There’s something universally delightful about seeing our dogs do human things. Whether they’re ‘talking’ to us with their expressive groans or tilting their heads at a confusing sound, these moments are pure gold. But what if you could stage one of the most classic ‘hooman’ poses of all? We’re talking about the simple act of sitting in a chair. It sounds basic, but a chair is a magical prop that can transform your pup from a family pet into a CEO, a sophisticated scholar, or a lazy Sunday champion.
Getting your dog to sit in a chair isn’t just a cute trick; it’s a golden opportunity for a photoshoot that will have your friends and family howling with laughter. These photos capture your dog’s unique personality in the most unexpected and endearing ways. Before you start, remember the golden rule: make it fun! Ensure the chair is stable and safe, and use plenty of treats and praise to make your dog feel like the superstar they are. Ready to create some frame-worthy, hilarious memories? Here are five fantastic photo ideas to get you started.
The Distinguished Gentleman/Lady: A Portrait of Sophistication

The Distinguished Gentleman/Lady: A Portrait of Sophistication
This photo concept is all about capturing an air of refined elegance and intellectual prowess. The goal is to make your dog look like they’re about to dispense some profound wisdom or settle in for an evening of classical music and fine literature. The contrast between their goofy, lovable nature and the serious, sophisticated setting is where the comedy truly shines.
Setting the Scene
The perfect chair for this shot is a classic, handsome piece of furniture. Think of a leather wingback, a plush velvet armchair, or even a sturdy wooden reading chair. The location should feel like a study or a cozy library corner. Position the chair near a window to take advantage of soft, natural light, which adds a dramatic and professional quality to the portrait. You can also place a small side table next to the chair to hold additional props.
Essential Props
Props are key to selling the ‘distinguished’ look. Here are some ideas:
- Eyeglasses: A pair of reading glasses perched on the end of your dog’s nose is an absolute must. You can find novelty glasses online or use an old pair of your own.
- A Bowtie or Pearl Necklace: For the dapper gentleman, a smart bowtie adds a touch of class. For the sophisticated lady, a string of faux pearls draped around her neck is perfectly elegant.
- A Newspaper or Book: Prop open a newspaper (bonus points if it’s the business section!) or a thick, intellectual-looking book on your dog’s lap. It creates the illusion that you’ve just interrupted them during their morning read.
- A Pipe (Prop Only!): A bubble pipe or a non-toxic toy pipe placed gently in the corner of their mouth can add a hilarious, Sherlock Holmes-esque vibe.
Getting the Shot
Encourage your dog to sit upright. You might need to place a cushion behind them for support. The goal is to get a straight-on shot or a slight three-quarter angle. Get down on their level to make the portrait feel intimate and powerful. To get that perfect, thoughtful expression, hold a favorite treat just above the camera lens. Their focused gaze will translate into a serious, contemplative look in the photo. Take lots of shots to capture that one perfect moment of pure, accidental sophistication.
The CEO of the House: Taking Care of Business

