If you’ve ever wondered if you should include your dog in your engagement photos, my answer is yes! A picture is worth a thousand words, so I’m sharing some awesome dog-friendly engagement photos for inspiration along with a few tips.
Tips for Beautiful Dog-friendly Engagement Photos
Photographer
As I’ve mentioned previously, probably the most important part of including your dog is choosing a pet-friendly photographer. You can always tell if the photographer loves dogs when you see photos like these!
Location
Early on in the planning, you and your photographer should discuss location ideas. If you’re bringing your dog, make sure that dogs are allowed and that your dog will be comfortable there. If your dog has mobility issues or anxiety, consider taking some photos at home or in the backyard. In addition to being up to date on their vaccinations, it is a good idea to carry proof of rabies certification if you’re going to a state or national park. Blue-green algae is extremely toxic to dogs. Be vigilant in keeping your dog out of the water if you are unsure if there is blue-green algae.
Training
If you have a well-trained dog, then you’re going to have a fantastic time! But, if your dog is like mine, an extra pair of hands will help. If possible, bring someone your dog knows and trusts. Practice some basic skills before the day of the engagement shoot. Bring treats with you along with your dog’s favorite toy. Squeaky toys are a great way to get a dog’s attention.
Timing
Nobody likes to be hangry, including pets. Schedule the shoot around the best light, but give your dog an early supper if needed. Engagement sessions often run longer than anticipated because they are so much fun!
Accessories
I love seeing dogs in bow ties and floral collars. If you purchase something new for the shoot, be sure it fits your dog comfortably. Give your dog some time to wear it (or something similar) at home so you don’t overwhelm with your dog with too many new experiences at once. I am a huge fan of Save the Date signs, but again, be sure your dog is okay wearing it or sitting next to it before the shoot. You don’t want to spend your engagement session trying to coax your pup to wear the sign.
Grooming
My dogs are okay at the groomer, but it would be stressful for them to be at the groomer’s and then go to a photoshoot. I usually schedule their grooming appointments a few days before a photo shoot.
If you need more inspiration for a dog-friendly engagement session, check out my Engaging Tails Pinterest Board.
Olivia Douglass says
My goodness, these are SUPER cute!! I wish we had our dogs for our engagement pictures!!!
Jeanette says
Those pictures are all so beautiful. I wish you were around back when I got married. I would love to have a photo like this. All sorts of great memories being made here.
Mary Edwards says
Awwww. I just love every single one of these photos. I used to think this was cheesy. Until I added a pup to our family and BOOM I get it!
Amber Myers says
I love these! I think dogs are a perfect companion to engagement photos. My husband and I would have had a cat in ours, ha.
Melissa Chapman says
These photos of happy couples with their dogs were so great. My dogs are part of my family so I have to include them in everything I do.
Ashley says
These photos are great! And it is so sweet that they included their furry family members in the shoot.
cait says
oh my i love when couples use their dogs as part of their engagement photos- it adds such great joy to the pictures! i love all these examples too!
robin rue says
We just got a dog about 2 months ago and I like the idea of getting her in the photo! I will have to try that someday!
Hindy Pearson says
The pictures are so beautiful, I think it’s a lovely idea including the dog in engagement and wedding photos. After all they’re an important member of the family. The tips are great as well, I can definitely relate to not having pictures taken the same day they go to the groomer if it’s something they don’t enjoy.
Alli Smith says
I love all of these photos. They are all unique and different and so, so pretty. And all the dogs are gorgeous!
candy says
You must really just do photos with dogs in them for everyone. Great looking photos of all members of the family.
Liz Mays says
I do like this idea and these were some really cute photos. Your tips should be really helpful in getting some good shots.
Theresa says
I absolutely love the idea of including your furry friends in your engagement photos. These snaps were all super cute. Great tips on how to get the best shots with your pups!
Kita Bryant says
So cute! The dogs are a part of the family and its great that that this captured in these photos
Lola The Rescued Cat says
These photos ALWAYS make me smile! I love seeing pets being treated as the family members that they are. And of course, they need to approve of partners!
heather says
What a fun way to celebrate an engagement! Love this idea!
Catalina says
How beautiful are these photos. Special family moments!
Lynndee says
Engagement photos are already sweet, but having a dog in each picture makes it a little more sweeter. Love all these pictures. They’re all adorable!
Kamira says
I love seeing all the engagement photos. These are great simple tips to prepare for a picture perfect engagement shoot!
Jana Rade says
How do you do it! The composition, having everybody organized AND the dogs looking happy.
Emilia says
Great tips. I think including pets in important life events is great, after all pets are family too.
Sweet Purrfections says
I love engagement photos with pets. It seems to be so much easier to have photos with dogs than cats. What specific recommendations do you give for photos of cats?
Dachshund Station says
These Engagement photos with dogs are absolutely fabulous! I love them. What a good idea. When I was engaged, I had one mini dachshund at the time. I wish I would have done this. Very cool and memorable idea.
Doug Burke says
As a huge lover of dogs, I think it is a fantastic idea to include your pets into an engagement session. The photos above are simply amazing!
C Brown Photo says
I love it when clients bring dogs to an engagement session or even better, a wedding.
Your tips are obviously tried and true. I concur wholeheartedly with the suggestion for grooming a day or two before the session. My dog stresses out so much when we take him to the groomer!
jacksondom6 says
I love the idea of including our furry friends in engagement Photographer for Wedding These tips and inspiration are pawsitively awesome for couples looking to create unforgettable moments with their dogs. Can’t wait to try these ideas with our own four-legged family members.