On-Leash Outdoor Pet Sessions: Safety and Peace of Mind

One of the biggest concerns pet owners have when booking an outdoor session is that their dog might take off if not on a leash. It's a legitimate worry, but rest assured, I have your back. During my sessions, your dog will always be on a lead!

Why On-Leash is Best: Even if your dog has excellent recall, being on a leash is the safest option. Just last month, during a portrait session near downtown Edmonton, we encountered a couple of urban coyotes. The little dog I was photographing sensed the coyotes long before we did. He started insanely barking. As we were wondering what was up with his change in behavior the coyotes walked out of the trees about 100 meters away.  They were not afraid of us, at all! We were grateful little Ben was on a leash and remained safe. This experience was a first for me and a reminder that anything can happen at any time. 

Leash and Collar Solutions:

• Flat Collars: Dogs with flat collars are kept on lead, and the leash is retouched out later.
• "Naked" Look: If you prefer your dog to appear collar-free, we can use a simple slip lead that will also be retouched out in post-processing.
• Fluffy Dogs: Often, fluffy dogs' collars don't even show, and any visible part can be easily removed with Photoshop.

Harnesses:

• Short Coat/Special Markings: Harnesses can be tricky to remove, especially on dogs with short coats or distinctive markings.
• Fluffy Long Coats: For dogs with fluffy long coats, removing a harness is usually straightforward.

Here are a few before-and-after samples from some of my past sessions:

If you still have questions or concerns about your dog’s session, let's talk. Your pet's safety and your peace of mind are my top priorities.