I've seen where many photographers have a mannequin to practice their lighting techniques. That way they can work on their own time and not have to worry about working with a real person. Well, I don't have a mannequin, but I do have a Zoe. My 70 pound lab/dalmatian mix will pretty much do anything for me to take her picture. I got a new softbox and wanted to take a few photos with it to see how they came out. My first subject choice is usually Rachel, but Zoe does just fine too.

After a while she does seem to get bored though. She doesn't run off but assumes the pose you see below. I think she rolls her eyes at me at times too.