How to Include Your Dog in Family Christmas Photos
Paws Are GoodFamily photos are special. They capture milestones, memories and the people we love most. And for majority of us our dog isn’t “just a pet” but they’re family. So of course they deserve a spot in the frame.
To be honest to include your dog in family photos feel little intimidating. Question we always face is whether dog will sit still? Will your dog look at the camera? There are so many questions that come to our mind when we think about the family photos with dog during holiday season.
The good news is that if you put some efforts to plan it properly along with patience and right mindset then including your dog in your family photos can be fun. I would say it is very meaning full and of course frame worthy.
Whether you’re planning a professional shoot or snapping photos at home, this guide will give you some practical tips, real-life advice and creative dog Christmas photo ideas to help you capture moments that you’ll treasure forever.
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Why Including Your Dog in Family Photos Matters
Dogs are part of our everyday lives. They are always around us during morning coffee routines, late-night couch cuddles, road trips, holidays and quiet moments when no one else is around.
Including your dog in family photos:
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Honors their place in your family
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Creates memories you’ll never regret capturing
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Makes photos feel more authentic and emotional
For many rescue families their photos with dogs are even more meaningful. They represent a second chance, a new beginning and unconditional love. At Paws Are Good, we believe every rescued dog deserves to be celebrated including all those messy moments and all.
Plan Ahead (Your Dog Will Thank You)
The secret to stress-free family photos with dogs? Preparation.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Pick a time when your dog is usually calm and relaxed.
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After a walk = less zoomies
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After playtime = better focus
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Avoid nap time or mealtime
Keep Sessions Short
Dogs have limited patience. Aim for:
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10–20 minutes for at-home photos
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Short bursts during professional shoots
You can always take breaks some of the best shots happen in between poses.
Set the Scene for Success
Pick a Familiar Location
Dogs behave best where they feel safe.
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Your living room
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The backyard
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A favorite park
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In front of the Christmas tree at home
If you’re planning dog Christmas photo ideas decorating your home is often easier than trying to control a busy outdoor location.
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
Before snapping photos:
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Put away loud toys
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Silence phones
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Keep other pets occupied
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Ask extra people to step back
Less chaos = better focus (for everyone).
What Should Your Dog Wear in Family Photos?
You don’t need a full costume because sometimes we ignore that simple is better.
Outfit Tips for Dogs
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Choose soft, comfortable fabrics
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Avoid itchy seams or tight fits
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Skip noisy accessories
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Make sure your dog can move freely
For holiday photos subtle festive touches work best:
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A cozy dog Christmas sweater
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A bandana with seasonal colors
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Matching family outfits for a coordinated look
Not every dog loves clothing, and that’s okay. A happy dog always looks better than a stressed one. You may also like our guide on cute Christmas outfits for dogs.
Dog Christmas Photo Ideas That Actually Work
If you’re planning holiday photos then here are dog Christmas photo ideas that look great and are easy to pull off.
1. Matching Holiday Pajamas
Matching holiday pajamas are classic, cozy and perfect for at-home shoots. Sit on the couch, grab hot cocoa and let your dog snuggle naturally.
2. By the Christmas Tree
This one can be great with soft lights, neutral tones and a relaxed pose. Let your dog sit or lie down — no need for perfection.
3. Paw-print Ornaments
Hold a personalized ornament featuring your dog’s name or paw print for a sentimental touch.
4. Outdoor Winter Walk Shots
Dress up for the cold weather. Yes, bundle up, grab a leash, and walk naturally wearing Santa hat while someone snaps candid photos.
If you live in colder region then don’t miss our guide on how to keep your dog warm during walks in winter for simple ways to protect them from the chill.
5. Rescue-Inspired Photos
This one is our favorite. Include signs, tags or subtle messages celebrating adoption, second chances, or “gotcha days.”
These moments tell a story and those are the photos you’ll love most.
How to Pose Naturally (No Obedience School Required)
Forget the stiff poses. The best photos happen when everyone relaxes.
Easy Posing Ideas
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Sit on the floor with your dog between you
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Let your dog rest their head on your lap
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Hold their paw or wrap an arm gently around them
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Laugh, talk and interact instead of staring at the camera
If your dog looks away? That’s okay. Those candid moments often become favorites.
Use Treats… But Use Them Smartly
Treats works like a magic, when used correctly.
Treat Tips for Photos
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Use small, soft treats
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Hold them close to the camera lens
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Reward often
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Don’t overdo it (too many treats = tummy trouble)
A squeaky toy or familiar sound can also help get those adorable head tilts.
What If Your Dog Won’t Sit Still?
Here’s the truth: not every dog will cooperate which is normal.
If your dog:
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Won’t sit
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Keeps moving
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Refuses to look at the camera
That doesn’t mean the photos are ruined.
Try This Instead
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Capture movement shots
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Let them explore while snapping candid photos
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Focus on interaction instead of poses
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Embrace their personality
A blurry tail wag can be more meaningful than a perfect pose.
If you’re getting your home ready for celebrations, these holiday safety tips for pet owners can help keep your dog safe, calm, and stress-free all season long.
Professional Photos vs. DIY: Which Is Better?
Both can be great but it all depends on your goals.
Professional Photos
✔ Polished
✔ Great for holiday cards
✔ Photographer can guide you
At-Home Photos
✔ Relaxed
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Authentic and personal
Many families do both professional photos once a year and casual sessions whenever the moment feels right.
Safety Always Comes First
Never force your dog into:
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Uncomfortable poses
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Loud environments
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Unsafe props
Watch for stress signals:
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Yawning
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Lip licking
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Turning away
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Freezing
If your dog needs a break, take one. Happy dogs = better photos.
Editing Tips to Make Photos Shine
You don’t need fancy software.
Simple edits go a long way:
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Brighten shadows
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Adjust warmth
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Crop distractions
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Keep colors natural
Do not do over-editing of your dog’s photo. Because we believe that your dog’s natural expressions are perfect as they are.
Turning Photos Into Meaningful Keepsakes
Once you’ve captured the moment with your dog for holiday season, now it is time to convert into memories. Yes, don’t let the photos sit on your phone.
Ideas:
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Holiday cards
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Photo books
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Framed prints
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Canvas wall art
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Social media memories
As we all know that photos become part of your family legacy. And especially for rescue dogs whose stories deserve to be remembered.
A Brand Story Close to Our Hearts 🐶❤️
At Paws Are Good, we believe dogs aren’t accessories but they’re soulmates. Many of our designs are inspired by rescue stories, second chances and the everyday moments that make life better with a dog by your side.
Family photos that include your dog aren’t about perfection. They’re about love, connection and honoring the bond you share.
When you choose to celebrate your dog in photos, in stories and in everyday life then you’re choosing compassion.
Embrace the Imperfect Moments
Including your dog in family photos might feel unpredictable but that’s part of the magic.
The tilted heads.
The unexpected kisses.
The muddy paws.
The moments that don’t go exactly as planned.
Those are the memories you’ll cherish most.
Whether you’re snapping casual pictures or planning a full holiday shoot, remember your dog doesn’t need to be perfect but they just need to be themselves.
And that’s always photo-worthy. 🐾📸
