After attending a seminar with Fuzzy Duenkel (yes, his name is Fuzzy!) I learned some great techniques in using outdoor spaces in special ways. Shooting seniors has been more about giving the client more options with clothing changes then we could ever worry about with pets.
So to answer, using shade spots outside with some mylar panels for kick lights, has opened the great outdoors more than ever before.

But, I like Julie, like the studio control. So I try to do both but most often people pick the studio shots first.