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Better Togehter: Photographing Dog Families

August 28, 2018

Dog portraits are great solo but sometimes it’s better together. Meaning if you have more than one dog and they get along why not get a portrait of the two (or three) of them together?

Now maybe you have more than one dog and you want to be in the portrait with them. That is very doable. Unless they’re super well trained and behaved and maybe a little tired it will take a bit of time to achieve this so have patience. Often times I find that the dogs are doing just fine but it’s the people that are super stressed about the process. They’ve overly worried that their dogs aren’t performing as they should. After all they think “they’re so well behaved at home!” Well they probably are but you’re now in a studio that they’ve maybe been in once before—hence the reason we stress a pre-session consultation with you and your dog(s) so they can get to know the place.

Couple with their 3 month old English Pointer

Photographing Puppies

December 19, 2017

Have a puppy that you’re thinking of getting photographed? When is the right time? Well we’ve done puppies pretty early in life—think between 6 and 8 weeks old. They are cute little balls of fur at that age and they love to sleep. We did 9 bloodhound puppies for a breeder—18 pound puppies—and had to work pretty fast because like newborn babies they like to sleep a lot!

Ideally between 2-4 months is great for puppy pictures. You can do earlier and get some cute sleepy shots but to have a puppy “pose” you need a little older. And having some basic commands is very helpful. The couple above wanted a “family” portrait as well as individual shots of their new English Pointer puppy. This is great as I recommend at least at some point in a dogs life to get a great shot ofd family with their pet—whether it’s one person or the whole family. It’s a great way to remember all the great times you had with your furry friend.

The Importance of Having A Professional Pet Portrait

August 28, 2017

We all love our pets and want to remember them, right? The majority of pet sessions are one of two types—you just got a new puppy or rescued a dog and want a great portrait to enjoy or your pet is aging and you’d like a portrait to remember them by.

Most people prefer to wait until their pet is older then come in for a portrait. But by waiting you might just miss the chance to get this done. Sometimes life gets in the way and before you know it your dog is elderly and has trouble, walking, seeing and hearing. Do you want to remember them this way? We’ve had calls trying to get in a terminally ill animal before it’s too late and we will absolutely make room in the schedule to get your animal in in such circumstances. But why wait?

New shooting area (top), sales area at right and new sign (below, left)

New Studio Location!

July 13, 2017

After 8 years it was time to move though moving is never easy. Springs Pet Portraits is excited to announce that we have moved into a new space at 815 South Sierra Madre ST, #200, in the building with one of our marketing partners (BamPaws Stay & Play). With a nice open floor plan and higher ceilings (see photos above) this space allows us to better serve our clients. The open floor plan and concrete floor makes it easy for our furry friends to roam about.

We now have more room to accommodate large families with dogs as well large groupings of dogs. And having our fundraisers has just become a lot easier. Along with the new space we now have a larger parking lot to accommodate the needs of our clients. No parking meters here, just plenty of of free parking. And we have a nice handicap accessible entry. We are easy to access from I-25

One Person Dog

July 6, 2017

By Teoti Anderson, Modern Dog Magazine

We often have unrealistic expectations of our canine companions, wanting them to be friends with everyone. Not every dog is wired that way. Some breeds are specifically known for having a close circle of friends. For example, take the Chow Chow. Chows are independent dogs, fiercely devoted to their families. They are known for being aloof with strangers. Are there specific Chows who are social butterflies? Yes. But the breed overall is known for not being particularly friendly towards people outside its inner circle.

Some dogs love everyone the second they meet them. (Yes, Labradors, I'm talking about you.) Others, not so much. Have you ever met a one-person dog? A dog who was completely devoted to just one person and really couldn't care less about anyone else? This level of attachment can be fine for a dog who is also secure and confident, but it can be a real problem if he is so dependent that without his special person he can't function. We often have unrealistic expectations of our canine companions, wanting them to be friends with everyone. Not every dog is wired that way. Some breeds are specifically known for having a close circle of friends. For example, take the Chow Chow. Chows are independent dogs, fiercely devoted to their families. They are known for being aloof with strangers. Are there specific Chows who are social butterflies? Yes. But the breed overall is known for not being particularly friendly towards people outside its inner circle.

Outdoor Photographs With Your Pet

May 30, 2017

Outdoor portraits here in Colorado are really a no brainer—so much cool scenery to choose from. We get a lot of requests for outdoor family portraits and sometimes the family wants to add in their dog, after all they’re part of the family. There is a reason why 99% of our pet portraits are in studio—pets, especially dogs can be easily distracted. Can you say squirrel?

