Christmas photos with your dog go well when the dog arrives tired, a little hungry for treats and with one family member acting as handler. Give the dog a few minutes to sniff the set, photograph them early while they are fresh, and keep anything chewable or breakable out of reach. Tell your photographer about your dog when you book, so they can plan the session around them.
Before the session: set your dog up to succeed
Most of what makes a dog good in photos happens before you leave home.
- A long walk or a good play session first. A dog who has burned off energy is far more willing to sit and stay in a new room.
- A bathroom break right before you come in. New smells can make even a well-trained dog forget their manners.
- A light meal, not a full one. You want the dog interested in treats. A dog who just ate a big breakfast will ignore the best snack you have.
- Grooming a day or two ahead. A fresh groom on the morning of the session can leave some dogs restless. Brush them at home on the day, and wipe paws before they walk onto the set.
- Practice "sit" and "stay" with a treat in the days before, in different rooms. Short, happy practice sessions help more than one long one.
Treats, toys and the right kind of reward
Bring more treats than you think you need, broken into tiny pieces. The best photo treats are:
- small, so the dog does not spend a minute chewing
- smelly and high value, the kind your dog would do anything for
- in a pouch or pocket that opens quietly, not a crinkly bag
A squeaky toy is useful for one or two "look here" moments, but it loses its magic quickly, so save it for the photo that matters most. A favorite toy also helps nervous dogs feel at home.
The handler: who holds the leash
Every dog needs one person whose only job is the dog. That might be a parent, an older child or a friend who comes along for this.
The handler:
- keeps the dog on a leash for the first few minutes, while they sniff and settle
- puts the dog in position, then steps just out of frame
- holds the treat at the spot the photographer points to, usually just above the camera, to get the dog looking the right way
- takes the dog out for a short break when they need one
For group shots where the handler is also in the photo, the dog can sit or lie in front of them. A loose leash dropped behind the family is often enough to keep things calm.
Photographers who work in pairs have an advantage here: one can work on the dog's attention while the other watches the family's expressions. A solo photographer can do it too, just with a little more patience, so allow extra time.
Dog-safe props and outfits
A Christmas set has plenty of things that are fine for people and not for dogs. Keep it simple:
- Yes: a red ribbon tied loosely on the collar, a festive bandana, a knit sweater if your dog is used to wearing one.
- Maybe: antlers or a Santa hat, only if your dog already tolerates them at home. Try them before the session. If your dog paws at it, skip it.
- No: tinsel, small or glass ornaments, edible decorations, anything with small parts or strings the dog could swallow, and anything tight around the neck or face.
The goal is a relaxed dog who looks like themselves. A happy dog without a hat beats an unhappy dog in a costume every time.
How a session with a dog usually runs
Every dog is different, but a good plan is the same idea: the dog first, while they are fresh, then the family.
- Arrival and sniffing. The dog explores the set on leash for a few minutes. The camera waits until they have calmed down.
- Dog with the family. The full group shot, usually the card photo, with the dog in front or in a child's arms if the dog is small.
- Dog with the kids. A child hugging the dog, sharing a blanket, or sitting beside them by the tree.
- The dog alone. A portrait by the tree, the classic head tilt, a close-up of the ribbon.
- Family without the dog. The handler takes the dog for a short break while the people are photographed.
- One last try. The dog comes back for a final shot, often the most relaxed of the day.
You can see a full version of this plan in A Sample Session: The Family Dog in the Christmas Set.
Patience and expectations
Some dogs nail it in five minutes. Others need twenty. Both are normal. What helps:
- Stay calm and keep your voice light. Dogs pick up on stress in the room.
- Do not repeat commands over and over. Give one cue, reward it, and let the photographer catch the moment.
- Accept a few "imperfect" frames. A dog licking a child's face mid-laugh is often the photo people frame.
Because dogs need time to settle, a 45 to 60 minute family session usually works better than a 20-minute holiday mini. We explain the trade-offs in Holiday Mini or Full Session? How to Choose.
What to tell your photographer when you book
Message your photographer after booking with:
- your dog's name, breed and size
- how they are with strangers and in new places
- whether they are sensitive to noise, touch or other dogs
- the commands they reliably know
- anything to avoid, such as certain treats or being picked up
That helps them plan the order of the session and set the room up before you arrive. Not every photographer or studio takes pets, so check the profile or ask first. For pets beyond the holidays, including cats, our guide to family photos with pets covers more.
Quick answers
Can we bring our dog to a Christmas studio session?
Many photographers welcome dogs, but not all. Check the profile or message the photographer before you book, and share your dog's size and temperament.
What is the best Christmas photo idea with a dog?
The dog in a loose red bow, sitting front and center with the family behind. It is also one of our Christmas card photo ideas.
Does the dog need to stay on a leash?
For the first few minutes, yes, while they settle. After that it depends on the dog. A handler stays close either way.
Find a photographer
Browse family photographers in NYC and Long Island, check which ones welcome pets, and pick a profile with a Christmas set.