5 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of Your Dog

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Ammo

It’s no secret that I love having my photo taken. It’s been years and years of practice to get these super model moves down pat!

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

And while I’m pretty much a pro infront of the lens, I do have a mom who’s got a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to capturing adorable shots of yours truly. So I thought it would be fun to pick her brain, and share some tips on how you can capture some great pictures like these of your own pets!

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of Your Dog:

1. Have Amazing Treats

Ammo the Dachshund - Pony Cookie - Howl Naturale

Until you find that amazing treat (or meat) that makes your dog do back flips, you’re not going to get them to be interested in your photo session. Good treats go a long way, and if your dog is willing to do anything to get them, then you might just get that shot you were looking for.

2. Get Down Low

Winter on the Farm // Ammo the Dachshund

Dogs aren’t that big (well unless maybe you have a great dane), so getting yourself on the floor and down to the dog’s level is going to give you a better picture every time.

3. Practice “Waiting”

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Teaching your dog commands such as “wait” (my term for stay put and don’t move) is only going to help you get that amazing picture. Using positive reinforcement and some yummy treats practice asking your dog to hold still for pictures.

4. Let Your Dog Be a Dog

Barkbox Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

As fun as some of the posed shots are, it’s even more fun for your dog just to play and be themselves. Some of the best shots come from letting your dog do their own thing and being there to capture the moment (or the mess).

5. Prop Up Your Pet

Purple Possum Dachshund Scarf Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Have a squirmy dog that won’t sit still? Prop them up on something high (and safe) so they don’t have room to roam. This will keep you from chasing your dog all over trying to snag a photo.

A Day at the Beach // Ammo the Dachshund

And there you have it, 5 tips to grabbing shots of your pet like a pro! Above all else, make picture time fun for your dog and I’m sure you’ll get that photograph! There’s many more where that came from, if you liked my mom’s tips for photographing pets let me know in the comments below and perhaps I’ll share some more soon!

P.S. if you’re wondering what camera gear my mom uses to photograph me, be sure to check out my gear page!

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 1

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Ammo

Dogs tend to sleep between 12 – 14 hours a day, and considering that makes up the majority of our day, we sometimes have to get a little creative with our napping spots. It could get quite boring if you slept the same way hour after hour, so I like to vary it up a little each time. So here’s a collection of some of my favorite ways to take a nap throughout the day!

Oh the Places You Sleep // Ammo the Dachshund - Dog - Nap

As you see this could go on and on forever – but then I wouldn’t get any naps in!

What’s your dog’s favorite place to sleep? And if you need any new ones to add to your dog’s resume, check out my post of creative napping spots at work.

Photographer’s Muse

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Ammo

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

For Christmas my mom got some new photography gear – mainly some fun studio lights that we can mess around with.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I volunteered my services immediately as super model while she practices getting better at using the lighting. I’m so helpful like that.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Only eventually I noticed that I wasn’t the only subject she was photographing (the horror!) as items for mom’s business began to take center stage.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Don’t worry though, because I know just how to get the attention back to me!

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

It’s called sad puppy eyes…and you could totally learn a thing or two from me in that department.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

And when all else fails, flop on the floor and throw a temper tantrum. WORKS LIKE A CHARM.

P.S. want to shop for these fun photo mats and more, check out my mom’s online shop! And sorry, adorable photos of me aren’t included.

Spring Bark and Where I’m Headed Next

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Ammo

I’ve got some exciting news! Recently I found out that I’m a finalist in the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards for the Best Dog Blog & Best Pet Blog Photo.

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

It’s enough to make me feel like a celebrity!

What makes the Nose-to-Nose awards a little different is that this is the only pet industry awards on which pet bloggers and micro-bloggers are judged on the expertise, performance, and creativity of their blog. Each category is judged by a distinguished panel of professionals, and not by popular vote. So don’t worry I won’t be begging for votes (not that I’ve ever been a fan of that anyway), now begging for cookies, that’s another story!

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

Oh gosh, I can just feel the love!

The best part is that winners will be revealed in an exclusive red carpet ceremony at the BlogPaws Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee at the end of May.

My Bags are Packed // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m already excitedly making some plans so I can hopefully take a week-long road trip to attend the event. Which is great news for you too, because that means when I get back from my trip I’ll have a whole SLEW of adventures to share with you! You know, like where the best trees to pee on in Tennessee are, and what kind of squirrels they have in Virginia….the important stuff.

Nashville, Tenessee - Road Trip // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you know of any great dog friendly spots that I can stop and see on my road trip in a couple of months let me know in the comments below! I can’t wait!

AND THAT’S NOT ALL….

