Brett Alison | NH Wedding Photographer

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Tips and ideas for bringing your dog to the engagement session

Hey there! So, I do a fair amount of engagement sessions, and I often have clients ask me if they can/should bring their dogs… And of course the answer is a resounding YES! I love dogs and would love to have you bring your pup to your engagement session.

I also have a few tips for how to handle your dog at your engagement session!

Tip #1 - Get to the engagement session location a bit early to let your dog explore a bit and get some energy out. Then (hopefully) they will be willing to work with us for some sitting/standing shots and not be too distracted by all the new sights/smells!

Tip #2 - Bring a friend to be your “dog wrangler.” This person can stand behind me with treats and call out to your dog so it looks my way. They can also take the dog off your hands for a little while so we can get some photos of just you and your partner.

Tip #3 - Buy a cute collar/leash for your dog (if you want) to go with your outfits, or just for fun! I mean, why not, right? Any excuse to pamper your pet!

Tip #4 - Practice at home if you want your dog to do something new at the engagement session (for example sitting in front of a sign for the save the date). The middle of your engagement session is not the time for dog training!

I know sometimes people propose with signs on their dogs, or a ring tied to a collar, but your dogs can also be your save-the-dates!

I love that Meredith (below) brought a cute little collar for their dog. And we tried to get him to put his paw in the ring shot - it took awhile, but we finally got it!

Walking around downtown Boston with their little doggie was so much fun. I love little floofy guys. They also used a little sign for the save-the-date..

An engagement session is also a nice time for a walk in the woods for your dogs! We had a great time exploring in Concord.

Hope you enjoyed these photos and tips for dogs at engagement sessions! While you’re here, check out these engagement sessions:

Aaron and Emma’s spring engagement session at Glen Magna Farms

Ryan and Sydney’s Portsmouth engagement session