Wedding Wednesdays: 5 Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos

As someone with a new puppy that is also newly engaged, I've been thinking about this topic a lot! We've got the photographer and are in the process of setting up our engagement photos. But does Pinot get to go? We're thinking yes! And these 5 tips from The Knot are helping us make this thought a reality!

1. Notify your photographer.
Don't go into your engagement session without letting your photographer know about a pet appearance. It'll help your pro prep for the shoot (as well as plan for any unexpected incidents!) and get them thinking about creative ways to include your pup. It's also common courtesy to inform them and any additional shooters in case they suffer from pet allergies or are uncomfortable around dogs.

2. Confirm that pets are allowed at your shoot location.
While most public parks will allow pets, you might have trouble including your pup at a shoot at the botanical gardens or on the manicured lawn of a historic estate, as well as at any indoor facility. Always call ahead of time to confirm that your four-legged ones are welcome.

3. Make sure the location will be comfortable.
While a summer shoot in the city may seem like the perfect weather to showcase your little white dress, hot pavement streets might prove uncomfortable for you pet's naked paws after some time. Similarly, a winter wonderland shoot in the snow could prove less than scenic for dogs unaccustomed to the cold, and even painful for those sensitive to the salt sprinkled on icy streets.

4. Bring treats.
This is crucial, particularly when you'll need your pet to sit still or lay down to pose for a photo. Give them treats to incentivize good behavior or when they're looking like they need a pick-me-up. You think you're the only one who's exhausted by all this picture taking?

5. Enlist help.
Unless you're shooting the engagement session at or close to home, hire a pet sitter or enlist help of a friend to watch your dog or take them home when they're done with their shot. This way, you won't have to worry about them getting restless, feeding them or giving them water, and you can focus all your attention on getting the perfect photos of just the two of you.

Can't prep for the wedding without your pup! After all, dogs are a couple's best friend! Stick with these 5 tips and devour the details of the most pup perfect engagement shoot!