Julie,
we have an owner of one of the Rottie girls we bred who also breeds and shows Quarter Horses. She's tried to convince us to shoot their shows. I know nothing about horses except that I love them (and they seem to love me). But there are angles that are appropriate when you are shooting shows and even when you are shooting for the owners. I don't know those angles. Yes, I can learn. But it isn't instinctive.

Dogs have their own nomenclature when it comes to angles and poses. I know them very well -- I had to learn them to survive in Dog Show Photography. Sometimes, it's counter-intuitive: Dobes do look better 3/4 regardless of what the owners/breeders say. It takes a great topline to look good in profile. And not too many dogs have that these days (unfortunately).

Stick with your instincts but look at the Dog publications to understand what angles are "acceptable" for the breed you are shooting. Dog News, The Canine Chronicle and specific Breed publications can show you what angles are currently "in" for the breed you're shooting.

You have excellent technical skills. That's 1/3 of the battle : )

Jim