How tricks can add to your pet’s photoshoot!
Written By Megan O'Hehir
Trick Training Fun & Our first ever blog post!
💜 We've finally made the leap into blogging / posting long ramblings. Follow along on our adventures as we share some behind-the-scenes footage from our sessions, share some of our favourite locations for walkies, debunk common myths about pet photography sessions, share news about Melbourne events and pet-friendly Markets and hear from some special doggy guests and experts.
💙 For our first post - we've chosen to write about how tricks training can enhance your pet's photo shoot!
To kick off our first post - I thought I’d start with something not entirely pet photography related - but something that could add to a photo session with your pet!
Trick training with your pet!
Before we begin, an important note - trained or not, photo sessions are for every pet!
Trick training is fun - but I wanted to take a moment to also reassure those of you with pets that don’t know any tricks or have any training - we see you and we have your back! It's a common misconception that the only pets that can have a photo shoot are those that have an impeccable wait, or who can sit still! We can confirm that 3/4 of the pets that come to see us do not stop moving! Many pets have zero training, and do not know their name - We’ve yet to fail a pet parent yet! (and we love a challenge!😄). If you’d love some photos of your pet, but worried about how they’d go with a session - send us a message and let’s chat!
About trick training
This particular trick we've called "cuddles." We're still in the learning stage, but it's getting there! Let me know in the comments if you want me to share how to teach this! ☟
Trick training can be a lot of fun; It's a great way to spend quality time with them, engages their mind, and can be a lot of fun! It's not just limited to dogs - cats and other pets can learn tricks too!
Here is a list of our favourite tricks to incorporate into a photoshoot! (They also WOW your visitors!):
1️⃣ "Middle" - In our case, we use the cue "bridge," but you can choose whatever word or gesture you prefer. This trick involves your pet walking from behind and stopping, either standing or sitting between your legs. It's a great one to start with!
2️⃣ "Shake" or "Paw" - This cute trick is perfect for capturing a hand-holding moment in photos. Plus, it's always a crowd-pleaser when guests come to visit!
3️⃣ "Cuddles" or "Selfie!" (The trick from our video). This one can be slightly tricker than some of the others listed here, but definitely achievable! Start by sitting down, with your pet sat behind you, slightly off to one side. Using a cue or hand gesture, your dog places their paws and head on your shoulder, peering around. If you have a smaller dog who can't reach your shoulders, teach them the same trick, but with paws over an extended arm. Adorable!
4️⃣ "Flat" - We call it "Flat," but it might have other names too. On the cue "flat," your pet puts its head down, flat on the ground. It's helpful for your pet to know "down" or "drop" first, but it can also be taught without prior knowledge—just be prepared for a bit more patience.
When deciding what tricks to train with your best friend, do consider any health concerns they may have (such as arthritis, back or hip issues).
Trick training is all about:
patience
positive reinforcement
making the learning experience enjoyable for both of you!
💬 Share with us your own trick training stories and let me know which tricks your pets have mastered or which ones you'd like to teach them! - Let's have some fun & get creative!
