SOme of the dogs from the Dogs of Downtown Calendar

2016 Year in Review for Springs Pet Portraits

December 29, 2016

Wow—cannot believe another year has managed to zip by! Lots of cool things happened at Springs Pet Portraits this past year. Our annual fundraiser for All Breed Rescue (HaveANicedog.org) was the biggest success to date- all the slots booked up very quickly and the calendar contest was fun. The 2016 theme (for 2017 calendar) was “Sports” with lots of very creative entries. Stay tuned for the theme for the 2017 contest—it will be revealed in February. The 2017 Calendars to benefit All Breed are still available through ABRT and at BonPetSupply.com

A Photo cube is a great last minute gift

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

December 12, 2016

There are always those who shop last minute for Christmas gifts. I remember growing up I always helped my dad shop for my mom—and that on Christmas eve! But for those who don’t already have all their gifts finished here are some ideas:

Great last minute gifts from Springs Pet Portraits include Custom photo tree ornaments, photo cubes (featuring photos you’ve had taken with us oner the past few years) small prints and wallets, desktop framed prints or mini image panels (again with photos already taken) and of course Gift Cards are great and don’t expire—($25, $50, $75 and $100). While gift cards can truly be last moment the other gifts mentioned above need a least a few days of advanced notice to order and receive. Some of these are great ideas for stocking stuffers as well.

The Dogs of Downtown Colorado Springs

November 22, 2016

Every now and then I get to work with really talented people on fun projects. That was the case recently working with the folks of the Downtown Partnership on their Dogs of Downtown 2017 Calendar project.

It all began with a sweet little French bulldog named Gurdy who visited the offices of the Downtown Partnership. They fell in love with her and decided there needed to be a Calendar celebrating the dogs of downtown—those dogs who hang out on a regular basis at the offices and shops in the downtown core. The ones known by the clients and customers who visit those places.

For the Health of Your Dog

November 14, 2016

We all like to keep our beloved animals healthy and safe. We protect them from eating foods with artificial sweeteners and away from foods like grapes and raisins that can cause renal failure. But sometimes we don’t think about the importance of the dog food that we are feeding them day in and day out. We often assume that if we can buy it at a specialty store —whether large chains like Pet Smart or your local pet store—that the food is okay. Often times we are unaware of what’s in that food we give them.

I know I’ve changed dog food to a grain free variety after the food I thought was good was subject to several recalls and lawsuits. Now I’m thinking further of a change after reading about the top foods and why they are good for your dog and why some I thought were good might not be so good after all.

The people at reviews.com have looked at over 2000 dog food varieties and analyzed them in terms of content and how safe they might be for your pet. After all a healthy dog is a happy dog. Here is an in depth look at what they found out.

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.

Rebel is a German Shepherd puppy about 8 weeks old in this portrait

The Joy of Puppies

September 20, 2016

Puppies are fun to photograph. They’re awfully cute and most every pose looks great with them. Difficulties come in to play based on the age of the dog. Really young pups-those between 6 and 10 weeks—are pretty easy. They’re like photographing newborns. They sleep a lot! Very little activity while awake makes them want to go to sleep again. So prepping them for a photograph is just a matter of waking them up for a time.

The challenge comes when the pups grow a little older. Just like toddlers they are ready to race around from hereto there and back again. We had a young Golden Retriever in 4 or 5 years ago that could just not hold still. He dashed around wanting to eat everything in sight —whether or not it was food was a moot point for him! He just could seem to stay in one place more than a second or two. Working very fast is a must in these circumstances. Sometimes you just need to work with the dog enough to wear them out and then they’ll slow down a bit. Sometimes you need to have the “parents” leave the room to get them to focus on you for a moment or two to get the shot.

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.

Photographing all white or all black dogs isn't that difficult if you know what you're doing.

Why Is My Dog A Black Blob?

