Tips for Amateur Pet Photographers ~ from Karen Weiler of Posh Pets

Once upon a time, I owned a good camera.  I set that camera on the roof of my car after a wedding. While I no longer remember the bride's name, I do recall the crunching sound as I drove off.   
 
I couldn’t justify replacing the camera, and didn’t really miss it, except for this:  two cats passed through my life practically undocumented.  They were both unusually gorgeous . . . and I can’t even prove it!  

Further, I have only half a dozen good shots of Riggs when he was a puppy--something I regretted when it came time to publish Golden Boy.  He may have been a handful, but that pup was adorable! 

About a year ago, I got a new iPhone and started taking pictures.  At first I was embarrassed by my terrible camera skills but eventually my sense of humor prevailed.  So what if I don’t have “an eye”?  I enjoy myself and more important, I have lots of photo memories of my pets. 

One day I may be able to justify investing in a new camera.  When I do, I’ll consult with Karen Weiler of Post Pets Photography because she has plenty of

Posh Riggs

advice for camera-challenged people like me.  I’ve visited the Posh Pets website several times in the past couple of years and made a point of meeting Karen at the SwissRidge Doodle Romp recently.  As in the past, she'd donated a photography session for an auction to raise funds for SwissRidge Dogs for Kids; the proceeds will go to Autism Dog Services.  

Check out the Posh Pets blog on the SwissRidge romp. 

But first, read Karen’s interview below, including the tips she’s kindly offered for amateur photographers who aspire to more.
 
Over to you, Karen . . .


1.    Tell us about Posh Pets Photography.

Photography has always fascinated me. For as long as I can remember, I would pour over photographs and wonder how photographers were able to create such beautiful work. My early snapshots were woefully lacking.  Even as a child, I could see something was not right.

As a young adult, I was always the one with my trusty Canon Rebel (film). I dragged that camera around to any and all outings with my friends.  There were some images I was proud of, but not enough, and eventually, I left photography, concluding it was just some mystery I couldn’t crack.

Then came the digital age, with its associated benefit: immediate feedback. The ability to instantly see what your image looked like encouraged me up to try my hand at photography again. I clearly remember the day I bought my first DSLR.  After that I quickly saw improvement.

Originally, I thought that I would like to photograph weddings.  One day, I found myself at my friend’s house as she was getting ready on her wedding day. I spied her mother’s dog who was looking for attention. I took four photographs of the dog, and that is when it hit me: this is what I want to do. I knew that photographing an animal would bring me far more joy than any other subject in the world, and I set out to make it happen.

2.    What are some of your most memorable moments as a pet photographer?

I like to attend pet-related events in the city, and if photography is allowed, I will often bring my camera so that I can blog about it later. I have a Canon DSLR and professional lenses that are easily recognizable by the fact that they are white in colour. More than once I’ve been ushered into “press” areas because event staff assume I represent a media outlet. It’s great for getting awesome images!

3.    What tips can you give the amateur pet photographer, who may often be using a phone to capture a moment with a pet?

Three simple ideas to improve your imagery:

Find the light: Beautiful light is the difference between a snapshot and a portrait. The human eye will always be drawn to the brightest part of your photograph, so initially at least, that means the light should be on your pet. Look for “soft” light that falls on your pet’s face. And focus on the animal’s eyes.

Simplify your background: Try for simple, clean backgrounds. If you want to photograph your pet in your home, it really pays to neaten the room up a little. The subject of your image is most likely your pet, so be sure that the viewer’s eyes are able to focus on the pet and not be distracted any clutter. If you are outside, you cannot very well move a tree or a fence, so you have to move yourself or your pet.
 
Get Perspective: Try getting down to the level of your pet. Too many images I see are taken between the eye and chest level of an average human. Get down low – it’ll give a fresh new perspective to your images!

These are just guidelines. There will be times when you are simply capturing a memory and you have no time to change the light, background or perspective. In that case, take the shot! The moment is worth capturing.

4.    If an owner with modest skills wanted to improve, what would you recommend? 

If you want to start taking more professional looking images, eventually you will want to buy a camera. Almost every camera on the market today is an amazing piece of technology and its features are beyond the average consumer. I encourage you to go into your local camera store and try these cameras out. Some will feel awkward in your hands; others will feel natural. Pick one that feels good! And then, read the manual. Learn what all of those buttons and menus do. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment; you really cannot “break” your camera by pushing a button.

