No Training Required—But This One Skill Helps!

No Training Required—But This One Skill Helps!

One of the most common questions I get before a dog’s photo session is, “Does my dog need training?” The answer? Absolutely not! Your dog doesn’t need a perfect sit-stay, fancy tricks, or even the best leash manners. My job as a photographer is to work with your dog just as they are, whether they’re perfectly obedient or a total goofball.

That said, if you do want to prep your dog for their session, there’s one skill that can make a big difference: teaching them to jump up on benches, boulders, or other stable sightly elevated surfaces.

Why This Helps

Photographing dogs on elevated surfaces has a few big advantages:

1. Keeps Them in Place – Many dogs have a natural inclination to move around a bit, especially in exciting new environments. When a dog is up on a bench or rock, they’re more likely to limit their movement to the space they are on, making it easier to capture those stunning portraits.

2. Creates a Cleaner Background – Elevating your dog can help eliminate distractions in the background, like busy trails or cluttered landscapes. It makes for a more polished, professional-looking photo.

3. Adds Variety and Interest – Photos taken at eye level with your dog look amazing. Having them slightly elevated adds dimension, making the images more dynamic and engaging.

4. Builds Confidence – For dogs who might be a little unsure, learning to jump up on objects in a fun and positive way can be a confidence booster. Plus, it makes the session more interactive and enjoyable for them!

How to Teach It

If your dog isn’t used to jumping up on things, here’s a simple way to introduce it:

• Start Small – Use a low, stable surface like a curb or a sturdy step.
• Encourage with Treats or Toys – Lure them up with something they love and reward them once they’re on the surface.
• Make It Fun – Keep it lighthearted and never force them. Confidence-building should be a positive experience!
• Practice in Different Places – If they get comfortable, try different heights and surfaces so they feel at ease in new environments.

What If My Dog Won’t Jump?

No worries! If you're dog is small you can lift them onto an object close to the ground and reward them to get them used to this before our session. But, not all dogs are comfortable jumping up or being elevated, and that’s totally fine. I have plenty of other ways to capture gorgeous images of your dog, whether that means keeping all four paws on the ground or finding natural posing opportunities that suit your pup’s comfort level.

The Bottom Line

Your dog doesn’t need any training for their session, but if you’re looking for a simple way to prepare, teaching them to hop up on a bench or rock can make things easier (and give you even better photos!). No matter what, we’ll work with your dog’s personality and comfort level to create stunning images you’ll love.