Prioritising Safety: Tackling Worries Regarding Your Dog's Welfare in Outdoor Photoshoots

At times, dog owners express worry about their dog's safety during outdoor photoshoots. As a devoted dog photographer serving Windsor and Ascot in Berkshire, UK, I fully grasp the significance of prioritizing your furry companion's welfare throughout our sessions.

It's common to have concerns regarding your dog's safety in outdoor settings, where hazards like traffic, wildlife, and uneven terrain abound. Moreover, the excitement and distractions of a photoshoot can lead to unpredictable behavior from your dog, compounding your anxieties. Through meticulous planning, vigilant supervision, and precautionary measures, we can ensure your beloved pet's safety and comfort throughout the entirety of our session.

Prioritising Safety: Tips for Success

Choose Safe Locations

The most critical aspect in my opinion is the selection of the outdoor location for the photoshoot, and ensuring that it is safe and secure for your dog, such as a park, beach, or private garden. I aways recommend avoiding areas with heavy traffic, hazardous terrain, or potential dangers such as cliffs or bodies of water.?

Use Proper Restraints

Many dog owners decide not to have an outdoor dog photography photoshoot because their dog would need to stay on a lead. I encourage keeping your dog on a lead in such situations at all times during the photoshoot to prevent them from wandering off or running into dangerous situations. All photos of the wonderful Husky Kosmos were taken on lead. By using sturdy and secure restraints that are appropriate for your dog's size and strength, we can keep them safe at all times. A few hours of editing and removing the leads in digital post processing is always preferred by me to ensure the safety of your dog.?

Stay Vigilant and Supervised

It is important that you maintain constant supervision of your dog throughout the session, keeping a close eye on their behaviour and surroundings. Your dog photographer will be doing the same and trying to anticipate potential risks or hazards, taking proactive steps to mitigate them before they become a problem.?

Techniques for Ensuring Safety

Establish Boundaries

It's really important to set clear boundaries and limitations for your dog's exploration during the photoshoot, ensuring they stay within safe and designated areas. You should use visual cues or commands to communicate boundaries and reinforce them as needed. The dog photographer will stop at any moment they feel there is a risk to your dog's safety.?

Provide Adequate Rest and Hydration

It is important to take regular breaks during the photoshoot to allow your dog to rest, hydrate, and recharge. You should take along plenty of water and snacks to keep your furry friend nourished and energised throughout the session. We always remind our clients the day before with a useful reminder checklist.?

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Most dog owners carry a basic first aid kit for their dogs on a walk. If the location is known to you, then you will likely know the location of nearby veterinary clinics or emergency services in case of unexpected emergencies. When photographing in the Windsor and Ascot areas, we know the nearby vets (and in some cases, their receptionists know us as customers too - with some of their dogs being past clients of us too).?

Personal Touch: My Commitment to Safety

As a dog photographer, your pet's safety and well-being are my top priorities. With years of experience working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, I approach each photoshoot with caution, care, and a genuine love for animals. From selecting safe locations to maintaining constant supervision, I take every precaution to ensure that your furry friend remains safe and secure throughout the session. Your trust and peace of mind are invaluable to me, and I will do everything in my power to make the experience enjoyable and worry-free for both you and your pet.?

While concerns about your dog's safety during outdoor photoshoots are understandable, they can be addressed with careful planning, supervision, and precautionary measures. By prioritising safety, using proper restraints, and staying vigilant throughout the session, we can create a safe and enjoyable experience for your beloved pet while capturing beautiful photographs that you'll cherish for years to come.?

If you're ready to embark on your own outdoor dog photography experience and are within an hour of Windsor and Ascot, Berkshire, UK, don't hesitate to get in touch. Together, let's create magical memories in a safe and secure environment.

Chris Miller LSWPP

MIL Pet Photography

(note: first published as a blog here)