There are lots of free resources for those who would like to learn photography. Google almost any subject and there will be an article or a video on it.  Creative Live (www.creativelive.com) offers tons of courses that you can watch for free when they are recording live. Your local library will have myriad of books on photography.

If you are looking to invest in courses, you can find basic ones at your local college. Many photographers, myself included, offer one-on-one mentoring sessions for those who need personalized, hands-on instruction. And for those who would like to combine vacation and learning, there are multi-day workshops in exotic locales around the world.

Very Posh Monty

5.     What’s your best overall advice to pet owners about photography?

The sad truth is that we will most likely outlive our pets. That is why I think it is so important to get images of your furry faces, at all stages of their lives. Those are the memories we hold onto, long after they’re gone.
 
As a professional photographer, I believe it is vitally important to have physical prints of your images. Not only because you can hang them on your walls to enjoy, or because there is something exquisitely beautiful about tangible art, but also because they last. Hard drives fail, computers die, and too many images are lost because someone did not have a backup. Every single one of my clients purchases physical images of their pets, and they frequently shed tears of happiness the first time they see them.
 
Professional photography is an investment in time and resources. But when it all comes together—the light is gorgeous, the dog is groomed, the humans look good and the setting has meaning for the family—it is all worth it. 

• Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography is a contemporary fine art pet photographer who specializes in custom portrait sessions for discerning dogs and cats along with the people they share their lives with. You can connect with her at: web: poshpetsphoto.com; IG: @dogphotographer Twitter: @PoshPetsPhoto

Please follow the Animal Magnetism blog if you'd like to receive updates as they're posted. If interested in being interviewed, contact rideoutsandy@gmail.com.  And if you haven't read Golden Boy: How to raise a dog all wrong and end up all right, what are you waiting for?!

SwissRidge Kennels Doodle Romp & Fundraiser

Yesterday, Riggs went to meet his maker.  Or, more specifically, his breeder.

Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels hosted her third annual “doodle romp” and fundraiser in Guelph, Ontario.  The event attracted more than 170 people, some of whom traveled a long way to attend. 

Approximately 50 dogs joined the fun, and amazingly, there wasn’t a single scuffle in the leash-free area.  Granted, Sherry’s hybrids—Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for the most part—tend to be lovers, not fighters. In past years, Riggs was too much of lover; this year, he was Mr. Chill on a warm day. 

Many breeders hold reunions but the SwissRidge doodle romp is special.  For starters, the kennel has a large, active Facebook group membership. Over time, we’ve become a virtual “family” as we share the ups and downs of our dogs’ lives. This was a great excuse to gather in person.

 

“Riggs is so much bigger than I imagined,” one person said.

“Riggs is so much smaller than I imagined,” someone else said.  

Well, as we all know, he's just right.  

I was thrilled to meet some of the kind, generous and funny people who’ve supported me along the way, including Maura Clarke Murphy, who came from Massachusetts with her family, including the three (now four!) SwissRidge dogs we call the “Nesting Doodles.”  There were new friends, like Phyllis from North Carolina, and Carolyn from Thunder Bay, as well as "old" friends, like Doreen from New York.   

The real reason owners come from far and wide, of course, is to meet Sherry, and her partner, trainer Lucas Mucha. They’re celebrities in our circles, and let’s be honest, a dazzling pair.  

Sherry is a committed and conscientious breeder.  I know this better than most, because I’ve been behind the scenes while helping with her book on Bernedoodles, and I’ve interrogated her on literally dozens of occasions. 

On top of that, she’s responsive and caring. In the past week, I’ve probably been in touch with her half a dozen times over Mabel’s spay surgery.  Since Sherry’s bred thousands of dogs over about 18 years, I’m likely one many owners asking for her time at a given moment. 

