Nina,
your point about having assistants to help with posing and "baiting" is an important one. I don't think many "amateurs" think about how difficult it is to be both photographer and setup person and baiter. It's not impossible but it's damn hard.

Another point is that most owners have no clue how to attract their dog's/puppy's attention so having someone who knows exactly what to do and when to do it is essential.

Love your work but it's clear, the results are no accident.

Jim