Are you taking your canine to get see Santa? ‘Tis the season!
You may assist create a extra memorable picture–and a greater expertise for each you and your canine–with just a bit preplanning. We checked with PetSmart, which gives Santa pictures of their shops on the Paws & Claus picture occasion (Dec. 16-17, 2023) for his or her recommendations on taking nice pictures with an in-store Santa!

Photograph courtesy of PetSmart
Get within the vacation spirit.
Earlier than taking your canine for his or her picture with Santa, assist them appear and feel their greatest with a pre-photo groom.
Gown your vacation greatest.
For canines who get pleasure from dressing up, you’ll be able to gown them in vacation outfits reminiscent of a reindeer or Santa costume, cable knit sweater, elf hat or vacation collar.
It’s a good suggestion to strive the pet costume on at house earlier than going to the shop for a Santa image.
It will assist to ensure the vacation outfit suits correctly and that your canine is comfy.
Plan forward.
In case you are attending the PetSmart picture occasion, guide your appointment upfront.
Should you’re collaborating in one other Santa picture occasion, think about calling the shop to see how massive the gang is earlier than taking your canine in for a Santa picture in case you have a canine who is well distracted. Wait till the road is low after which go to the shop in order that your pet can focus and take a valuable image.
Arrive early.
PetSmart coaching knowledgeable Jodie Havens, CPDT-KSA, recommends serving to pets expend further power by taking part in at house or strolling by way of the PetSmart aisles earlier than their appointment to seize their lovely – and calm – smile.
On a private observe, I’ve discovered that the fish and cat sections of the shop are good locations to heat up, training some sits and hand touches to get my canine’s consideration. These areas have fewer canines and fewer distractions. (The aisle with the canine treats and chews is the hardest!)
Should you don’t need to arrive on the retailer early, take a protracted stroll earlier than coming into the shop.
Catch their consideration.
Havens suggests making a picture-perfect second by utilizing an attention grabbing holiday-themed toy or making noises, reminiscent of calling a canine’s title, to make sure they’re trying on the digital camera throughout their time with Santa.
Reward your canine for good in-store habits.
Treats or particular toys can maintain pets from getting anxious whereas in line and even assist them behave throughout the picture.
Utilizing a deal with or toy whereas standing close to the photographer can get your pet to look towards the digital camera and rewarding them all through the expertise may also be certain that pets are well-behaved for his or her subsequent picture session.
(Additionally, in case you are a PetSmart Treats Rewards member, you’ll be able to obtain a photograph guide present from Mixbook; you’ll get the promo code within the mail following the occasion.)
Make introductions.
To assist your pet really feel comfy with Santa throughout the picture, be sure you stroll up and introduce Santa to your canine.
It will let your canine know you’re comfy with Santa and encourage your pet to behave the identical approach.
A couple of minutes of pre-trip preparation will help you and your canine get pleasure from your go to with Santa–and produce house the pictures to show it!
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