Unleashing Potential: Zoom Room Williamsburg Talks All Things Dog Training

It is no surprise that I love Zoom Room Williamsburg! From basic puppy training to advanced scent work, they continue to surpass expectation. Since I am a “ask all the questions” type person (sorry to anyone in class with me), I asked the trainers to answer a few questions about some of the basics of dog training. Enjoy!

  1. What are the first commands you recommend teaching dogs?

    Our very first command that we always start with is how to gain your dogs focus by using name game - before commands we recommend getting them into any early socialization class as soon as you can.

  2. Do I need to consider my dog’s breed while training?

    Yes - genetics go into play when training your dog. Genetics play a role in motivation and drive levels - considering your dog's genetics is important not only important while training but also before bringing the new fur friend into your home.

  3. How much time should I dedicate to training per day? 

    Training should be short and frequent - we recommend a few short sessions throughout the day. 

  4. How do I stop my dog from jumping on people?

    Reinforcement is what continues any behavior - not reinforcing the behavior (ex. talking to, looking at, or moving) when your dog jumps is always our step 1! Impulse control is also an important step to distinguishing the behavior. 

  5. What should I do if my dog pulls on the leash each time we walk? 

    First. reevaluate what you are walking your dog on; this plays a large role in the reinforcement that pulling gives your dog naturally. This is through a reaction they experience called opposition reflex. Dogs don't know how to walk on leash by genetics, this is something we must train by working on skills such as heel with distractions.

Thank you to Zoom Room Williamsburg for sharing their knowledge with us!

Williamsburg | Zoom Room Dog Training

Read More
Editing Tips, Before & After, Pet Photography Nicole Moyer Editing Tips, Before & After, Pet Photography Nicole Moyer

🐾 Before & After: The Power of Editing in Pet Photography

Pet photography is all about capturing the spirit, personality, and quirks of our furry friends. But, capturing the moment is only half the job. The other half happens after the session—during editing, where raw images are refined into stunning portraits.

In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes to show how editing enhances your pet’s personality, corrects distractions, and transforms good images into gallery-worthy art.

🐾 Why Editing Matters in Pet Photography

Pets don’t pose like people. They move quickly, get distracted easily, and often have unique fur textures, colors, or eye reflections that can challenge even the best camera settings.

Editing isn’t about making pets look “perfect”—it’s about making the image feel real, intentional, and emotionally resonant. Here's what post-processing allows us to do:

  • Correct lighting or exposure issues

  • Remove distractions in the background

  • Bring out detail in fur and eyes

  • Adjust color tones for warmth and clarity

  • Enhance mood or style (e.g., soft, dreamy, vibrant, dramatic)

🐕 Wrapping Up: Editing is Art, Not Deception

Some people worry that editing "fakes" a photo, but in pet photography, it's all about enhancing reality, not replacing it. A well-edited photo still reflects the real pet—just with the distractions removed and their personality front and center.

Whether it’s removing a leash, adjusting fur color to match real life, or bringing light into a shadowy eye, editing is an essential part of telling your pet’s story in the most beautiful way possible.

🐾 Ready to book a session?

Or curious about how your pet's photos can be brought to life through editing?
Let’s chat!

Read More

Moments in Focus

black lab puppy walking toward camera
black puppy sitting on a brick path

Meet Hummus!

(Yes…best name ever!)

Hummus is a sweet black lab puppy. He is currently being trained for a very important job!

black lab sitting in working dog vest

Hummus is a part of Canine Companions in Williamsburg, VA.

[Canine Companions] “provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings.”

cute black lab puppy holding a leaf and looking up

Hummus is being trained by the amazing @raising.puppies (IG). This is the third dog in training that I have photographed with @raising.puppies. Hummus will stay in his current home for about 18 months and then will move on to the next stage of training. I am lucky enough to be able to photograph Hummus again at 18 months and see how he has grown.

black lab puppy in grass playing with a stick

Fun Fact…Hummus is the son of the last dog I photographed for @raising.puppies…Gage. We also photographed Gage as a pup and at 18 months.

Check out Gage’s puppy images at the end of this post.

black lab in working dog vest sitting and looking up

The type of job Hummus will hold will be determined when he is older. Now he is just focusing on learning great puppy manners!

Visit https://canine.org/about/who-we-are/ for more info on Canine Companions!

*Top Row: Gage

*Bottom Row: Hummus

Follow us on social media @sweetelliephotos or send me a note here

Follow Hummus @raising.puppies

Follow Canine Companions @canineorg

Read More