Anthony,
well, maybe the detached leg in the Halloween photo is a bit much but these are very cute. Looks like you used one light set off slightly to the left side as you face the dogs. I try to use 2 lights to get even illumination on black dogs (and I own Rotties so that's how I light them as well).

For a single light setup, I put the light up about 8 feet and center it and bounce it off of a silver umbrella. I'm amazed these guys will wear costumes. Mine like them -- but only to eat .

Love to see more.

Jim