With their playful personalities and loving natures, dogs are so much more than just a pet—they're a member of the family. And that means including them in family activities and celebrations such as parties, weekend getaways, and more. Plus, by including your pup in your daily activities and special occasions, you'll have plenty of opportunities for having some adorable photos taken of you together.

There are plenty of ways to include your dog, so today I'm sharing some of my favorite ways to make memories together. Take a look at the list below for a dose of inspiration.

Puppy Party

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Birthday parties aren't just for humans anymore. Now you can plan a puppy party celebration for your dog and their favorite friends! You can make it as simple or extravagant as you want, with decorations, dog-friendly treats, and plenty of toys. This is a great way to have your dog interact and play with others while celebrating their birthday too.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

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Before going out to eat, check with the restaurant to see if they're pet-friendly. If so, your pup can tag along and join in on the fun! There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants out there, just remember to check beforehand to make sure it's okay to bring them.

Beach Trips

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Taking your pup to the beach with you is a great way to let them get out and explore. To keep them entertained, try bringing toys such as a tennis ball or frisbee, and don't forget a leash and plenty of clean drinking water. And remember to check beforehand if the beach is pet-friendly.

Hiking

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Hiking is another great way to have your pup get some fresh air, exercise, and explore. Before you start the hike, remember to pack a leash, snacks, and lots of water for the both of you. And of course, don't forget your camera to snap plenty of cute photos.

Special Life Events

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When a milestone event happens in your life such as an engagement, wedding, or pregnancy announcement, it's easy to let your dog in on the fun. Have them dress for the part, or include a sign with a sweet message.

Charity Events

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So many of us are drawn to spending time with dogs, so including yours with any charity events you're participating in is a great way to spread the love for your pup all around. A couple of cute ideas include donations for tricks or kisses.

Holidays

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When the holidays roll around, be sure to get your dog in on the fun! Include them in your family Halloween costumes, Christmas card photos, and Easter egg hunt. There are plenty of ways to have them participate and you're almost guaranteed to get some great photos, too.

I truly believe that dogs are members of the family, and including them in as many big and small moments in your life is such a blessing. I hope I've inspired you to have them join in on as much fun as possible and would love to help take the photos of your dreams no matter what the occasion.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out a few of my other posts, such as Why Your Dog Needs to Be in the Your Photoshoot + 12 Photo Ideas, The Number One Reason for a Photoshoot, or Authentic Memories and Epic Moments.

I can't wait to meet you and help you document some of your favorite memories.

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