You've booked the session. You're excited. Your dog has absolutely no idea what's about to happen.
That's completely fine — and it's actually one of the reasons studio dog portraits turn out so well. Dogs live in the moment. With the right preparation on your end, they show up relaxed, curious, and ready to be their full selves in front of the camera.
Here's exactly how to set your session up for success at Dog Gone Art Photography in Calgary.
1. Exercise Before You Arrive — But Don't Exhaust Them
A dog with some energy burned off is a dog that can focus. Take your pup for a 20–30 minute walk before coming to the studio. Not a full-sprint run — just enough to take the edge off.
An overstimulated dog will be too wired to hold a moment. An exhausted dog won't have the bright, alert expression that makes a portrait stunning. You're aiming for that sweet spot in the middle: calm, but present.
Timing tip: Schedule your walk about 90 minutes before the session so they've had time to settle.
2. Skip the Morning Meal
A slightly hungry dog is a motivated dog. If your session is in the morning or early afternoon, hold off on feeding until after we're done.
We use high-value treats throughout the session — real meat, not kibble — to direct attention, reward focus, and capture those bright, engaged eyes you want in a portrait. A full belly means treats lose their power.
If your dog has a medical condition that requires feeding on schedule, just let us know ahead of time and we'll adjust.
3. Groom the Night Before
Not the morning of — the night before. Dogs that are freshly groomed right before a session often arrive stressed and overstimulated. Grooming the evening prior means the coat has time to settle naturally and your dog arrives calm.
What to do:
- Give them a thorough brush-out (removes loose fur that shows up on camera)
- Trim any stray hairs around the face and paws if needed
- Clean around the eyes — dark discharge shows clearly in high-resolution portraits
- Make sure nails are trimmed
They don't need to be show-ring perfect. They need to look like the best version of themselves.
4. Bring Their Favourite Toy or Blanket
A familiar scent is grounding for dogs in new environments. Bringing a favourite toy, blanket, or even your worn t-shirt gives them something familiar to anchor to during the session.
We'll use toys during the shoot to direct ears and expression — a squeaky toy held just above the lens produces that focused, curious tilt that owners love.
5. Leave the Retractable Leash at Home
Retractable leashes make it nearly impossible to move quickly in a studio setting. Bring a standard 4–6 foot leash — we'll direct you on when to hold, drop, or step out of frame.
If your dog is reactive or easily startled, mention it when you book. We design the session flow around your dog's personality, not the other way around.
6. Plan for the Full Experience — Not Just the Photos
A Dog Gone Art portrait session is typically 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes a brief greeting period so your dog can sniff around the studio and settle in before we pick up the camera.
Rushing the warm-up is the single biggest mistake owners make. The first 15 minutes aren't wasted time — they're investment time. A dog that's comfortable in the space is a dog that gives you the expressions worth putting on your wall.
7. What to Bring
Here's a quick checklist:
- ✓ Standard leash (no retractable)
- ✓ Favourite toy (squeaky preferred)
- ✓ A familiar blanket or item of clothing
- ✓ Water and a travel bowl
- ✓ Any medication your dog needs
- ✓ Poop bags (accidents happen — no stress)
The Bottom Line
The dogs who show up for their sessions a little exercised, slightly hungry, freshly groomed, and with a familiar toy almost always produce the best portraits. Not because they're perfectly trained — because they're relaxed enough to be fully themselves.
That's what we're capturing: your dog, at their best, preserved permanently in museum-quality wall art.
Ready to book your session? Start here →
Dog Gone Art Photography is Calgary's private studio for luxury dog portraits and museum-quality wall art. Sessions are available by appointment. Learn more about the experience →