The caring goes beyond her own clients.  For many years, Sherry has donated dogs and/or raised funds to train service dogs to support children with special needs. This year, she’s named the project “SwissRidge Dogs for Kids” and increased her effort to raise funds with the support of the SwissRidge community.  In 2015, fundraising is fast approaching $30,000.  A good part of that sum came from the auction of a Bernedoodle pup—the Bernese-Poodle hybrid Sherry created that is now so popular it’s tough to secure a place on the waiting list. 

Most of the money raised through SwissRidge Dogs for Kids will be allocated to Autism Dog Services (ADS), an organization Sherry has come to trust and respect.  As in the past, Sherry  donated a Goldendoodle puppy to the organization and will allow them to match that pup with an appropriate child. Funds raised will go to the specialized training the puppy needs to best serve its family.

ADS delivered a demonstration that was another highlight to the day.  Riggs and I enjoyed checking out the wares at the Bark and Fitz booth, and I had a good chat with photographer Karen Weiler at Posh Pets Photography.   Check out the amazing photos of the romp on Karen's blog.   

All and all, it was my kind of day:  cute dogs, nice people, sunshine, and a good cause.

For more information on Sherry and SwissRidge Dogs for Kids, visit Bernedoodles.com.

Doggie Day Care - Behind the Scenes at Barkingham Palace

If you've ever wondered whether or not day care would suit your dog, you're in luck:  Kelsey Noakes of Barkingham Palace has stopped by to offer some advice. 

I found Kelsey through word-of-mouth, specifically my vet's mouth, which is a mouth I trust.  At that point, Mabel was doing what young pups do best: distracting me.  My work didn't always fit into the cracks in Mabel's day.  I hated telling clients I was on a rigid crate schedule, but they figured it out if they called and heard the bark-track. 
On top of that, Riggs was being... well, an ass.  Let's just say it.  He wasn't happy sharing the limelight with Mabel and he made that clear every time she emerged from the crate.

So I decided to take the dynamic duo over to Barkingham Palace for an assessment.  I was a little worried (okay, a lot worried) about Riggs making the grade.  And I was a little worried (okay a lot worried) about Mabel being trampled or becoming a hooligan.  But someone had told me that sending the two together might foster their bond.

To my relief, Kelsey gave them both a pass.  Mabel charged in and never looked back.  Riggs, however, had a few howling meltdowns at drop-off.  At first he didn't mix with the others, and followed Kelsey like a lost soul.

Finally, however, he adjusted, and I started seeing photos on the Barkingham Palace Facebook group that warmed my heart a little in that long, cold winter.  "They play together all the time," Kelsey told me. "You'd be surprised."

 
I was surprised--and delighted--when they came home in one piece, tired and happy. 

It worked for us.  Read on to see if day care might work for you.  Over to Kelsey...

1. How did you end up launching Barkingham Palace?

I'd been working for a wonderful vet clinic for a few years as a vet tech and receptionist, and loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, the clinic closed.  I’d already been working part-time at an emergency vet clinic and one of the vets there hired me to work at his clinic.

At the time, I had a grumpy, old Maltese who hated to stay home alone. I’d always brought her to work at my previous clinic, but that wasn’t possible in my new job. For six months, I dealt with her horrible separation anxiety, coming home to ripped up floors and walls.  Finally, I decided I needed to put my dog first.

I decided to team up with a friend and my then-boyfriend to open Barkingham Palace in East York, Toronto in 2003.  I can't say it was a hard decision.  I had worked as a grooming assistant for a couple of years so I was confident I could handle the grooming. I also love dog behaviour and had previous experience at a horribly run dog daycare . . . so I knew exactly what NOT to do!  We were successful pretty quickly.

Running Barkingham Palace also allows me to offer free grooming to the dogs I foster, and those of a few different rescue groups.

2. What services do you offer?

Barkingham Palace offers day care to dogs of all breeds and sizes. All dogs must pass a mandatory behavior assessment prior to attending day care to ensure the health and safety of our client dogs.  Unlike some similar operations, we have a small yard for outdoor access all day; we also take daily trips to a local dog park.

We offer all-breed dog grooming in a fun and friendly environment, and do a limited amount of home-style boarding for approved daycare clients.
 

3. What do you love most about your career?

Obviously, I adore dogs! I'm never happier than when I'm surrounded by exuberant pups, especially when they are tired and content from a great, safe day of day care.

