Posing pet owners with dogs

Does anyone have any tips for posing a couple with their two dogs?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Alan,
It depends on what feel you're after. I shoot a lot of people with their pets.

You can either go for fun and cuddling, or I tend to do more serious (ironic) portraits.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/penel/609962232​8/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/penel/599362147​8/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/penel/609708066​4/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/penel/603022758​6/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/penel/610699345​0/

This will be more like a "family" portrait. I think they are wanting more formal shots but we will see. Thanks for the photos to help with ideas, it is appreciated.

Will you be shooting indoors or outdoors ?

If I were doing indoors in someone's house - with say, 2 adults and 2 kids, and a dog - I'd do something like an old fashioned portrait - formal, everyone looking serious - sitting up straight on the sofa or chairs with the dog at their feet. Then tell them a joke and let them fall around laughing - this way you get both options.

Have a look at Elliott Erwitt portraits of dogs and people, they're very inspirational.

Thank you Gundogs. I am assuming these will be taken outside, late afternoon light with two adults - two dogs. I was thinking along the same lines of the formal posing with one dog sitting and one laying down in front of them.
I don't shoot many people so this is always a test for me. Thanks for the advice.