Take your dog on an adventure
There is nothing more wonderful than spending time with your dog on a walk or trek through a new park or trail. Dogs need to explore new sights and smells and experience stimulation as much as people do. Taking regular walks on the same route daily can become stale for both you and your pet. And yes dogs do get bored. Niagara has so many amazing places where you can explore and enjoy a walk with your pup. There is Balls Falls , the Short Hills, Decew Falls, Shores Park, Woodend Bruce Trail and The Commons leash free dog area, to name a few. Some of these areas are known for ticks so always make sure you and your dog are protected. There are all natural sprays that you can use on both yourself and your pup ( in conjunction with your pet’s tick and flea medication). Below are images from photo sessions taken at Decew Fall, Balls Falls, and Shores Park. These areas are great for fun treks and photo shoots. Note: dog’s are not permitted to be off leash in these parks! Leashes were removed in post production.
Teach your dog new tricks or train them
Dogs need mental stimulation. Especially the working breeds (dogs with jobs) such as Australian Shepards, Border Collies, Siberian Huskeys, etc. There are a number of ways to provide mental stimulation. Dog puzzles, scent games, treat dispensing toys, letting your dog sniff and explore on walks, wrestle or play tug, and of course, train your dog ! Training your dog is a great way to strengthen and build a positive bond with him or her. Not getting the mental stimulation dogs need can increase problem behaviours such as chewing and ripping things apart, scratching, and generally anything we would not appreciate.
Rub your dog’s ears or belly!
Dog’s love having their ears rubbed and scratched. There are certain nerve endings in your dogs ears that are quite sensitive. When these nerves are stimulated by touch they send a signal through their body which releases endorphins ( the “feel good” hormones). Ear rubs help to relax and calm your dog. And of course belly rubs. Dogs love them simply because they feel good. And that rub also releases endorphins. Both dogs and humans have much to gain through physical touch and affection.
Learn canine communication, especially body language and facial expressions that can indicate stress
Dogs are masters at reading body language and its helpful if you are able to read these signals too in order to ensure your dog is comfortable in a given situation. Often people are uncomfortable when their dog lets out a growl or lunges and barks at another dog. Dogs have a whole slew of body language and signals that they use to communicate with each other. More often than not when a dog growls or barks and lunges it is because the dog used other body language signals to communicate they were not comfortable and these signals were ignored. Canine communication is deliberate and is used to resolve conflict and gain co-operation. All dog ritualized behaviour is for negotiating space or resources. So a dog in a small space may feel uncomfortable when another dog approaches. Or a dog may feel threatened when another dog gets too close to their food or bone. In order to let the other dog or you know, a dog often will lick their lips, yawn, turn their head, blink, lift paw, and curve or arch their body away from another dog. All of these behaviours are dogs saying ” hey I’m not cool with this situation and I’m going to let you or the other dog know by turning my head”. And ideally another dog will respond by offering the same signal such as a head turn, yawning or another calming signal in order to diffuse things. These signals are referred to as calming , appeasement , cut-off, or stress signals. Additional stress signals include freezing ( also pausing, slow movements ) , shaking off, panting, and drooling. If you are unaware of these behaviours and their intent, you would likely think the more severe behaviour came from “out of nowhere”. Dogs are always communicating.
Dogs also have an array of play signals used to invite play, accept an invitation to play, or indicate that their next behaviour should be read as non-threatening. These signals include the play bow, raised play paw, play face ( mouth wide open in a ‘smile’ ears often out to the side and tongue often hanging out), ears high and back sometimes referred to as sexy ears, tail wagging, bouncy and inefficient movement, humping, and raised hackles. It’s really quite interesting once you are aware of these forms of communication and what to look for. And of course understanding how your pup communicates helps to strengthen your bond! If you are interested in learning more I highly recommend Ian Dunbar , The Centre for canine education .
Celebrate your dog and the bond you share through beautiful photography
Your dog means the world to you and has a story to tell. A story very much worth telling! You likely have dozens upon dozens of phone pictures of your four legged bestie. But having something that is big, beautiful, tangible and meant to last for years to come is so worth it. Your journey with your dog deserves to remembered and celebrated in the largest way. And beautiful images are a wonderful way to celebrate them and the love you have for them. Dogs are family and deserve a place on your wall , your desk, or coffee table along with other family members. Having professional photos and artwork of your dog means you will Always have something to serve as a reminder of your special relationship, the joyful moments, and love shared. I promise you will be so incredibly happy you did!
Around the circle
This post is a part of a pet photographer’s blog circle. Our topic this week is Joy. Please follow along ! Next up Boston, MA dog photographer Donna Kelliher of Donna Kelliher Photography shares the many ways dogs bring joy into our lives. https://donnakelliher.com/important-life-lessons-from…/
