Your dog must be familiar with jumping jumps, specifically at regulation competition height. While dogs that compete in sports other than agility CAN do powder sessions, these are generally suggested to be running shots. This can be challening for the dogs to do and so jumping is not something they need to be worried about. If your dog is jumping preferred, the form would look best at their regular height, so keep that in mind before you book. No dog is required to jump any specific jump height, but the form is much better at shoulder height. Your dog should be clean, but NOT bathed in the last couple of days. This allows the natural oils in the dog's coat to be there to help repel the powder, allowing you to clean the dog up easier. You will need a holder/helper for the dog, even if the dog has a good stay. This person will apply the powder and keep the dog from shaking prior to take off. We can trade off helping at the event, but expect to get there 30 minutes before your shoot and stay 30 minutes after the shoot to help others if you do require a helper from the event. Your dog should be comfortable in strange environments and with strangers holding them. We want the dog happy, focused forward and eager to take the jump in order to get the best possible image.

Important Information about Powder Sessions

There will be several 'practice' sessions before we apply the powder. This allows me to assess the dog's jumping style and make any necessary changes to the jump set up to make sure I capture the best possible pose. The colored powder I use is non-toxic ingredients and safe to use with your dogs. However, like all powder, it’s best to avoid inhaling it. We take every precaution to avoid this such as shooting with lots of ventilation, only ever cuing forward momentum, and keeping powder behind the head at all times. Keep your dog away from ALL forms of moisture. Wet grass, splashes from a water bowl, even excess panting can cause the powder to stick to the dog in unflattering ways. Understand the powder is an organic thing. You can definitely communicate with the person powdering the dog to put more or less on the dog, but powder does what it wants to do:).

During the Shoot

You will get dirty, and your dog(s) may be dyed for weeks after the session. Do not plan to compete in conformation/obedience/rally within a few weeks of our session, as your dog may be excused from the ring. The best way to remove the pigment afterward is a high velocity dryer. I will have one at each session. Do not bathe your dog until you've removed as much powder as possible from the coat via other means. Water may make the pigment hold more fast. Use of show sheen before the session can help with removal of the powder during the session. Some colors hold tighter than others...orange has been particularly challenging to get out in the past. After the shoot, using Dawn dishwashing liquid and then a whitening shampoo (I recommend Quick Silver) can help to wash the powder out with less staining.

After the shoot