Tips for photographing your dog:

Photograph your dog outside, natural lighting will create the
best results. A bright overcast day, without direct sun will
provide the perfect light.
Never use the flash. This does not capture the true coloring of
your dog and causes red eye.
The camera should be lowered to the eye level of your pet. Get
down on the ground and up close.
Take at least one close-up (detail shot) of your dog’s face. Try
and get his face to fill the whole view finder.
Get the help of a friend to stand behind you with a toy or make
noises to capture a great expression.
If you need to use a leash to keep your dog still, this can be omitted
on the final portrait.