Hi Janet,
love your Chinese Crested puppy! Julie's advice is right on the money. Keep in mind that you can trigger most studio strobes with the flash from your camera and, because the studio strobes are stronger than the on-camera flash, they'll do most of the lighting. Check out the documentation for your strobes to see how they work as "slaves".

As Julie says, "move back and move down". I shoot my Toy Breeds at eye-level even when they are on the ground. In your case, set up a table and drape it with the backdrop to move the dog up and save your back.

Good luck,

Jim