That doesn’t mean it cannot be done, just that there need to be a little planning involved. Going to a place familiar to your dog is always a good idea—that way they don’t feel the need to spend a huge amount of time smelling all the new smells in the area. Sometimes though, this is just not possible. For example the couple pictured were from out of town visiting the Springs. Their dogs weren’t familiar with Garden of the God’s but they wanted them in the photograph anyway.

Are Dog Parks Right For You?

April 18, 2017

Guest Blog By Linda Brennen-YourCanineCoach

Recently, many of my clients have asked my opinion of Dog Parks, so I thought I’d share some of my tips and concerns about dog park use. I personally am a fan of our dog park here in Briargate, and take my dogs there regularly. I have also visited many dog parks around the country over the past 20 years. However, dog parks are not for everyone, or every dog, and not every visit will be a positive one. Here are some things to think about to help you decide if the dog park is right for you and your dog.

Behind the Scenes of the 2017 PAWS Fundraiser

March 22, 2017

It's always fun to get a glimpse behind the scenes of any event. It's especially fun and often times hilarious when the event includes dogs. Here is a the Behind the Scenes Video from the 2017 PAWS Fundraiser, our annual event to raise funds for All Breed Rescue & Training.

We had a terrific turnout his year and raised a little over $1400 for All Breed. Thanks to our great sponsors who provide the wonderful swag for the goodie bags and gifts for the Grand Prize Basket: Bon Pet Supply, Stay Happy Pet Sitting, Your Canine Coach and Republic of Paws.

Check out the video below for the Behind the Scenes of this event.

One of the many fun custom holiday card designs available

Holiday Card Sessions Are Back

October 13, 2016

Though the leaves haven't all fallen yet it’s time to begin thinking about the Holidays. They’re right around the corner! This year we’re bringing back the pet holiday card sessions. These are popular mini sessions with plenty of photo options for your holiday cards.

For the cost of the pet session ($95) you can have a mini session with you and your pet and receive a set of 25 custom holiday cards. These are no ordinary cards. They are definitely not the cheap photo cards you can get at department store photo labs. These are custom designed press printed cards with options for 1-4 photos. Why not show off your dog this Christmas? We are also offering tree ornaments as well. These are nice 3 inch round prints adhered to styrene with a ribbon for attaching to your tree. A photo can be displayed on both sides.

So get ready—between October 15 and November 15 we are scheduling these mini sessions. But you’d better hurry—we only offer a limited number of these sessions each year so call now to book your session.

Five Weird Dog Behaviors Explained

August 24, 2016

Steve Duno, Modern Dog Magazine

Though dogs truly are our best friends, they can sometimes be, well, a bit weird about things. Let’s face it—our partnership with them has only lasted for twenty thousand years or so; before that, they’d had millions of years of experience under their belts. Evolutionary studies suggest that the first identifiable members of the dog family, Canidae, appeared about 40 million years ago during the Eocene epoch, with today’s modern wolf appearing nearly two million years ago. We Homo Sapiens, however, have only been around for about half a million years. The dog’s “pre-human” time created a unique species and unique behaviors that some of us humans might find a bit odd.

Three Newfoundlands pose for a group portrait.

Group Dog Portraits

August 5, 2016

If you have more than one dog you most likely want a portrait not only of each alone but one with all of them together. We do a lot of portraits with two dogs together. But sometimes we get requests for more dogs in the same portrait.

This is where a good pre-session consultation/planning session comes into play. It’s always great to get your dog into the studio before your session for a quick meet and greet. Then when it’s session time and you return there is much less stress for them as they will be coming to a place they know.

Now sometimes it’s just not possible to come in with a few dogs let alone many dogs to check out the space. If this is the case we recommend allowing plenty of time for the dogs to roam the studio and get comfortable. Some dogs, even if they’ve been here before are just stressed. But we can work with them as well.

What Your Vet Wished You Knew

July 21, 2016

By Kelly Caldwell, Modern Dog

Your other family doctor—your veterinarian. The relationship you form with your vet can be complicated, to be sure. Really, it stands to reason; our beloved dogs, often our most constant companions, can’t tell us what’s wrong yet rely on us to be their advocates. It can be stressful and heartbreaking dealing with their health issues. We may at times experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, even anger at the person whose job it is to help us care for our pets.