4. What are the biggest challenges and success factors in running a day care for dogs?

An average day at Barkingham brings about 25 dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds. With that many dogs in one place, you need to make sure you know them very well. You have to get to know each dog as an individual and how they play, which dogs they enjoy playing with, and which ones they either annoy or find annoying.

We try to keep play groups small and never allow any bullying behaviour. We use positive reinforcement mixed with time-outs. This is where the assessment becomes very important. You have to meet each new dog and monitor how it interacts with others. Not all dogs are right for day care.  It doesn't mean they're bad dogs, just that our environment doesn't suit their particular needs. This can be hard for some owners to understand.

5. What advice would you give owners who are considering sending their dogs to day care?

For dog owners seeking day care, I would recommend they ask around and get referrals from neighbours, vets and local pet stores. Call the day care, speak with the owner and find out what training they have, how many staff members they have, and whether they are qualified in pet first aid and/or behavior training.

Make sure the day care assesses your dog beforehand. Ask about how the dogs eliminate—during walks, in the yard, or both.  

Then give it a test drive.  Many dogs will love day care, and will be exhausted and happy at the end of the day. Some dogs, however, don't need or want a full day of socialization, and would do better with a walker. Anxious or fearful dogs may never do well in a day care environment.

I believe the sign of a good day care is one that turns away almost as many dogs as it accepts. This shows they aren't just throwing multiple dogs together.  They actually care about a harmonious pack!

Now, with that being said, dogs will be dogs and even a great pack can have minor issues once in a while. Dogs are living creatures who have bad days when they're tired, sore or not feeling well. Nips, scratches even skin tears can happen from a small skirmish or even during play. However, if your dog is coming home often with bites or injuries, you are probably in the wrong place.

You can learn more about Barkingham Palace here.   (But the action is really on the Barkingham Palace Facebook Group.)  

Five things I love about my dog

Before I became a dog owner, I thought all dogs were pretty much the same--even though each of my cats has had a distinct personality.  I was a cat snob. 

Then I went over to the dog side, and found Riggs wasn't like other dogs, or even other doodles.  He doesn't wag much, for starters.  It has to be a Major Life Event to warrant a Riggs' wag.  Major as in arriving at the cottage, where it's all swish-swish-swish. His low-key style doesn't mean he isn't happy or welcoming, however. He was doling out face licks to complete strangers on the dock this week.  But it wasn't wag-worthy. 

Like any dog, he's an individual, and I've learned to celebrate what's unique about him (aside from his spectacular death-rolling feats). 

I haven't stopped comparing him to other dogs. Quite the reverse.  I love hearing what people love most about their dogs, because I feel like I get to know mine better in the process.

That's why I regularly invite people to post the "Top Five" things they love about their dog on my Facebook page. I'll do the same here.  Friday is your day to brag on your pets. 

I invited Laurie McDonald Young to go first. Laurie is one of the Top 5 nicest people I’ve met on Facebook. Well, we haven’t actually met, because I'm in Toronto and she lives in Elgin, South Carolina with her husband and their 4 dogs and 3 cats.  The size of her pack is an occupational hazard, she says, because she works in a veterinary office.

Laurie is passionate about the care, health and well-being of all animals and feels lucky to be able to help educate people at her job.  I can attest that she’s very generous with her knowledge and has put my mind at rest about my own dogs many times. On top of that, she posts some of the best dog photos around, courtesy of her talented husband, Ernie.

I assigned Laurie the difficult task of choosing only one dog to profile.  Eight-year-old Goldendoodle Nug got the nod, because he is the least demanding dog in the pack. In short, he deserves his day in the sun.  Over to Laurie. . .

Nug

Top 5 things I Love about Nug

1. His gentle nature.  Nug is always patient and unassuming.  He never pushes the other dogs out of the way, and he waits for permission from me.

2. His pleasure in meeting and greeting people, especially children.

3. His subtle little nudges when he wants your attention for something. This dog really doesn’t ask for much, so I try to pay attention when he does.  

4. His prance.  He moves like the top dog in a show ring when he’s excited!

5. His “old soul” eyes and the way he looks at me.

And last, because I can’t just pick five, I love the way the wind flows through his beautiful coat.  He is a wonderful dog!