The CEO of the House: Taking Care of Business
We all know who the real boss of the house is. This photo idea celebrates your dog’s top-dog status by placing them in the ultimate power position: behind a desk in an office chair. This shot is perfect for showcasing their take-charge personality and creating a hilarious commentary on the daily grind. It’s all about capturing the essence of a high-powered executive who just happens to have four legs and a tail.
Setting the Scene
Your home office is the ideal location. Use your own desk or set up a small table to serve as one. The star of the show is the office chair—a swivel chair is perfect for that classic corporate look. Clear the desk of unnecessary clutter, leaving only the essential props for your canine CEO. You want the focus to be on your dog and their very important work.
Essential Props
To build your dog’s corporate empire, you’ll need the right accessories:
- A Laptop or Keyboard: Position an old laptop or a separate keyboard on the desk so your dog can rest their paws on it, looking like they’re typing a very important email.
- A ‘World’s Best Boss’ Mug: A coffee mug with a funny slogan, placed strategically next to the laptop, adds a perfect touch of office humor.
- A Necktie: Loosely drape a necktie around your dog’s collar. A fun, patterned tie works best to enhance the comedic effect.
- A Toy Phone: Place a toy phone or an old cell phone near their paw, as if they’re about to close a major deal.
Getting the Shot
Position your dog in the chair so they are facing the desk. You may need to adjust the chair’s height or add cushions to get them at the right level. The best angle is often slightly from the side, capturing their profile as they ‘work’ at the computer. Try to elicit a serious or focused expression. You can do this by holding a treat near the laptop screen. The goal is to capture them looking intently at their ‘work.’ A shot of them looking over their shoulder at you, as if you’ve just interrupted a critical meeting, can also be priceless.
Expert Tip: Use a fast shutter speed! If your dog starts to play with the props or spin in the chair, you’ll be able to capture those spontaneous, funny moments without motion blur.
The Lazy Sunday Morning: All About Comfort

The Lazy Sunday Morning: All About Comfort
This photo captures a mood that every pet owner—and every pet—can relate to: the pure, unadulterated bliss of a lazy day with nothing to do. The goal is to create a scene of ultimate relaxation and comfort, with your dog as the star of the cozy show. It’s less about a funny pose and more about capturing a genuinely heartwarming and relatable moment of peace.
Setting the Scene
The perfect chair for this shot is one that screams ‘comfort.’ A big, plush recliner, an oversized beanbag chair, or even a chaise lounge will work beautifully. Choose a spot in your home with warm, soft lighting, like near a sunny window in the morning. The overall vibe should be calm, quiet, and incredibly cozy. This is the photo that makes people say, ‘That dog is living its best life.’
Essential Props
Keep the props simple and focused on comfort:
- A Soft, Fluffy Blanket: Drape a cozy blanket over the chair and your dog. Let them snuggle into it naturally. A chunky knit or faux fur blanket adds great texture to the photo.
- A TV Remote: Carefully place the remote control on or near your dog’s paw or belly, as if they’ve just finished binge-watching their favorite show.
- A Bowl of ‘Snacks’: Place a bowl of their favorite dog-safe treats or kibble on a small table next to the chair to complete the ‘movie marathon’ look. Avoid human foods like popcorn unless it’s a plain, air-popped, and safe variety.
- Pillows and Cushions: Surround your dog with an abundance of soft pillows to enhance the feeling of being in a cozy nest.
Getting the Shot
The key here is patience. You want to capture your dog in a natural state of rest. Let them get comfortable in the chair on their own terms. Wait for them to fall asleep or get into that perfectly relaxed, sprawled-out position. This might mean they’re curled in a tight ball, lying on their back with their legs in the air, or adorably draped over the armrest. Shoot from various angles. A top-down shot can emphasize how small and cozy they look, while a shot from their level creates a more intimate feel. This photo is all about capturing a genuine moment, so be ready to snap the picture when the moment is right.
The Tiny Dog, Big Chair: A Study in Scale

