wrapping paper photoshoot trend but anxious dog

Okay, so I finally caved and tried the viral dog wrapping paper photoshoot trend with my fur baby! You know the one – where your adorable pup peeks out of torn wrapping paper, looking all cute and goofy? My dog, bless his heart, is a bit on the anxious side, so I knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park. But, armed with treats and a lot of patience, we gave it a shot, and honestly, the results were hilarious and totally worth it for some silly dog photos! If you're thinking of trying this dog wrapping paper photoshoot trend, especially with a dog like mine who gets a little nervous, here are my top tips and what I learned: 1. Pick the Right Wrapping Paper: This is crucial! Make sure it's not too thick or rough, and ideally, choose paper without glitter or small plastic bits that could be ingested. I started with some festive green wrapping paper with white Christmas trees for a holiday vibe, and then switched to some bright birthday cake wrapping paper for extra fun. Make sure it’s plain paper, no toxic inks. 2. Create a Safe & Calm Space: This was key for my anxious pup. I set up in a quiet corner of the living room, away from distractions. I laid out a blanket first, then the paper, so he had a familiar, soft spot. Give them time to sniff around and get comfortable with the new 'prop'. 3. Patience is Your Best Friend: Seriously, you can't rush this. My dog wasn't immediately keen on sticking his head through a hole. I started by just letting him walk over the paper, then gently encouraged him to sniff a treat placed behind a small tear I made. The goal is to make it a positive experience, not a stressful one. 4. The 'Tear' Technique: Don't expect your dog to artfully tear the paper themselves. I pre-cut a small, dog-head-sized hole. Then, I'd hold a treat on the other side to encourage him to poke his nose through. Once his head was through, that's when the magic happened! Sometimes he'd lick a wooden spoon I was holding with peanut butter to get him to stay still for a second (just like in some of my favorite inspo photos!). 5. Embrace the Silly & Imperfect: Not every shot will be perfect, and that's okay! Some of my favorite photos are the ones where he looks a little bewildered, or where his tongue is comically sticking out. Those are the truly silly dog photos that capture his personality. Don't force expressions; capture what naturally happens. And if your dog looks anxious, that’s part of the story! 6. Keep Sessions Short & Sweet: We did three short sessions, maybe 5-10 minutes each, with plenty of breaks and playtime in between. As soon as I saw signs of stress (lip-licking, yawning, turning away), we stopped. Rewards weren't just treats; they were also belly rubs and cuddles. 7. Post-Photoshoot Rewards: Always end on a high note! A favorite toy, a long walk, or an extra special treat. This helps them associate the 'photoshoot' with good things, making it easier if you want to try it again. Even with an anxious dog, this trend can be so much fun and result in some truly unique and adorable pictures. It’s all about understanding your dog’s limits and making it a positive, enjoyable experience for them. Give it a try, and share your own silly dog photos!