June 21, 2016

Photographing pets should be easy, right? Your pet knows you better than anyone else so they’ll most likely sit and patiently wait for you to whip out your cell phone and click a photo. But wait—when you look at it—it’s not a photos of your pet—it looks like a black blob.

I hear this all the time when people are talking about their black or dark colored dogs. I hear that we cannot possible get a good photograph of their dog because the dog is black. Of course it can be the same issue with white dogs—only an all white mass and no real definition. So when you snap the photo the dog is all just a white blob. What’s up with that? Well it’s basically just a lighting issue—of course you can switch on the flash on your cell phone but then often you get devil dog red glowing eyes!

Taking Care of Pets In Summer Heat

June 10, 2016

It’s summer and the days are longer and hotter. We’re outside more often with our pets—walking them, hiking and letting them swim and sometimes hosing them down on a hot day.

This is the time of year that bugs are out so check with your vet with regard to fleas and ticks. And don’t forget that mosquitos carry diseases as well—make sure you protect your pet against heart worm. True, we don’t have was many mosquitos here in the Rockies as in other parts of the country but we have enough that heart worm can be a real danger. So talk to your vet about protecting your pet during this summer season.

Mixed breed puppy about 8 months old; Ridgeback puppy and far right, Gold Retriever puppy.

When To Photograph Your Puppy

June 1, 2016

Puppies are fun to photograph. They’re awfully cute and most every pose looks great with them. Difficulties come in to play based on the age of the dog as well as the breed. Really young pups(6 to 8 weeks old) are pretty easy if you can keep them awake. They do want to sleep a lot! They’re like photographing newborns. They sleep a lot! We’ve actually had to prop some pups up as they keep slumping down wanting to go to sleep. Very little activity while awake makes them want to go to sleep again.

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.

Preventing Separation Anxiety-- Part 2

May 11, 2016

In Part 1, we discussed using strict supervision to teach your pup proper potty and chewing behaviors, and the importance of confining your pup to a crate or puppy safe room when unsupervised (so he won’t have the opportunity to develop bad habits). But our ultimate goal is to have an adult dog who behaves appropriately when left alone in the house without having to rely on strict confinement. Part 2 will give you the steps necessary to achieve that goal. The teenage stage

If done correctly, by 5-6 months of age most puppies have been successfully potty trained. This is the stage where many people make a big mistake. Because their pup is potty trained, they stop relying on their crate and confinement areas and begin to give the puppy more freedom in the house. Unfortunately this is also the time puppies are cutting molars and serious, destructive chewing begins.

Celebrating Moms of "Fur Children"

April 28, 2016

Have you ever thought about having a great portrait of you and your furry companion? Well this is the time to do it. We’re about to celebrate Mother’s Day in a big way at Springs Pet Portraits!

May is the month we celebrate moms. In honor of Mother’s Day for 2016 we are celebrating moms of “fur children.” During the month of May we are offering mini sessions for you and your furry companion. You will get a mini session and an 8x10 print for just $49. This offer is good for in studio mini session portraits only and only in May.

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.

Teaching Your Dog How To Be Alone

March 21, 2016

By Linda Brennen, CPDT Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Your Canine Coach, Inc

Once upon a time, dogs spent their days outside as their people went to work (many times they were actually working side-by-side with their people on farms, ranches, etc.). These days, most of our dogs spend their days in the house, alone and waiting for you to come back. Often they’re bored and lonely. Sometimes you come home to find their boredom and loneliness has translated to inappropriate behavior, such as chewing on furniture or barking excessively. Fortunately, you can teach your dog to make the time pass more quickly and be more comfortable when left home alone.

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.

My Dog is Staring At Me...

March 2, 2016

Sometimes when you least expect it you look over and find your dog just staring at you. Ever happened to you? It’s a bit unnerving, at least the first few times it’s happened. Then you begin to wonder What’s wrong?

But this is a perfectly natural thing for a dog to do. There can be many reasons why they might be looking at you. The more you spend time with your dog and get to really know them you will begin to understand why they are staring at you.

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