This is probably too late, but, waiting for it to be a little bit overcast is also a good idea for outdoor shots. There aren't as many shadows. With animals and kids, it's a good idea to get down to eye level. And, filling up the frame with the subject is cool. Also, the "rule of thirds".....which basically means not putting the subject right smack in the middle all of the time. Putting the subject left or right of center sometimes makes a much better shot.