Post your Top Five in the comments or on Facebook, or volunteer for the Friday Five. All pets welcome! 

Dog Training with Ola Zalewski

I’ve had the privilege of meeting several excellent dog trainers during my adventures with Riggs.  One of them is Ola Zalewski. 

Riggs had become a little scrappy with other dogs while on leash.  Okay, a lot scrappy.  As in, mortifying.  I was tense every time we hit the sidewalks, and that only made things worse.  By coincidence, I happened to read about the drop-in classes Ola was holding just down the road for “reactive” dogs.  And when Riggs pulled a particularly bad stunt one cold, winter night, I placed a Training 911 call.

Ola saw us the next day and assured me that all would be fine.  And it was.  I learned a lot in her classes, and am very impressed by all she does to help behaviorally-challenged dogs others have given up as lost causes.    

Ola has kindly agreed to make some appearances here on Animal Magnetism, and address some of our training questions.  First, let’s get acquainted.  Take it away, Ola!

How did you get started as a dog trainer?

When I was 10 years old, I announced to my parents that I planned to become a dog trainer . . . and they giggled.  At 19, I started working at a kennel in Scarborough, which was my first job with dogs.  After work, I stayed to help with the training classes as a volunteer.  I found it so fascinating that I began studying dog training.  I worked under two other dog schools for the next 10 years, until I was ready to start a business, in 2010, with a friend.  Finally, in 2013, with 17 years of studying, practicing, apprenticing and teaching behind me I launched “Paws Above.”    

While I’d always had a knack for handling and training dogs in obedience, I discovered my special talent was in working with aggressive, fearful and medically-compromised dogs. I was also drawn to fostering and rescuing dogs.  Rescues and shelters started calling me for assistance with their least adoptable dogs, and I became the “half-way home” for many unwanted and behaviorally challenged dogs.  Over the years, I have helped hundreds of dogs that were considered unadoptable find homes; I consider that one of my greatest successes.

What services do you offer?

Paws Above offers private and group obedience training classes using the standards of the Canadian Kennel Club.  We currently work out of locations in Toronto and Ajax.  In addition, we run “Social Gathering” classes for dogs with behavioral issues at each location.  Behavior issues may be as serious as fear and aggression, or as simple as bad manners!  Paws Above also offers agility class for confidence-building and fun.

Over the years, Paws Above has supported well over 30 rescues across North America by fostering, rehoming, or training foster dogs.  

What do you love most about your career?

Definitely my interaction with the dogs!   I am still fascinated by how dogs think and communicate.  Each dog is a mystery to be solved.  Getting to the core of a dog’s issue will help me rectify it and I find great joy in being able to do so.

I also love rescuing dogs from a kennel or shelter setting and assessing them in a “home” environment. Dogs get stressed very easily when caged or kenneled.  Taking dogs that have lived in a kennel their whole life and reintroducing them to a home environment with other dogs and rules prepares them for the real world.  I also get to work through their major issues like biting, resource guarding, fear and reactivity to dogs and people. 

What are the most common problems you see in your training practice?

 

If you mean the most common dog problem, it’s reactivity toward people or other dogs.  In layman’s terms, “reactivity” means lunging, barking, growling, attacking or biting, and it can stem from many sources.  Reactivity is the most common issue I see because it’s considered inappropriate and dangerous, and people look for help.

If you mean the most common problem with us humans, that’s a different can of worms! About 50 per cent of the calls I get really are less about dogs than people.  Some people use their eyes and their emotions when contemplating adding a pet to the family.  If people don’t do enough research, dogs can end up in homes that aren’t suited for them. 

What are some of the very best things we can do to have “good dogs”?

They are all “good dogs,” I truly mean that.  They all have their perfect place/job/purpose somewhere.  Even so-called “bad” dogs have their good qualities.  I find the good in every dog. They really are unique individuals with their own special qualities, and the key is finding the right match in a human family. 

In more general terms, here is some of the advice I give people:

·       Do your homework before adding any new pet to your home.  Research and research some more.  Ask yourself if you are committed and ready to provide a home that not only meets the animal’s basic needs, but all its needs—for at least a decade.  Take into account age, breed, and energy level.  Be honest with yourself.  A Belgian Malinois is a beautiful dog, but it’s also a hardworking, high energy natural born shepherd.  If you have a long workday and a quiet, low energy home, another dog would be better suited to your life. 

