#30 Be Prepared
Pugs move quickly so be prepared to shoot at all times.
Continuous Shooting
If available on your camera, use continuous shooting mode to make it easier to capture pictures of your pugs in action.
More Tips:
#29 Action Shots II
Use your familiarity with your pug to your advantage to predict your pug’s next move.
#28 Action Shots
Leave room in the frame to account for your pug’s movement when taking action shots.
#27 Camera Distractions
Turn off any camera noises that may be distracting to your pug. Many digital cameras emulate shutter sounds and other camera noises. These noises may distract your pug.
#26 Blurring
Use a tripod or a stable object to steady your position and prevent your pictures from coming out blurry.
#25 Portraits
For portraits that pop, position fawn pugs against darker backgrounds and black pugs against lighter backgrounds.
#24 “Blue Eye”
When using your camera’s flash, avoid “blue eye”, the equivalent to “red eye” in humans, by not having your pug look directly into the camera.
#23 Don’t Get Frustrated
Pugs don’t always want to pose for the camera. If your pug is distracted or more interested in other things take a break and take pictures at a later time when your pug is more cooperative.
#22 Familiar Setting
Take pictures of your pug in places where he or she has been before and is comfortable and not distracted. Your pug will be more relaxed and you will be able to capture better photos.
#21 Experiment
Have fun when taking photos of your pug and try new techniques and unique ways to frame your pug such as extreme closeups, unusual camera angles, distinct lighting, etc.
#20 Photo Sessions II
If you pug is not used to being photographed, treat photo sessions similar to training sessions. Be patient and use repetition and rewards to get your pug familiar with the concept of photo sessions.
#19 Photo Sessions
Make photo sessions short and fun so your pug does not get bored.
#18 Personality
Capture your pug’s personality in your photos. Take pictures of your pug doing their favorite things.
#17 Use Your Zoom
Don’t let your pug know they are being photographed. Stand back and use your camera’s zoom to capture a precious shot.
#16 Portraits
When in a controlled environment, remove your pug’s collar or harness to capture natural portrait shots.
#15 Have Fun
Taking photos of your pug should be fun and relaxing. Have fun while shooting and it will show in your pictures.
#14 Extra Hands
When shooting posed shots of your pug, have someone pose and position your pug while you take the pictures. This way you will be ready to capture anything that occurs and your job as a photographer will be a bit easier.
#13 Action Shots
To capture great action shots, use a fast shutter speed and a tripod or other stable surface to steady your camera.
#12 Framing
Experiment with how you frame your pug in photos. Take shots where your pug is not directly centered in the photograph.
#11 Keeping your pug’s interest
Make noises or gestures to keep your pug intrigued and capture an inquisitive shot.
#10 Toys & Treats
Use toys and treats to keep your pug alert and focused on you while you are photographing your pug.
#09 Camera Settings
Adjust your camera settings to account for the type of picture you are taking. Use the appropriate settings for outdoor pictures, action shots, nighttime photos and indoor pictures.
#08 Understand How Your Camera Works
High-end cameras are not necessary to capture wonderful photos of your pug. Instead all you need is your existing camera and an understanding of how it works. Get familiar with all those buttons on your digital camera and learn how to take full advantage of your camera’s features.
#07 Be Ready
You can’t always predict when your pug is going to do something adorable. Keep your camera in an easy to access spot and make sure your camera is always loaded with film. Or if you use a digital camera make sure your camera’s batteries are charged and the memory card is loaded.
#06 Blue Eye
The camera flash causes humans to get that dreaded “red-eye” and the camera flash causes our pugs to get “blue-eye”. To avoid “blue-eye” use your camera’s flash only when absolutely necessary and when using the flash don’t have your pug look directly into the camera.
#05 Proper Lighting
Make use of natural light when shooting your photographs. Use your camera’s flash only when absolutely necessary.
#04 Take Lots of Pictures
The perfect shot is usually not captured by only snapping just one picture. Take multiple pictures and then choose the one that comes out best. If you are using a digital camera, take more shots than you will ever need. You can easily delete the pictures that don’t turn out as good as you would like.
#03 Look at what is in the background
Ever take a picture where someone had a tree branch or some other object growing out of their head? Before taking your picture, look at what is in the background of your photo. While we don’t always have complete control of the background of our pictures do your best keep the background as uncluttered as possible.
#02 Get to know the camera
Before you start snapping shots of your pug let your pug get to know the camera. Allow your pug to smell it and get your pug used to the noises the camera makes. Once your pug is familiar with the camera it will be less likely to run up to you every time you bring the camera out.
#01 Get on your pug’s level
When photographing your pug, get on your pug’s level. Don’t be afraid to get down on your belly and start snapping shots. If you are not the type to roll around on the floor to capture that perfect shot, bring your pug up to your level. Use a table top or something similar to get on a more equal level with your pug.
#30 Long Walks
When planning long walks, take into consideration how hard your pug must work to keep up with you. For every step we take our pugs must take 3 or 4 steps. During the summer months, all these extra steps quickly add up and your pug can quickly become over heated.
#29 First aid kits
Always have a dog first aid kit available when traveling or going on walks in wooded areas. Having the kit with you will enable you to quickly treat any injury that may occur.
#28 Heat Exhaustion
If your pug becomes overheated, immediately bring them inside or to a shady area. Encourage them to drink water and apply cool, not cold, compresses to the back of their necks and on their belly. If your pug vomits or becomes unable to stand take them to the vet immediately.
#27 Cool Treat - Popsicle
On hot summer days treat your pug to a couple of bites of a popsicle. Be cautious not to give your pug too much though as most popsicles are high in sugar
#26 Car Rides
When your pug takes car trips with you, keep him cool by riding with the air conditioner on. On hot days, riding with the windows down is not always enough to keep your pug cool.
