From Sit to Superstar: Teaching Your Dog “Lay Down,” “Paw,” and “High Five”
Advanced Tricks to Add Character to Your Pawesome Pawtraits Session
At Pawesome Pawtraits, we know the magic isn’t just in the lighting or the lens—it’s in the connection between you and your dog. That’s why we love when pups come to their session with a few fun tricks up their paw! After your dog has learned “sit” and “stay,” adding commands like “lay down,” “paw,” and “high five” not only builds your bond but gives us even more to capture in your portraits.
Whether your dog is eager to perform or just enjoys learning at their own pace, these next-level commands are simple to teach with a bit of time, consistency, and a pocketful of treats.
Matilda the Weimaraner in our Cambridge dog photography studio.
✅ Trick 1: Lay Down
Why it helps in photos: This relaxed posture creates a calm, natural look—especially lovely for soulful close-ups or storytelling lifestyle shots.
How to teach it:
Start with your dog in a sit position.
Hold a treat near their nose, then slowly lower your hand straight down to the floor, guiding between their front paws.
As they follow the treat down, gently move it forward along the ground to encourage their body to stretch out.
The moment their elbows and chest touch the ground, say “Down” and reward.
Repeat in short sessions and gradually introduce the cue word earlier in the movement.
🐾 Studio Tip: “Down” can be a perfect pose for studio-style headshots or heartwarming family portraits with your dog nestled at your feet.
✅ Trick 2: Paw (Shake)
Why it helps in photos: This interactive pose is adorable—and adds charm and personality. Great for close-ups or candid bonding moments.
How to teach it:
Ask your dog to sit.
Hold a treat in your hand and gently tap or lift one of their front paws.
As soon as the paw leaves the ground, say “Paw” and offer the treat.
Repeat until your dog begins to offer their paw on their own.
Add the cue word earlier as they become more confident.
🐾 Pawesome Pointer: Use your non-treat hand to receive the paw—this creates a cute, cooperative image we can capture up close!
✅ Trick 3: High Five
Why it helps in photos: Playful and expressive, this trick adds a burst of personality to your dog’s session—and makes for fun, lighthearted images!
How to teach it:
Once your dog has mastered “Paw,” hold your hand upright (like a high five).
Say “High five!” just before they lift their paw, and gently tap their paw with your hand.
Reward immediately.
Over time, they’ll learn to hit your palm more deliberately when they hear the cue.
🐾 Picture Perfect: High five shots are fantastic for personality portraits, branding shoots (for dog influencers!), or just capturing your pup’s playful spirit.
🐶 Practice Makes Pawfect
Here’s how to get the most from your training:
Keep sessions short and upbeat (5–10 minutes)
Always reward effort, not just perfection
Use cheerful voice cues and positive reinforcement
Practice in a variety of settings to build confidence
📸 Why Tricks Matter in Portrait Photography
Tricks aren’t just for showing off—they help your dog feel engaged, focused, and proud. During your session with us in Cambridge, we use gentle direction, treats, and patience—but when your dog knows a few commands, we can capture even more variety, emotion, and character.
From a soulful lay down to a cheeky high five, every little trick helps tell your dog’s unique story.
Want to show off your dog’s best moves on camera?
Book a session with Pawesome Pawtraits today and let’s create a gallery of portraits that truly reflect your pup’s personality—tricks and all!
📍 Serving Cambridge and surrounding areas