Details below are brought to you by Barkbox and contain affiliate links. But don’t worry, all opinions are entirely my own and I wouldn’t be telling you about Barkbox if I didn’t love them as much as I do!

If that weren’t enough good news…..I’ve got even more! Barkbox is having a Spring Bark Celebration this month with some extra goodies just for you! Woohoo #SpringBark2015

Spring Bark! SAVE BIG at Barkbox with code AMMO5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Use code AMMO5 on any new Barkbox subscription from now until March 15th and you’ll receive 1 FREE MONTH + get an additional month FREE FOR A FRIEND! (Because Spring Bark is more fun with friends!).

Spring Bark! SAVE BIG at Barkbox with code AMMO5 // Ammo the Dachshund

And let me tell you, a subscription to Barkbox is enough to give your pup a total #springbarkhangover!

I’ll catch you all later after I recover from my Barkbox hangover!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Ammo

Happy Valentine's Day // Ammo the Dachshund

I just wanted to pop in today to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for following along with all of my daily adventures, leaving me lovely comments, and just generally being awesome! It’s enough to make a dog blush!

Happy Valentine's Day // Ammo the Dachshund

So I’m sending virtual puppy dog kisses and happy tail wags your way! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with love…..and maybe a few cookies too!

P.S. if you’re still looking for a sweet little treat for the love of your life (aka your dog) make sure you swing by Barkbox. Today is the last day to snag a subscription for a crazy 14% OFF with code AMMO5 – plus you’ll get an awesome set of FREE BARKTATS! Don’t delay! #sponsored

12 Days of Cheer! Ammo’s Holiday Card

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Ammo

Hooray! My 2014 Holiday Card has made it’s way to my online shop along with all my other designs from years past.

12 Days of Cheer! Ammo's 2014 Holiday Card // Ammo the Dachshund

This year I decided to do my own rendition of the classic Christmas song, Jingle Bells.

12 Days of Cheer! Ammo's 2014 Holiday Card // Ammo the Dachshund

Why don’t you sing along with me,

Dashing through the snow
In a one-dog wooden sled
O’er the fields we go
Barking all the way
Bells on collars ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and bark
At all the neighbors tonight!

Happy Holidays!

12 Days of Cheer! Ammo's 2014 Holiday Card // Ammo the Dachshund

Now I’m sure you probably think I’m a total pro behind the camera (which yea, I sort of am), but it actually takes me quite a few tries to get that one perfect shot for my holiday card every year. And as I’m sure every super model has outtakes just like me, I thought it would be fun to share a few of mine….

12 Days of Cheer! Ammo's 2014 Holiday Card // Ammo the Dachshund

And lets just say there is dozens more where that came from. So as you can see creating my spectacularly cheery holiday card each year is no easy task – it’s an art I tell you! An art that I’m still perfecting even after 6 years of “modeling”.

So if you’d like to shop my spectacular awesome holiday card you can check it out in my online shop – it comes in singles and 8 card sets for all your happy mail sending needs!

12 Days of Cheer! Come Celebrate with Ammo!

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Ammo

12 Days of Cheer! // Ammo the Dachshund

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, it’s one of my favorite times of the year! Starting today it’s my 12 Days of Cheer Celebration! What is the 12 Days of Cheer you ask? Why only the most awesome, spectacular, fantastic celebration of all things Holiday on the internet!

12 Days of Cheer! // Ammo the Dachshund

So grab ahold of your best Santa hat (which it may be helpful if you can at least see with it on) and join me for 12 days (monday through friday) as I celebrate all things Christmas! I’ve got fantastic giveaways, holiday gift guides, Christmas adventures, DIY’s and so much more!

12 Days of Cheer! // Ammo the Dachshund

And be sure to check back often, as I’ll be posting sometimes twice a day! I can’t wait to celebrate the 12 Days of Cheer with you!

New in the Shop! 2015 Dachshund Calendar & Adventure Stamp Set

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Ammo

With the gift giving season upon us, I’m so excited to share some new products that I’ve added to my online shop! These are going to be perfect gifts for all the dog lovers out there!

First up is my 2015 Calendar! Chocked full of adorable photos of yours truly, it’s sure to make the countdown until summer that much more enjoyable.

The perfect size for hanging in your office, your cubicle, your fridge, or every room in your house!

Shop my 2015 Calendar now for $17!

Next we have my brand new Super Dog Stamp Set!

Made in collaboration with my friends at Paper Sushi, this adorable set comes in a ready to gift box with a mini stamp pad and three cute rubber stamps.

You can shop my Super Dog Stamp set for $28!

Check out all the lovely handmade items in my shop this holiday season, and help to support a small business. I also donate a portion of my sales to the animal rescues (LAPS, SPCA, Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue) each year!