How to Prepare for a Puppy Photoshoot

December 4, 2025

A puppy photoshoot is the perfect way to capture your furbaby’s cutest stage with their tiny paws, clumsy sits, floppy ears, and all their personality. As a Calgary dog photographer, I’ve worked with puppies of every energy level, from shy little beans to full-on chaos gremlins.
Here are 5 simple steps to help you prepare and make the most out of your puppy photoshoot.

1. Bring High-Value Treats They Actually Value

For puppies, treats are everything, but the everyday treats won’t grab their attention during a session. Bring the good stuff...the treats that make their tail go wild. This helps with tiny poses, focus, and rewarding those adorable moments.

2. Let Your Puppy Be Themselves

Puppies don’t need to sit still or follow cues perfectly. Your session is built around play, exploration, micro moments of calm, and all the messy cuteness that makes this stage special. The more natural they act, the better your photos will be.

3. Keep Leashes On

Safety comes first, and your puppy will stay on-leash for photos. Don’t worry, I remove leashes during editing so your final photos look clean and distraction-free.

4. Expect Breaks (and Lots of Praise!)

Puppies get excited fast and tire even faster. Sessions include plenty of breaks for sniffing, water, calming down, or zoomies. Everything is paced slowly, using positive reinforcement so your puppy feels safe and confident.

5. Choose the Right Time to Book

 While you can book anytime, most pawrents choose between 8–16 weeks when puppies still have that baby look but are curious enough to interact. Honestly, every stage is worth capturing. If your pup is older, you haven’t missed your moment.

If you’d love photos that capture your puppy’s real personality, whether it's goofy, sweet, shy, brave, or all of the above...I’d love to photograph them!


Ready to plan your puppy photoshoot?
Let’s fetch some photos!

Indoor Dog Photoshoot Calgary | Dog Photoshoot Calgary | Indoor Dog Photos Calgary

Indoor Dog Photoshoots in Calgary

By Chantell Schulz • February 18, 2026
If you live in Calgary, you know exactly what I mean when I say… second winter is back. This week alone brought freezing temperatures, icy sidewalks, and that “I thought we were done with this?” feeling. While outdoor sessions are beautiful, they’re not always realistic when winter decides to make an encore appearance. That’s where indoor dog photoshoots come in. Here are five reasons they might be the perfect fit for you and your furbaby.

Valentine’s Day Photos with Your Dog

By Chantell Schulz • February 11, 2026
Valentine’s Day is usually all hearts, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when you love a dog, Valentine’s Day becomes something a little different. It becomes a day to celebrate a love that doesn’t ask for much…but gives so much in return. Your dog doesn’t care about red roses or boxed chocolates. They care about time with you, affection on their terms, and the moments you share together. What's important is the real stuff that shows up in photos and memories years from now.

Why Bare Winter Landscapes Make Stunning Dog Photos

By Chantell Schulz • February 4, 2026
Winter dog photoshoots are often associated with snowy trees and white wonderlands, but some of the most striking dog photos happen before the snow falls or after it melts. Bare winter landscapes offer a clean, moody, and timeless backdrop that allows your dog’s personality to truly shine. If you’ve ever wondered whether winter dog photography without snow is worth it, the answer is a confident yes.

Winter Dog Photoshoots: Why Winter Is Perfect for Dog Photos

By Chantell Schulz • January 28, 2026
Winter dog photoshoots don’t get nearly enough love and they’re something more and more dog owners are starting to search for as snow season arrives. When most people think about booking photos for their dog, they wait for green grass, warm weather, and golden sunsets. Totally fair, but winter deserves a moment, because snow season creates some of the most unique, clean, and emotional images of the entire year. If you’re on the fence about a winter session, here’s what actually happens during one and why we only have a short window left to capture it.

Things Your Dog Will Do During a Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • January 21, 2026
If you’ve ever thought, “My dog could never sit still for photos,” you’re not alone. As a Calgary dog photographer , I hear this all the time and I promise you, it’s never a dealbreaker. Dogs don’t need to be perfectly trained to have beautiful photos. In fact, the things you’re worried about are often what make the images the most meaningful. Here’s what your dog will almost definitely do during a photoshoot:

What Your Dog’s Personality Tells Me as a Photographer

By Chantell Schulz • January 21, 2026
Every dog walks into a photoshoot with their own personality and that matters far more than how well they sit, stay, or look at the camera. Before I ever lift my camera, I’m paying attention to who your dog is. Their body language, their energy, how they move through the space, it all matters. That’s what shapes the entire session. Here are some of the personalities I see most often and what they tell me as a dog photographer. 

Missed Holiday Photos? Here’s Why It’s Still Worth Talking About

December 19, 2025
Christmas is almost here. The tree is probably already up, the calendar is full, and the season feels like it’s slipping through your fingers. If you’re thinking, “I should’ve booked photos earlier,” you’re not alone and you didn’t miss your chance to care. This post isn’t about squeezing in another to‑do. It’s about reframing why photos matter, even when the season is almost over.

The Perfect Gift Idea for Dog Parents

December 11, 2025
If you’re hunting for a thoughtful, unique gift idea in Calgary, especially for a dog parent a Renavia Photography gift card is the one that never misses. Whether you want to gift a full prepaid dog photoshoot or choose a custom dollar amount , it’s a present that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. Instead of guessing sizes or buying another toy, give them something they’ll actually be excited about: beautiful photos of their furbaby to cherish forever.

Winter Dog Photoshoots in Calgary: 5 Things You Need to Know

November 27, 2025
Planning a winter dog photoshoot in Calgary? Here are 5 expert tips to keep your furbaby safe, happy, and camera-ready for magical snowy photos.

Full Session vs Mini Session: Which Dog Photoshoot Is Right for You?

November 20, 2025
If you’re trying to decide between a full dog photography session and a mini session , here are the five biggest differences to help you choose the perfect fit for your furbaby.