It’s one of the most frequently asked questions I get…”Can we include our dog in the engagement session?” I work with a lot of dog-loving clients, especially engaged couples, and if their dogs are an important part of their lives, then YES! My answer is always “Yes, you can definitely include your dog!”

I met Rachel and Lucas this past weekend at the WVU Core Arboretum in Morgantown for their engagement session. We had a great time getting to know each other, exploring the beautiful grounds and they did wonderfully together in front of the camera…including their dog, Leia.

Before I could even mention some of my “tips and tricks for including your dog” to Rachel when we were planning their engagement session, she had already checked one of the things on my list: she made arrangements for her parents to tag along so they could help with Leia. (I knew she was going to be awesome to work with…thanks, Rachel! 🙂 )

But what are the rest of my “tips and tricks” for your fur friends!? Let’s review…

Tip 1 for including your dog: Make arrangements for your parents to tag along!

Or at least a friend. Make sure it’s someone that your dog is familiar with and will listen to. Your dog won’t be included in every picture, so he or she (or them!) will need entertained by someone else throughout the session. Having someone else present can also help keep the dog’s attention while they’re actually included in pictures. That person can grab attention by holding a back of treats (I even had one couple bring sliced salami!), whistling for the dog, and even just standing near me calling to the dog. If your dog can be trusted not to run away or disrupt your snuggling and smooching, just bringing a leash to attach to a nearby picnic table or tree could also work. (And don’t worry, it’s a completely safe, friendly and harmless attachment. The dog is always as close to us as possible and given as much attention as needed…and it’s always the couple’s choice to make!)

Tip 2: Bring snacks and a leash!

Food is always good bribery and it’s obviously a good reward! And a leash…well for obvious (and above) reasons. Assume your dog won’t be on their best behavior and make sure you have the tools to divert if needed. Snacks and leashes are also great mechanisms for interaction. Pictures of you feeding snacks to your dog and walking with he or her on a leash are normal, natural things. And we want to capture at least a little bit of your “natural” and “normal” during the session. 🙂

Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to get cozy and friendly with your dog!

The normal, natural parts of having a dog like the snack-feeding and leash-walking I just mentioned above encourage great interaction between you, your dog and your partner, and that sometimes produces the best pictures! Scratching their ears, giving them hugs, accepting doggy kisses…all while getting cozy and snuggly with your love on a blanket. What a lovely scene! It also keeps your focus on your dog instead of the camera, at least in the beginning, which is a great way to ease into the session overall!

Tip 4: Don’t worry!

If your dog or dogs only cooperate for a few pictures, don’t worry! If they won’t “smile” directly at the camera for a perfectly posed picture, don’t worry! I usually start sessions with pictures with the dogs and then they’re included as much as desired, or as much as they’ll tolerate. If they’re excited and rambunxious and very distracted by their surroundings, we’ll take pictures with them for a few minutes and then focus on you. We can always try again with the dogs at a different spot, but the focus will ultimately be the two of you. As long as we try with the dogs, which usually ends up in at least a handful of good pictures (I snap away and work quickly!), it’s a win. 🙂

And because Rachel and Lucas’s engagement session was so great, including many wonderful moments with Leia, here’s the rest of my favorites from my time with them!

Sweet smiles and warm tones! YAY!

More pictures with Leia! She was definitely distracted by our surroundings at this point and it was challenging to keep her attention. But it did allow me to capture some casual, natural moments of the three of them…

I just love this background! So many creamy colors!

Definitely a favorite!

Oh and another! Rachel, you’ve got an awesome soft smile! Let’s do this again on the wedding day. 🙂

Rachel’s mom was standing right behind me for this one. She was also holding the treat bag. 🙂

Just hanging with Leia…scratching some ears. 🙂

Rachel’s parents went back home with Leia while I traveled to Morgantown Brewing Company with Rachel and Lucas. It’s one of the places they like to visit when back in Morgantown and suggested a few pictures on the deck. I love when I can capture my clients doing something during their session…especially in a place that means something to them. 🙂

Rachel’s ring! Definitely one of the most unique rings I’ve ever seen!