A Portrait of my Pooch! C&C please!

[yoodontknomi]

Hey all, I am submitting this photo for critique. I haven't played with any processing, mostly because I am a noob at it and don't really know what I am doing!

I realize that the toy is a bit bright, and the photo overall is a bit underexposed, but what can I do to make it better?


DSC_0657 by Ron DeGregorio, on Flickr

 

[gsgary]

I think it could do with a re shoot, looks like the shutter speed was too slow

 

[The_Traveler]

And the DOF a bit shallow - his nose wasn't sharp.
The toy adds a bit of cuteness to the scene but by including the entire thing, the viewer is getting the hint that its important in some way.
By cropping it, you signal that it's not really a part of the subject but you can still keep it as a design element.
Also brighten the dark side of the dog's 'face.'

 

[hydkaran420]

The edge of the couch (i guess) which is OOF is distracting and the toy just get rid of it next time. Try playing with a bit small aperture as it can bring a long area in to focus coz the back part of the dog is OOF. The other side of the dog's face is dark.