The KISS method works best when you are starting out. Pets are the one subject that it is tolerable to have a flatter light. You want a more specular light though and bounced umbrellas work better for them than the softboxes, due to the more specular light you get from umbrellas(especially silver ones)

So, if you are *just* do a dog, or cat, a frontal light works fine. You can start out with very basic stuff and get nice photos.

This was done with one light in the front. Very simple, very effective. You don't have to get fancy to begin with. It will just frustrate you. Add in lights as you get comfortable with them