But what do veterinarians think of us? If we were willing to listen, what would they want us to know about the work they do?

Charlie knows how to kick back and be safe in the Summer

Taking Care of Dogs in Summer Part 2

July 7, 2016

There are a lot of dangers to your pet—ion all seasons—but with summer there just seems to be more. Of course the number 1 danger is leaving a pet in a hot car. Alway make sure you don’t leave your dog in a hot car with all the windows rolled up—even for a moment. Even with the windows cracked it can become unbearable hot for your pet. remember they’re wearing a fur coat!

And of course summer means fireworks and that means a lot of danger to many pets. Noise is concerning for dogs-and let’s face it fireworks are loud. Now my dog could care less and can actually sleep through fireworks (it’s just other types of noises that set her off). But for most dogs this is truly a fearful time. And don’t forget that many animals will try to escape dangers—loud noises, fires car accidents among them. So take precautions with loud noise such as fireworks. Even though the holiday has past there are many summer celebrations that end with fireworks.

Most Important Thing To Teach Your Dog

May 19, 2016

When you read this article’s title, what came to mind? Was it “Don’t bite people,” or perhaps “Get along with other dogs,” or even “Don’t potty in the house?” True, those are all incredibly important things to teach any dog. But on a less dramatic note, for day-to-day living the most important thing you can teach your dog is how to ask politely for what he wants.

If you have kids, you’re already familiar with this concept. A four-year-old should not be smacking a parent when he wants a bite of pizza, and a ten-year-old shouldn’t be grabbing things off store shelves and demanding they be purchased. It’s Manners 101 for kids to say “Please” and “May I”…and yet many people never bother to apply those same concepts to their dogs.

Why Dogs Like Some People But Not Others

March 31, 2016

Dogs have a distinct personality- a lot like people. We respond in different ways to various people we meet so it shouldn’t be too surprising that your dog might do this as well. There are times when you meet someone that rubs you the wrong way —maybe just at first but you pick up on a certain vibe about a person. So it’s not all that surprising that dog react similar to humans and “like” certain people while not others.

Dogs are pretty sensitive to the emotions we exhibit. For example if I’m in a bad mood my dog picks up on this—If I get upset with myself over something I’ve done my big 70 pound dog slinks away to the other room thinking I’m mad at her. They’re just sensitive to how we act and react.

7th Annual PAWS Fundraiser A Huge Success!

March 8, 2016

51 dogs in 40 sessions over four days = a lot of photographs of dogs! And this year it really helped raise more than ever for All Breed Rescue and Training. It was an exhausting 4 days but well worth it. We had big dog and bigger dogs (the 165 pound dane was our largest this year) and then there were small dogs..and I mean really small dogs. I believe the Pomeranian was so tiny it almost looked like a stuffed toy.

Photographing Older Pets

November 13, 2015

The majority of our clients come to us when they have a brand new pet—sometimes a puppy but often one about a year old. Or they come to us as their pet is aging and they want a great portrait before it’s too late. There is a previous blog post here about photographing puppies.

But say you have a senior pet and you’d like to get a great portrait of them to enjoy now as well as to remember them after they’re gone. As our studio tag line says, a great portrait will make you laugh, cry and remember the good times you had together.

2016 Calendars Are Here

October 21, 2015

The 2016 calendars from the Paw Prints fundraiser for All Breed Rescue are here! Last Spring during our annual Paws fundraiser we added on a contest for a 2016 calendar to benefit ABRT.

Each contestant had to come up with a theme for a particular month. Our wonderful sponsors (Republic of Paws, Bon Pet Supply and Canine Coach) were the judges for this event. According to our judges it was a difficult choice but “Waldo” won grand prize and a spot on the calendar cover. The calendar months feature the other contest winners.

Modern Dog Magazine Session

September 1, 2015

Back in June we did a special session for Modern Dog Magazine. They hold an annual STAR Dog Contest. Well little Teddy from Colorado Springs won their hearts. Teddy came from the Mill Dog Rescue and has quite an interesting story (see attached). His mom Michele Burchfield came with Teddy for his big day. Teddy is such a star and was very easy to photograph-in fact he was pretty excited. He has tons of adoring fans and a massive social media presence so is used to lots of attention. He is a great “spokesdog” for the Mill Dog Rescue.

