last! In fact, you’d be in pretty good company amongst my clients. This is a common issue (that isn’t really an issue after all) that many dog parents are concerned about. I’ve got good news for you: I know how to have a truly fantastic photo session with incredibly shy dogs. I’ve studied canine body language & psychology, and I know some of the best ways to work with skittish pets that both keeps them at ease and still captures their personality. You can’t force anything, and I certainly don’t want to force it either – but preparing correctly for a portrait session and giving my undivided attention are keys to getting those natural, fun, “frame-worthy” images!
I’m pretty proud to say that I’ve never had a photo session where the dog was too shy to get plenty of portraits. Each and every time I’ve been able to work with a dog to bring out their confidence and create some gorgeous images! (And I’ve been doing this since 2010!) Over the years I’ve developed some tips & tricks to help my photo sessions go smoother while making it a pleasant experience for everyone involved. I want to share with you 4 ways that I go above and beyond to make sure you and your pup are 100% comfortable with me:
First, Let’s be Friends!
Before every photo session we have a consultation, which is basically a meet-and-greet with you and your dog(s). The camera doesn’t even come out! This works perfectly because we meet in a casual atmosphere at my studio with few distractions. Its all about getting to know each other as a friend beforehand so I won’t be a stranger who suddenly shows up at the photo session. Even better: if you’re having a studio session then your dog will be super familiar with the studio environment. We build a foundation of trust and a relationship that is important for setting the tone… and that eventually leads to a successful portrait session!
Big Long Lenses
My absolute favorite lens to use is my L-series 70-200mm f/2.8 IS! For those of you who are like “okay Allison… that means nothing to me”, haha, let’s just say that it’s a super long lens that allows me to stay a long distance away from my client if needed without compromising an ounce of quality. I’m able to put the dog at ease since I’m not hovering over them or in their face, all while still getting those beautiful images you’re hoping for!
Introducing the Camera Slowly
I want to provide a calm environment for your pet to ensure a successful photo session. So in order to do that, I introduce the camera verrryyyy slowly. I usually start out with the camera on the ground for the dog to take a look at, maybe sniff around a bit – basically to let them know that it isn’t anything to be afraid of. Next, I let their parents hold the camera and maybe take a picture or two, so the dog can hear how it sounds when it clicks. By doing this, the dog eventually views the camera as not threatening because if mom and dad are holding it it can’t be too bad, right? (It’s all about going at the dog’s pace, not mine!)
Positive Reinforcement
Lastly, I’ve found that positive reinforcement throughout the photo session is such a game changer for the shy, timid dog! The treats start to flow in hopes that the dog will warm up to the idea of being photographed. I’m talking lots and lots of treats. And if your pet is more toy-motivated than treat-motivated we’ll use toys instead! I often don’t make eye contact, come up to the dog, or even pet them at first to keep things calm and any anxiety at bay. Another thing that helps is having mom and dad nearby constantly giving praises and encouragement! If they know their parents are being supportive then they’re more likely to relax and feel safe – which is our goal!
“Our dog, Ele, is not as social or gregarious as some dogs and often acts very timid around new people, but Allison was able to work with her to bring out her best and capture what makes her such a wonderful dog (in our eyes) in her gorgeous photographs. I appreciate the extra time and effort Allison put into our photo shoot and her attention to making the whole experience absolutely unforgettable.” – Sumrall H.
One of the things I love most about this “job” (sometimes I still can’t believe I’m living my dream as a pet photographer!) is making a connection with my clients, both human and canine. Whether your pet is shy or completely outgoing, I aim to photograph them just the way they are while creating a safe environment. And at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun!
Rocket the havapoo is a dog who lives up to his name! He is 18 months old and simply a bundle of energy! We spent the first half of his photo session in his backyard, where he enjoyed generally bouncing around, energizer-bunny-style. This spot was specifically requested by his mom, and I’m glad she saw its potential – it turned out to be an awesome location providing plenty of nice greenery! And it’s completely fenced in, which makes it safe for a quick little guy like Rocket. In the backyard, he really loved playing with his toys. He’s mostly toy-motivated, not treat-motivated – which is relatively rare, as it turns out. And I would also describe him as affection-motivated – because he is head over heels in love with his mom! I loved seeing their bond and how he would bounce around the yard but always check back in with her, to make sure she was still there and (therefore) that everything was all right. And although treats come in third on the totem pole for this boy, one of his favorite edible rewards are peanuts. You heard that right – not peanut butter, just peanuts! That was a first for me to see, and I found it so adorable! I’m all for whatever makes your pup happy, and peanuts it was for Rocket! :)
For the second half of our photo session we headed to the local park in Encinitas where he was able to explore the fascinating walking trail with all its nooks, crannies and other walkers. Like I mentioned earlier, Rocket lives up to his name – he is quick as a flash, and in addition to that he’s ready to experience the world. I bet if he could choose any pastime, he would be a world traveler. Many dogs thrive off of routine and being home with familiar places – not Rocket. He likes those things, but I think he’d rather be out and about, discovering everything he can possibly get his paws on. (Such as children – besides toys and his mom, his other favorite thing to do is meet and play with little kids. Which made the park a very exciting place to be!) His mom definitely has her hands full, but she has done an amazing job training him – no small task with this energetic boy. But I have no doubt that he’s in the best possible hands, since they’re an adorable pair.
This is Rocket – can you even resist that face?!
Rocket is a rocket. No joke.
But boy, is he a cutie or what? (Not pictured, just outside the frame: the object of his relentless affection, his mom.)
Thanks for such a fun photo session, Rocket! Jessica, I’ll see you soon! :)