The Tiny Dog, Big Chair: A Study in Scale
If you have a small-breed dog, this photo concept is comedy gold. The humor comes from the dramatic contrast in size between your tiny pup and a massive, imposing piece of furniture. It instantly creates a narrative: the small but mighty ruler of a vast kingdom. This shot is all about playing with perspective to make your little dog look both adorable and hilariously important.
Setting the Scene
Find the largest, most ornate chair in your home or one you can borrow. A throne-like dining room chair with a high back, a huge, overstuffed armchair, or even an outdoor Adirondack chair can work wonders. The key is that the chair should dwarf your dog. Place the chair in an area with a simple background so that the focus remains entirely on the dog and their majestic seat. You want the scale to be the star of the show.
Essential Props
Props for this shot should be minimal, as the chair itself is the main prop. However, a single, tiny accessory can enhance the theme:
- A Tiny Crown or Tiara: A small, glittery crown or tiara placed on your dog’s head instantly elevates them to royalty.
- A Single, Fancy Pillow: Placing your dog on a small, velvet or satin cushion in the middle of the giant chair can add to the regal look.
- A Miniature Scepter: A small toy or stick that looks like a scepter can be placed near their paw for an extra touch of royal flair.
Getting the Shot
Place your dog directly in the center of the chair’s seat. You want them to look small against the vast backdrop of the chair back and arms. The best camera angle is often a low one, shooting slightly upwards. This makes the chair look even more massive and your dog even more like a powerful ruler surveying their domain. A wide-angle lens, if you have one, can further exaggerate the difference in scale. Encourage your dog to sit up straight and look directly at the camera. A confident, proud posture, even if it’s just for a second, will make the photo unforgettable. Hold a squeaky toy or a treat right by the lens to get that direct, commanding gaze.
The Human in Training: Just One of the Family

The Human in Training: Just One of the Family
This photo aims to capture that funny feeling we all get when our dogs seem to think they’re just one of the human members of the family. By setting them up at the dinner table, you create a relatable and amusing scene that everyone who has ever shared a home with a dog will appreciate. It’s the perfect portrait of a pup who is patiently (or impatiently) waiting to be included in the family meal.
Setting the Scene
Your dining room table is the perfect stage. Pull one of the dining chairs out and set a full place setting in front of it. This includes a plate, silverware, a napkin, and a glass. The more formal and complete the place setting, the funnier the resulting photo will be. Make sure the lighting is bright and cheerful, just like a family dinner.
Essential Props
The place setting itself provides most of the props, but you can add a few special touches:
- A Plate of Goodies: Place a few of your dog’s favorite treats or some dog-friendly veggies (like baby carrots) on the plate. This will not only complete the look but also help keep their attention.
- A Napkin Bib: Gently tuck a cloth napkin into your dog’s collar as if it were a bib. This is a simple touch that adds a huge amount of charm and humor.
- A Special ‘Drink’: Fill the glass with water or even some low-sodium chicken broth for a fun detail.
Getting the Shot
Getting your dog to sit properly in a dining chair can be a little tricky. You might need to use a booster cushion or have them sit on their hind legs with their front paws on the table (as long as it’s safe and they are comfortable). The best shot is often taken from across the table, at the dog’s eye level, making it look like you’re their dining companion. Capture the moment they look down at the plate with that hopeful, ‘Is that for me?’ expression. Alternatively, a shot of them looking right at you with perfect table manners is equally hilarious. Be ready with your camera, as these moments can be fleeting!
| Photo Idea | Key Prop | Best Chair Type | Desired Dog Expression |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Distinguished Gentleman | Eyeglasses / Bowtie | Leather Armchair | Serious & Contemplative |
| The CEO of the House | Laptop / Necktie | Office Swivel Chair | Focused & Important |
| Lazy Sunday Morning | Blanket / TV Remote | Plush Recliner | Blissful & Relaxed |
| Tiny Dog, Big Chair | Miniature Crown | Throne-like Chair | Regal & Proud |
| Human in Training | Plate & Napkin | Dining Chair | Hopeful & Patient |
Conclusion
And there you have it—five foolproof ways to turn a simple chair into a stage for your dog’s comedic genius! Photography with our pets should always be about having fun and celebrating the unique bond we share. These ideas are just a starting point; feel free to mix and match props, try different chairs, and let your dog’s personality guide the photoshoot. The most important thing is to keep it positive, safe, and full of treats.
Don’t worry about getting the ‘perfect’ shot right away. Sometimes the outtakes—the blurry action shots, the confused head tilts, the moments they try to eat the props—are the most memorable pictures of all. So grab your camera or smartphone, pick a chair, and start creating some hilarious memories. We’d love to see what you come up with! Share your photos and tag us on social media to spread the joy and laughter that our four-legged family members bring into our lives every single day.