·       Exercise your dog.  Take into account breed, age and energy level and make sure that every day your dog’s exercise needs are filled.  This means psychological as well as physical.  Dogs have varying talents, wants and needs.  Find out what makes your dog tick and fulfill those needs, whether through running, obedience, tricks, agility, playing, retrieving, swimming or just walking.

·       Seek training and help.  There are many excellent dog trainers around, so look for one whose training approach suits you.  While introductory classes give you lots of information, keep in mind that dogs continue to enjoy learning throughout their lives.  Classes are a great way to have fun with your dog!

Ola Zalewski lives on a 100 acre farm with Jeff, 5 dogs, 35 chickens, and 4 goats.  You can learn more about Paws Above here. 

Introducing... Animal Magnetism

I’m the worst kind of blogger—the absentee kind.  Despite turning my life into an open book with Golden Boy:  How to raise a dog all wrong . . . and end up all right, I have trouble choking out a few words here on a regular basis.  

So I’ve come up with a new strategy:  I’ll turn this space over to other people more often.  Most of you are animal lovers, like me, and you’re probably just as hungry for information.  I’ve been lucky enough to run into a lot of interesting people in the past couple of years who know way more about animals than I do.  Some of them have agreed to post here—trainers, breeders, groomers, walkers, and cool “regular” people.  If we ask lots of questions, maybe they’ll stick around, and others will join.  

I don’t want this to be a huge amount of work for anyone.  I’ll try to stick to 5 questions, and I’ll throw in a proofread and polish, so no one gets page-fright.  It’s not about fine writing; it’s about sharing stories and information.  

Tomorrow, we’ll welcome our first guest.  In the meantime, I’ll fire a double shot of 10 questions at myself... just because I can!  

How often will you post?

Twice a week, minimum.  More often, if people raise their hands to volunteer.  If you have an area of interest or expertise, please send me an e-mail. 

What are you going to cover?

Anything goes, as long as it’s pet-related.  I’m hoping it won’t be all-dog, all-the-time.  I, for one, would love to read more about cats, rabbits, chickens, horses and goats.  I even have a goat-owner on call. It’s good to be connected! 

The format is a work-in-progress.  I’m thinking of “Meet the Breed Monday,” “Trainer Tuesday/Thursday,” and “Top Five Friday,” where owners tell us what they love most about their pets.  We can do round ups of some of our favorite products, books, and websites. 

How can people help?

Comment.  Ask our guests questions.  Suggest topics.  Connect me to friends in high places with pet knowledge to spare.  Please subscribe to the blog, and share, share, share!  I barely know my way around Facebook, so I’ll need help to get the word out.  

My ghostwriter

Can you promise comedy?

Yes!  With Riggs, Mabel and Rufus as muses, it’s inevitable.   

What about romance?  

You know me so well!  I’m a sucker for romance and I’m already scheming about how to work it in.  I know I can do it.  

Will there be prizes?  (I mean real prizes, not free copies of Golden Boy.)

Very funny.  I’ll see what I can do.  

How often will you be casually dropping Golden Boy into the conversation? 

Aside from today, no more than twice a month.  Beyond that, I expect public sanction. 

Why take on extra work?  Shouldn’t you be writing books? Hey... is this a sneaky procrastination technique?

That’s three questions, but I’ll indulge you.     

First, Animal Magnetism gives me a chance to profile some knowledgeable people who deserve more attention.

Second, I get to ask all the questions I want answers to, even the stupid ones.  I love learning about animals and this gives me a chance to pester experts in the name of public education. 

And third, yes, I should be writing my next book.  This is one of my more creative stalling techniques.  Thank you for pointing it out. 

The real deal

Is that Riggs’ butt in the blog banner above?

Actually, it's his butt-double.  While Riggs technically has a much nicer tail, it’s usually matted and full of burrs.  

What’s happening next?

Tomorrow we’ll meet our first guest—a talented trainer who’s agreed to be one of our trainers-in-residence here at Animal Magnetism.  See you then!