Springs Pet Portraits specializes in archival products to showcase your pet's portrait

Pet Portrait Products

August 31, 2015

You’ve decided to get a portrait of your pet created. Now what? Well once we do an in person consultation —discussing the session with you and letting you dog get acquainted with the studio environment we schedule the session.

But before the session the one thing we will discuss in the consultation is what do you want to do with your pet portrait? This helps in planning the session. Do you want to hang it on a wall?

Featured

Jan 4, 2024

Innovative Ways to Uplift Your Dog's Life

Jan 4, 2024

Welcome to a comprehensive guide dedicated to boosting your dog's well-being. This article shared by Springs Pet Portraits is tailored for dog owners who are eager to enhance their furry friend's life in meaningful ways. From interactive play to creating a secure and loving environment, we dive into practical methods that promise to enrich your dog's daily life.

Revolutionize Playtime

Engage your dog in dynamic play sessions. Moving beyond the basics like fetch, introduce interactive toys that stimulate their brain. Teaching new tricks or setting up homemade agility courses adds variety to their routine. This not only keeps them physically fit but also mentally sharp, forging a stronger bond between you and your pet.

Jan 4, 2024

Oct 11, 2023

Downsize with Your Pet! Making the Transition Easier

Oct 11, 2023

Downsizing to a smaller space can be a challenging process, especially when you have pets. The transition can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. To alleviate some of the anxiety associated with moving, below are some helpful tips that will make the transition to a smaller home smoother for both you and your pet.

Find a Pet-Friendly Rental

When looking for a pet-friendly rental, make sure to research the specific pet policies of the property, including any size or breed restrictions, and whether there are additional fees or deposits required. Be prepared to provide documentation of your pet's vaccinations and training to help strengthen your rental application.

Make a Plan and Begin Early

Einstein Moving Co. notes that planning ahead and starting early is crucial when downsizing with a pet, as it allows for a gradual adjustment to their new environment. This will also give you time to mentally prepare for downsizing while ensuring that

Oct 11, 2023

Jul 24, 2023

Making Your Office Dog Friendly

Jul 24, 2023

With the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, businesses are seeing a positive impact on employee morale, stress levels, and team collaboration. However, careful planning and consideration are needed to integrate pets into your workplace. Here's how you can create a thriving pet-inclusive environment, shared with you below by Springs Pet Portraits.

Put Together a Comprehensive Pet Protocol

Initiate your pet-friendly journey by crafting a good pet policy. This rulebook should cover all aspects of bringing pets to work - from behavior expectations to hygiene standards and even vaccination requirements. Pet owners should be accountable for their pets' conduct and any resulting damages. In addition, the policy should also include a contingency plan in case of pet-related incidents or emergencies. It is also beneficial to have a system in place for employees to report any issues or concerns related to pets in the workplace. Regular reviews and updates of the policy will ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Digitally Distribute the Canine Code

Post policy creation, ensure that it reaches all your employees. Dispatching a PDF version of these guidelines allows your team to access and reference them as needed conveniently. The unalterable nature of PDFs also ensures that the policy remains consistent across different devices. Moreover, by providing digital access to the policy, you can easily update it as needed and ensure everyone has the most current information. You might also consider creating a dedicated section on your company's internal website where employees can find the pet policy and other related resources. Amid this, you may consider this option: include tips for acclimating pets to the office environment or suggestions for resolving common pet-related issues.

Jul 24, 2023

May 3, 2023

Photographing Older Dogs-Before It's Too Late

May 3, 2023

We love our pets and want them to live forever. It’s easy to forget about your pets age when they’re young. Even up to 5 or 6 years old. Then one day you realize your pet is slowing down.

Hopefully you have a great series of photos of your dog or cat as they age. Hopefully at least one of them is a professionally done portrait that you could hang on a wall. It’s difficult to lose a pet—I know, I’ve been through it a few time with dogs. Each time I was grateful I got a great portrait of them. I have a few hanging in my bedroom that I can see every day and remember all the great times I’ve had with my dogs over the years.

May 3, 2023

Feb 2, 2023

How To Work Remotely With Pets

Feb 2, 2023

Preparing for a digital nomad lifestyle with pets can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. It involves making sure that both you and your pet have all the necessary supplies, arrangements, and legal requirements in place before setting out. You'll need to consider budgets, destinations, accommodations, and how to keep your pet safe while traveling. All of this takes careful planning, so here are some tips to help you get started.

