When Jaden called me about scheduling a newborn session, her biggest concern wasn’t about poses or props—it was about whether we could include Nia, a mini American Shepherd, who had been with her for seven years. “I can’t imagine our family photos without her,” she told me. A few weeks later, we captured some of the most heartwarming newborn photos with dogs I’ve ever taken, and Nia became the star of the show.

I completely understand Jaden’s concern. Many families consider their pets as their first children and want them included in their newborn photos. With pet ownership increasing significantly, requests for baby photos with pets have become more frequent. These sessions have added safety concerns and practical photography challenges, but when done thoughtfully, they create some of the most meaningful family portraits you’ll ever treasure.

Safety First: Essential Precautions for Newborn-Dog Photo Sessions

When it comes to family photos with pets, safety is always my top priority. I never compromise on this, and I want you to feel completely confident about including your furry family member in your session.

Here’s how I ensure everyone stays safe during newborn pet photography:

Constant supervision is non-negotiable. Your baby is never left alone with your dog during the session. I maintain visual contact at all times, and parents are always within arm’s reach of their newborn.

Wrapping provides an extra safety layer. I keep babies wrapped during newborn dog photos, which not only adds protection but also prevents any sudden movements that might startle your pet.

I ask the right questions. Before and during the session, I’ll want to know: Is your dog well-trained? How has your pet reacted to the baby’s arrival? Are you comfortable with your dog’s current behavior around the baby?

No forced interactions. I never force poses between dogs and babies. Everything happens naturally and comfortably.

During Jaden’s session, Nia wandered around the studio, sniffing and getting comfortable with the new environment. Then she naturally gravitated toward her parents, creating those magical photo opportunities we were hoping for.

Preparing Your Dog for the Photo Session

The key to successful newborn photos with dogs starts long before you arrive at my studio. Proper preparation makes all the difference in how smoothly your session goes.

Pre-session preparation:

Take your dog for a good long walk before the session to release excess energy and help them arrive calm and content. A tired dog is typically a well-behaved dog!

Schedule grooming a few days before the session, not the day of. You want your pet looking their best, but you also don’t want them feeling anxious from a fresh grooming experience right before photos.

Bring plenty of high-value treats to reward good behavior and maintain focus. Think about what motivates your dog most – these will be your secret weapons during the session.

Don’t forget their favorite squeaky toy to help get their attention when needed.

Day of session approach:

When you arrive for your session, I’ll greet and spend time with your dog first. This helps them get comfortable with me and the studio environment before we start photographing.

I’ll ask you to remove your dog’s leash or harness once we’re settled. This allows them to explore freely and feel more relaxed in the space.

Most importantly, we’ll set reasonable expectations together. Pets may be uncooperative, and that’s completely okay. We work with their natural behavior rather than against it.

Posing Ideas That Work (And Ones to Avoid)

When planning family photos with dogs, understanding which poses work best ensures both safety and beautiful results. My approach focuses on natural interactions that feel comfortable for everyone involved.

Safe and effective poses for newborn pet photography:

The majority of poses in my studio keep baby securely in mom or dad’s arms. This provides safety for your newborn while allowing your dog to be naturally present in the frame.

I love capturing moments where your dog simply exists in the same space – lying at your feet, sitting beside the couch, or wandering nearby. These moments often create the most beautiful images.

Poses to avoid:

I never pose babies alone with pets. Safety always comes first, and babies should always be in secure adult arms during newborn dog photos.

We avoid any scenarios where dogs might feel pressured or uncomfortable, which could lead to unpredictable behavior.

Little Vivienne was a bit fussy during her session, so she spent most of the time in mom and dad’s arms. This actually led to some of our most genuine moments as Jaden and Taylor comforted her, with baby in a safe position and Nia’s natural curiosity creating beautiful candid shots.

Managing the Chaos: Tips for a Smooth Session

Let’s be honest – coordinating babies and pets requires patience and flexibility. But with the right approach, these sessions can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s how I help families navigate the beautiful chaos of newborn photos with dogs.

Managing expectations:

Remember that the focus is capturing newborn moments – dog photos are wonderful “icing on the cake.” When we approach the session this way, there’s no pressure for perfection.

Be flexible. With babies and pets, things often don’t go according to plan, and that’s part of the charm. Some of the most beautiful moments happen when we least expect them.

Don’t put pressure on getting that one perfect shot. Instead, allow your dog to come in and out of the session naturally as they feel comfortable.

Session flow strategies:

I often recommend having someone available to take your dog home after their portion of the session. This prevents overheating and stress while allowing us to continue with baby-focused photos.

We’ll designate roles – typically one parent controls the dog with treats and commands while the other tends to the baby.

If dogs aren’t settling well, I can provide space in the room and shoot from a distance, capturing the family dynamic without causing stress.

Nia was truly the perfect dog for her family photos with dog session. She was relaxed and very well trained, naturally laying on the floor at her parents’ feet or sitting next to them. She even hid under the couch at one point, making an absolutely adorable photo that perfectly captured her personality.

Creating Images That Last a Lifetime

What I love most about newborn pet photography is how these images tell the complete story of your family. When you look back at these photos years from now, you’ll remember not just your baby’s first days, but also how your beloved pet was part of welcoming this new little person into your home.

These baby photos with pets capture a moment in time that will never happen again – your dog’s first meeting with your baby, the curiosity in their eyes, the gentle way they learn to share space with this new family member. These aren’t just photographs; they’re documentation of love expanding to include everyone in your family.

My approach to family photos with pets focuses on letting these relationships unfold naturally. I’m not trying to force magical moments – instead, I’m creating space for them to happen organically. When dogs feel comfortable and babies feel secure, the most beautiful connections emerge.

Looking for more tips on including your dog in your newborn photos? Check out the article from a photographer who worked in veterinary medicine. Tips for Getting Great Pet and Family Portraits

As someone with two fur babies of my own, I completely understand why including your dog in newborn photos with dogs feels so important. Our pets truly are part of the family, and they deserve to be part of these milestone moments.

I’m passionate about capturing these complete family moments because I know how much these relationships mean. Your dog has been your companion, your comfort, and your family. Now they’re learning to share that role with your new baby, and that journey deserves to be documented.

The beautiful chaos of growing families – the unexpected moments, the gentle curiosity, the way love multiplies rather than divides – these are the moments that make newborn pet photography so incredibly meaningful.

Ready to include your furry family member in your newborn session? I’d love to chat about planning your own family photos with your pets. Every family is different, and I’ll work with you to create an approach that feels comfortable and safe for everyone involved.

Let’s capture the complete story of your beautiful, growing family – including those four-legged members who hold such an important place in your heart.