Want to know how to include your furry best friend in your engagement photos?

Engagement shoots with dogs are on the rise. It's no surprise either. Dogs truly are a part of your family. From hogging the couch to cuddling on morning walks, they're there through it all.

But…

Unless you're prepared to take the perfect picture, your dog might end up ruining an otherwise amazing photo op.

Don't worry — this guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your pup is smiling (literally and figuratively) in your photos too.

Here's what we'll cover:

• Why You Should Include Your Dog

• Planning the Perfect Dog Engagement Photoshoot

• 5 Must-Know Tips For Taking Photos With Dogs

• Wedding Ring Tips For Photos With Dogs

Why You Should Include Your Dog

Dogs have a way of making your engagement photos extra special.

Candid emotions.

Think about it. When your dog randomly hops into your lap, or licks your face during breakfast... those are candid moments of happiness. Photographers love when dogs add random acts of cuteness into photos.

Plus, dogs are common in households. In fact, 51% of US households own a dog. That means 68 million dogs that could possibly ruin your engagement photos.

…but should definitely be in them.

Imagine your life without your dog…

From moving in together to vacationing in new cities, your dog has been there the entire time. Why wouldn't you want them involved in marking another momentous occasion?

They also help to relieve tension. Many couples aren't great in front of the camera. But toss a dog into the mix and suddenly, there's less pressure on the couple. Everyone's trying to look at the dog instead of what they look like. It works.

Whether you're wearing a simple solitaire or you found the perfect vintage ring by buying IGI certified engagement rings, dogs are a must-have for engagement photos.

Planning the Perfect Dog Engagement Photoshoot

Here's the secret to amazing engagement photos with your dog.

Plan for it!

The location is step one. Go somewhere your dog loves. Your favorite dog park, the beach, even your backyard works. Dogs tend to thrive in familiar locations. If you bring an anxious dog into a foreign place, you're begging for chaos.

One more thing before we let you loose with your pup…

Time of day matters more than you'd think.

Try to book your session around golden hour. The sun is at the perfect angle during this time for everyone in the photo. But also pay attention to when your dog tends to be more energetic. Book your session around that time.

Pro-tip: Bring someone with you to solely assist with your dog.

This person can hold the leash, have treats on hand to get your dog's attention and even help capture photos when it's just you and your SO.

One extra pair of hands will honestly do wonders for your shoot.

5 Must-Know Tips For Taking Photos With Dogs

Capturing the perfect photo with your dog isn't as hard as you think. Here are five tips that will make you look like a professional.

1. Let Your Dog Do Dog Things

Yes, you read that correctly.

Allowing your dog to roam free and do their favorite activities actually leads to the best photos. Sure, you can pose. But when your dog is wandering around, tasting the flowers or catching the frisbee... magic happens.

Photographers can capture unique moments when your dog is being themselves.

2. Have Treats Handy

Treats are like duct tape. They can solve almost any problem.

Use treats to grab your dog's attention. You can hold a treat near the camera to get your pup to look in the right direction. Just don't overdo it. You don't want your dog salivating over a piece of bacon more than actually listening.

3. Groom Your Dog Before The Photoshoot

Please just groom your dog.

There's nothing worse than looking at a beautiful engagement photo and noticing your dogs dirty paws. Take your dog to the groomers before the photo shoot. Brush their hair, trim their nails and even clip a cute little bow tie around their neck. It's the simple things.

4. Know Your Dogs Attention Span

Alright, now we're getting somewhere.

Remember the tip about letting your dog do dog things? This tip coincides with that thought. Don't force photos with your dog for too long. Know when your dog's attention is shifting from you and move on to solo shots with your SO.

You should aim to get your photos with your dog within the first 20 minutes of the photo session.

5. Coordinate With Your Dog In Mind

When choosing your outfits, think about your dog.

A darker shirt will pop against a Golden retriever. Where as a black lab looks incredible when paired with lighter, neutral colors. It's the little things like this that bring your photo together.

Wedding Ring Tips For Photos With Dogs

Ok, so this might seem like a weird thing to think about when preparing for photos with your dog. But bear with us…

Material, material, material.

Your ring is going to be front and center in many of your engagement photos. Because of this, certain materials will photograph better than others. Vintage rings specifically look incredible in photos.

Think about all the times you see a photo of a ring go viral. Nine times out of 10 that ring is on a dogs paw or the dog is laying next to your hand showing off the sparkler.

Natural outdoor lighting + the right ring + your favorite pup = the perfect engagement photo.

Setting the Trend

Taking engagement photos with your dog is more than just a trend. In fact, research shows that 20.87% of Generation Z couples will include pets on their wedding guest list. That's right around 1 in 5 couples!

And that number grows every year.

As humans are starting to treat their pets more like their children, it only makes sense that dogs would be included in engagement photos. After all, your engagement shoot is way more low-key than your wedding day.

No strict timeline. Fewer guests. And you get to spend quality time with your dog AND your significant other.

Wrapping Everything Up

Photos with dogs only require a couple things. Preparation, patience and allowing those natural candid moments to happen.

Just remember…

• Plan ahead by choosing a location your dog feels comfortable in.

• Book your photo shoot around when your dog is most active.

• Bring a friend to help specifically with your dog.

• Don't forget your pups best friend... treats!

• Allow your dog to only be a part of the shoot for around 20 minutes.

• Pick a ring that will photograph well.

With this info under your belt, you're sure to take photos that you'll want to cherish for a lifetime. Don't forget to include your furry best friend in those memories.