Find Pet-Friendly Rentals with Reliable Internet

Finding pet-friendly accommodations with high-speed internet can be a challenge for digital nomads with pets. However, it is possible to find the perfect place to stay when traveling with your furry friends. Many websites are available that provide listings for pet-friendly apartment rentals and hotels that offer fast internet speeds. It is also important to research local pet laws and regulations before taking a trip, as these can vary greatly from country to country.

Feb 2, 2023

Oct 18, 2022

Starting Your Pet Care Business: Quick Tips for Success

Oct 18, 2022

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting your own business, it’s time to stand up. There has never been a better time than right now to get going, especially if you’re looking at starting a pet-centric business. Springs Pet Portraits outlines a few things you can do, tips to get started, and reasons why now is your time to shine.

Types Of Pet-Care Businesses

Dog walking. Fresh air, sunshine, and companionship? Sign us up. If you plan to walk dogs, living in or being in close proximity to a walkable neighborhood can be a boon. As a dog walker, you can make anywhere between $15 and $40 per hour according to Airtasker. The only downside is that you have to take care of any messes your four-legged clients make along the way.

Pet grooming. Grooming other people’s pets is a great way to help ensure that the animals in your neighborhood stay clean and fresh.

Trainer. When you love animals, are a people person, and have lots of patience, the Animal Humane Society suggests that you might be a great fit to become a dog trainer.

Pet products. People buy things for their pets every day, and there’s no reason you can’t get in on the action by making custom collars, pet clothing, or dog houses.

Oct 18, 2022

Jul 21, 2022

Keeping Your Dog Healthy in Golden Years

Jul 21, 2022

As your dog gets along in years, you will notice that their abilities and needs change. Perhaps they begin to tire out more quickly on your morning walks or find it increasingly difficult to climb onto the sofa. Maybe they become a little more irritable and harder to predict. No matter your pup’s personality, it’s time to start making adjustments that will benefit them in their senior years.

Today, Springs Pet Portraits shares some practical care tips you can incorporate into your dog’s regular routine.

Jul 21, 2022

Apr 5, 2022

Older Dog Portraits-Before It's Too Late

Apr 5, 2022

Having a great portrait of your dog is a wonderful way to remember them. We photograph a lot of older dogs. If you don’t have a great portrait of your dog and they’re getting on in years it’s best to do it before they’re too old, blind, deaf and crippled to look good in the photos. You really don’t want to remember them this way. Plus you never know when your younger seemingly healthy dog might develop an illness and go before you’ve had a chance to get their portrait taken. So it’s best not to wait too long.

For most dogs it’s ideal to photograph them when they’re still a little active—able to stand okay and see and hear commands. Although this is best it’s not always possible—we get that— so if you have an older dog not quite up to standing or seeing/hearing we can still get some great portraits.

Apr 5, 2022

Feb 1, 2022

Moving (With Pets in Tow): Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Feb 1, 2022

Worried about your big move? Just imagine how your pets are going to feel! It is essential to transition your furry friends into their new home with care and forethought to avoid sickness, trauma, and upset. Here, Springs Pet Portraits shares crucial strategies for a seamless transition.

Before

It can be daunting to get started on the logistics of planning, but taking the first step is the hardest. Here’s where to begin.

House hunting: Look for pet-friendly features such as a big backyard for dogs and lots of trees for cats. If you’re looking at apartments in Denver, be sure that you are clear on their pet policies.
Utilities: Set up electricity, internet, and gas at the new place, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Pack: Here is a handy packing checklist by Updater to simplify the process.

Feb 1, 2022

Nov 24, 2021

Making Your Dog's Home A Work of Art

Nov 24, 2021

For hundreds of years, artists from Manet to Butterworth have found considerable beauty in animals, choosing them as their focal points in portraits. Thus, it’s official: pets can help beautify your home even while they provide unconditional love and companionship. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to keep your home as clean as you’d like, particularly when your dog finds joy in making a mess. It isn’t too difficult to have a gorgeous home with pets -- it just takes a little extra focus. Springs Pet Portraits offers some pointers to help.

Keep Your Dog Entertained to Prevent Boredom

If you find that every time you clean your house, your dog decides to make a mess of your freshly planted ficus, you may have a bored dog on your hands. All animals thrive on physical and mental stimulation through playtime, toys, and owner interaction. If any of these are not provided to your dog’s satisfaction, they may become bored. While boredom can cause your dog to sleep all day, with muted responses to stimuli, more often it manifests itself in “acting out,” such as chewing carpets or rugs.

Nov 24, 2021