#25 Ears
Keep your pug’s ears clean and be sure to inspect them every now and then to make sure they are not infected and they do not have mites.
#24 Boating
If your pug is the adventurous type and likes to go boating with you be sure to have a leash on board and keep your pug under your control at all times. Having a doggie life vest on the boat as well will help to keep your pug safe.
#23 Waterplay Collars / Harnesses
If your pug likes to swim or get wet consider having an extra collar or harness for water related activities. Saltwater takes a toll and easily damages collars and leashes. Plus, if not dried properly these items will mildew.
#22 Shots
Make sure you pug is up to date on all its shots. This is not only important during the summer months, but all year long.
#21 Bee Stings & Bug Bites
Talk to your vet about the best way to treat any bee stings or bug bites that your pug might get from being outside this summer. Some pugs are much more sensitive than others and may have stronger reactions to things like mosquito bites and bites from other summertime critters. Make sure that you have the medication that your veterinarian prescribes on hand around the house and while traveling.
#20 Cool Treat - Frozen Yogurt
If making a stop at the ice cream shop, consider getting a kid size dish of frozen yogurt for your pug. Remember to avoid any flavors that have chocolate in them.
#19 Pesticides & Fertilizers
Spring and early summer is when many people take to the yard and apply pesticides and fertilizers. On walks, keep an eye out for freshly treated lawns and be sure to keep your pug away from the newly treated grass.
#18 Travel
If you are traveling with your pug, be sure to locate Veterinarians that are near your destination. If your pug becomes sick or gets injured knowing the locations of the closest veterinarians can save you precious time.
#17 Sunglasses
If you pug will allow it, consider protecting your pug’s bulging eyes with doggie sunglasses or goggles. They are a great investment if your pug likes ride in the car with his head out the window.
#16 Car Safety
It may be tempting to let your pug ride in the car with its head out of the window, but be aware that your pug’s eyes could easily get dirt and other particles in them. Remember pugs have buggy eyes and they can easily be damaged.
#15 Checking for Fleas and Ticks
During the summer your pug will likely be outside more often so be sure to regularly check your pug for fleas and ticks. When doing your inspection don’t forget to check your pug’s paws, belly and underarms.
#14 Fleas and Ticks
Protect your pug from fleas and ticks by using a topical treatment. Ask your veterinarian which flea and tick product will work the best for your pug.
#13 Cool Treat - Peanut Butter Ice Cubes
If your pug is a peanut butter fan she will love this cool treat on a hot summer day. Take an ice cube tray and put a small dab of peanut butter in each spot in the tray. Fill the tray with water and freeze the cubes. Once frozen, your pug will have an ice cube with a peanut butter filling. The smell of the peanut butter will keep your pug interested in licking the melting ice. A great treat that cools and hydrates your pug at the same time.
#12 Wrinkles
Keep your pug’s wrinkles extra clean. During the summer months, the hot weather causes moisture to build up in the wrinkles. You want to keep your pug’s wrinkles clean and as dry as possible prevent any infections or yeast from forming.
#11 Saltwater
On warm days while swimming in the ocean your pug may be tempted to drink the saltwater. Don’t let your puggie drink too much seawater, though. There is a good chance it will make him sick. Instead, make sure you have plenty of fresh water on hand.
#10 Beware of tides
If your pug is swimming in the ocean or a river be aware of the tide or current. Swimming is hard work for a pug and a strong tide may be too much for him to handle.
#09 Doggie Life vests
To help ensure your pug’s safety while swimming, consider using a doggie life vest. Life vests help your pug stay afloat and many vests have handles that can be used to easily pull your pug out of the water.
#08 Swimming Safety
If your pug likes to swim, make sure he doesn’t overdo it. Swimming makes uses of a lot of your pug’s muscles and after a few minutes of swimming your pug can easily become exhausted.
#07 Pamper your pug’s paws
When taking walks during the day remember that asphalt and sidewalks can get pretty hot. Make sure the surface you are walking on is not too hot for your pug’s paws.
#06 Cool Treats - Frozen Kong
One way to help keep your pug cool during the summer months is to spoil them with cool treats. One of my favorites, is a frozen Kong. To create this treat, plug up the small hole at the end of the Kong and then fill the Kong with one of your pug’s favorite liquids. I mainly use water as my pugs love ice cubes. Then freeze the Kong. Once frozen, give your pug the Kong and they can enjoy licking the stuffing from the Kong as the special filling melts.
#05 Water Related Activities
If your pug enjoys water, beat the heat by doing various water activities. Take your pug swimming, get out the hose or setup a sprinkler. The water will keep you and your pug cool and will give you both a chance to safely enjoy the warm weather.
#04 Taking Walks
To beat the heat on a hot summer day, try to find a route to walk that includes plenty of shade. Shaded paths will help to keep both you and your pug cool while walking. Also try to go on your normal walks in the early morning or in the evening when the sun is not as strong.
#03 Sunscreen
Sunscreen for dogs? It does sound odd, but believe it or not dogs can get sunburned too. The most sensitive spots on dogs are their noses, the tips of their ears and their bellies. Breeds with short hair are also more likely to burn than breeds with longer coats. So if you are going to be out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time, remember to take precautions to prevent your pug from getting sunburned.
#02 Fresh Water
Make sure you have plenty of fresh water available. During the warm weather your pug will drink more water and your water bowl filling routine will likely change. With 3 pugs, I am sometimes surprised how quickly they can empty a water bowl when it is warm outside.
#01 Car Safety
Sure, your pug may love car rides but when the weather starts to get warm leaving your pug in the car becomes extremely dangerous. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to an extremely dangerous level in a matter of minutes.
