[Chip]

Shooting pets makes me very glad I shoot digital. It's hard enough to get good shots like the one you posted here. It takes a combination of skill, luck, patience, perserverance and an alignment of the stars to get one that's any better.

The only times I've had some luck getting my dog to "pose" is when she's done playing or running, and is off leash outside. At least then she might be alert enough to have her ears up and be attentive, but tired enough to be willing to sit still for a short while. Maybe this works for other dogs, too?

I do like your shot, and don't find the brach to be a distraction.