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When you’re a couple in love…and you also have dogs you’re obsessed with, it’s only natural to include them in your engagement pictures!

This blog post will share engagement session photo ideas with dogs, my favorite locations, and tips to help your dogs feel comfortable during your photoshoot.

Why include your dogs for engagement photos

Your pets are a HUGE part of your lives. Many couples with dogs choose to include them in their engagement photos because they’re part of all your milestones!

It’s also a lot easier to include dogs in engagement photos than on your wedding day. Plus, you can use photos of your dog from the engagement session to personalize elements of your wedding decor, even if they can’t be physically present.

How to choose the right location for engagement pictures with dogs

The biggest factor to consider before deciding on a location is: your dog’s comfort level with new people, or being public places. If your dogs are well-socialized and do okay in public spaces, then you can pretty much choose any dog-friendly outdoor spot you like! However, if you have dogs that get anxious around new people (your photographer or other people in public) or do better off-leash, then it may be best to do photos in-home or in your backyard.

The bonus of doing photos with your dogs at home or even in a local dog park they’re familiar with is that you don’t have to have them on a leash! Leashes and other accessories tend to look bulky or add clutter, so not having to rely on them makes for prettier photos!

My favorite locations in Louisville for photos with dogs

In Louisville, we’re blessed with many scenic dog parks that usually aren’t too crowded and are all fenced in. These are a great option for off-leash photos that still have nice trees as a natural backdrop.

Tom Sawyer, Beckley Creek, and Cochran Run are some of my favorites for the Louisville Dog Parks. You’ll need a FOB (available at Feeder Supply) and up-to-date local tags to enter.

Other favorite locations for engagement pictures with dogs are Louisville Waterfront Park, Cherokee Park, Frankfort Avenue, St. James Court, and outside the Peterson Dumesnil House.

Planning a relaxed engagement session with dogs

Invite a helper

I usually recommend that my couples invite a close friend or family member to come along for our session. They can help carry dog accessories (like leashes, bags, water, and treats or toys) and get their attention for the photo. Many couples will also just have their dog in part of the session for a few photos, so having a family member who can take the dog home is ideal if we go to multiple locations.

Familiarize your dog with the location

If we’re going to a place that’s new to your dog, take them there ahead of the session on a different day so you can see how they do there. It can help your dog to feel more relaxed on the day of our engagement session.

Walk your dog before the session

Plan to arrive walk your dog for at least 15 minutes prior to the session to get out their wiggle, tire their mind a little bit, and do their business!

Play to your dog’s strengths

If your dog is very treat or toy motivated, bring some that will get them to perk up for pictures. If your dog loves belly rubs, or playing fetch, or sitting on your lap – that’s what we’ll plan to do for photos!

Trust the process

Sometimes, it can be distracting when you feel like your dog is being extra wild or squirmy, or when you are anxious being in a new scenario with your dog!

I’ve photographed dozens of couples with multiple dogs, and we always manage to get plenty of heartwarming, silly, and frame worthy photos that couples love.

Just know that it is totally normal to feel a little anxious for the first few minutes. I’m an extremely patient person and dog owner, so I will be there to guide you through the experience. We’ll create memorable images that showcase your dog’s personality and the sweet connection you all have together!

I hope these engagement session photo ideas with dogs helped give you some visual inspiration and get excited about your own photoshoot! Are you ready to schedule a couples or engagement session with your dogs? Fill out a contact form on my website and tell me all about your pets – I can’t wait to meet you all!

Johanna Hribal is a wedding photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. She enjoys traveling to other states and countries for weddings and elopements whenever possible! People love her colorful and vibrant edits and the way she captures their love in a natural and non-intrusive way. Click here to visit her website to learn more about current wedding collections. Follow me on Instagram to see more engagement sessions, weddings I’ve been photographing!