Last weekend I was photographing pet photos with Santa at a local pet store in Toronto. This was a fundraising effort for the Etobicoke Humane Society.

This post may be a little late this year for the “pet photos with Santa” season. But while things are still fresh in my mind, I’ll post this blog as I’m sure it will be of help next Christmas season.

Yes, it is that time of year when social media is full of those cute photos of pets in their Christmas outfits with a smiling Santa. I know you want to get in on the action too, and of course pet pictures with Santa make for a great keepsake or holiday card.

But to be honest, these events can be chaotic, with a lot of people and pets gathering at the mall, pet store or vet’s office. And if your dog isn’t comfortable being in a crowded place it can be stressful for all involved.   

So what are the things you should consider to ensure you and your pet have a stress-free experience and you go home with a great photo keepsake?

Read on…

Here are my 9 tips for taking your dog to get his pet photos with Santa.

1.If your pet isn’t accustomed to being around crowds of people and other animals, or sitting beside or on the lap of a big, bearded stranger, it can be very stressful.  So the first thing to remember is, if you dog seems hesitant at first,  never to force him or her to approach Santa. Take it slowly, perhaps mill around a bit until your dog becomes familiar with the surroundings and then try again. If you are unable to get your dog to relax then reconsider, take him or her home and remember to practice for next year.  You probably won’t get a good photo anyway.  Why not find a friend with whom your dog is comfortable, to get dressed as Santa for photos in your home or yard? You could even invite some doggie friends!

2. Before the big day, practice basic commands like sit and down. Bring some high-value food treats to reward your dog for sitting pretty!

3. When it is your dog’s turn for a photo, let your dog meet Santa, allow Santa to chat with him and give him a few treats before you ask your dog to sit beside him or place him on Santa’s lap. If your dog seems nervous, consider being in the picture with him. ( More on that to follow).

4. Professional pet photographers will have a few tricks up their sleeve to get your dog to look at the camera. But you can assist. Once your pup is sitting with Santa, slowly walk behind the photographer. This should cause the dog to look at you, and when you are behind the photographer your dog will be looking in the direction of the camera.

5. Tire them out beforehand. A tired dog will "sit" and "stay" for a lot longer than one who is excited and full of energy. So take them for a long walk or play session before heading out to have the photos taken.

6. For your dog's safety, keep him/her on a leash. No matter how well-behaved your dog is, there's a chance they could become afraid and a secure leash will prevent them from bolting off.

Assuming your dog is happy and comfortable in the busy surroundings and with this big bearded stranger then how can you plan for great photos?

7. Remove all things hanging from the leash - poop bags or anything else that you have there.  The photographer will in all likelihood be too busy to even notice these things and they will appear on your photo as awful distractions. Like this one below.

8. If you plan to dress your dog in a cute festive outfit, make sure to get him or her used to the outfit beforehand. If your dog won't tolerate a costume, you could tie a festive bandana around their neck or have them photographed in their natural beauty!

9. If you plan on being in the photos too, remember to dress appropriately in an outfit that you would be  proud to share or have on your Christmas card. Don’t dress to compete with Santa’s red suit.

Here’s a good example. I could show you a bad one but that would be rude!!

Where can you go for your pet photos with Santa in the Toronto area?

Many malls will provide a Santa Pet photo day for customers. Be sure to check your local pet stores who often host these events for free or may request a small donation to local pet shelters in return. Also check out your local animal shelters as they often arrange photos with Santa as fund-raisers.  Doggy daycares or groomers in and around the Toronto area may also put on similar events.

Now go out and have fun with it! I’d love to see your dog’s photos with Santa so feel free to share!

If you are interested in talking with me about booking a pet photo session, just click on the link below to set up a call.

Not quite ready, but know you want to keep me in mind for when the time comes?

No problem! Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!

Looking for more tips on sharing Christmas with dogs? Douglas, Wyoming photographer, Erin Schwartzkopf, shares 7 tips for making sure your canines and equines have a Merry Safe Christmas.

And for even more, you can click the link at the bottom of Erin’s post to be taken to the next photographer in our blog circle, and then continue clicking links at the bottom of each post until you get right back here.

Terri is a Toronto based Master Photographer specializing on-location pet photography including family and couples sessions with their beloved pets. Her clients love that not only do they get digital photos from their session but credit for artwork to display in their home or albums and desk displays to showcase their favourite photos.

Terri  serves the Greater Toronto Area | Richmond Hill | Etobicoke | Scarborough | Markham | Vaughan | Thornhill | Brampton | Mississauga | North York | Woodbridge  and beyond.