Get a Head Start

COMMAND PRACTICE
If your dog is rusty on their training, dust off the treat bag and get to work! 'Stay' (as you walk 5-10 feet away) is going to be the golden command and can turn a 2 hour session into a 10 minute session! Any additional commands are extra credit! Need some help with teaching your pup? I recommend checking out "Zak George's Dog Training Revolution' video called 'How to Teach your Dog to stay while distracted' on Youtube!

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
I will be supplying training treats during the session - please notify me if your dog has any dietary restrictions or is picky about what they like!If you would like to bring your own for a Studio-style session, please avoid 'crumbly' and 'oily' treats as they can leave quite a mess that (at times) can not be edited out.

VACCINES AND SHOTS
If possible, avoid scheduling any vaccines or shots for your pet within the week prior to the appointment. Some dogs are left feeling ‘yucky’ afterwards, and we want to take photos of them while they are happy and alert!

GROOMING
Please groom your dog prior to arrival (trimmed nails, cleaned eye ‘boogies,’ wipe away eye stains, no mud/dirt, etc.) If you are taking your dog to the groomer for a cut, its best to do it 1-2 weeks in advance to allow a ‘too short’ cut to grow out if necessary.

WARDROBE PLANNING

Tail wags for these things:

• Neutral colors

• clean shoes

• nice socks (leave the ones with holes at home)

• Coordinating color palettes

WOOF! to these:

• Trendy looks/fads that may cause you to throw up in your mouth 20 years from now.

• Lots of patterns

• Neon colors (you don't want to look like a pylon in the forest)

• Large visible brand labels

Day Of the Shoot

GET THAT ENERGY OUT!
If your pup has a lot of energy, try to take them for a long walk or trip to the dog park prior to your session.  Midtown Studio Sessions: Cass Dog Park is located across from the Midtown Studio location - feel free to arrive early and meet the local pups!

WHAT TO BRING? THEIR FAVORITE THINGS!
Bring their favorite if you'd like them in the photos (Toys, blankets, bandana’s.) Also bring any training tools that usually grab their attention (ex: clickers, whistles, squeakers).
**If your session is outdoors, please bring water for them

HOLD OFF ON CHOW TIME
A hungry dog is a treat-motivated dog! 

BUST OUT THE 'GOING OUT ON THE TOWN' LEASH AND COLLAR
If your dog has various collars, remember to choose the one you would like him to wear in the photos!
Studio: Collars can remain on or be taken off - it's whatever you prefer.
Outdoor: If you do not want a collar in the photos and we are in a location that allows for safe off-leash activity, I will have a thin slip lead that will allow for easy removal in editing. 

MIDTOWN STUDIO PARKING
Street metered parking is available as well as free parking in the Wayne State University lot on the corner of Cass and Canfield (across from the dog park.) Please call me when you arrive and I will come down to meet you!

ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
Midtown Studio is located in a condo building - text or call when you arrive I will meet you and your doggo in the lobby! (734) 558 8339.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY….

♥ Don’t Worry, Don’t Stress – Just relax and have fun with your dog!
For most pets, this will be a new experience in a new and strange place. Your pet probably won’t behave perfectly for the whole session, if at all, and that’s okay!  It happens – some pets can be unpredictable and don’t take photography direction all too well! Do your best to remain patient, calm, and understanding as your dog can sense and will reflect your emotions. Even the most active dogs settle down eventually.