They say a home is just a house without a dog (or other pet). Those of us with pets know this very well. If you're reading this, we wouldn't mind betting you can’t wait to get home for those joy-filled cuddles after a hard day at work.

We had such a high standard in the images submitted for this challenge. Lots of great storytelling and emotional impact.

These images are our top ten picks for this challenge. Well done to all the photographers for creating such fantastic images!

Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

We provide video feedback on all images submitted for the challenge, and from there, we select our Top 20 and Top 10. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 images for this challenge!

Brad Wilser | Brad Wilser Photography

These two are totally in sync and you know this baby is going to grow up to be a dog lover! Another image that feels relatable and has a great story.

Camilla Johannessen | Hundefoto.nu

This is cosiness summed up in an image! The paws and tail peeking over the hammock are lovely and that sleepy face is so sweet. This is drenched in warm tones and makes us want to take a nap in the sun!

Cherie Weir | CWC Photography

This image is so nostalgic, you can almost smell the books! The vintage tones are a great choice, the framing and depth of field are also great choices that prevent the books from being distracting and then there's the wonderful expression of the subject, who holds the viewer's attention.

Dawn McBride | Fuzzy Love Photography

How retro is this! Fabulous colour harmony, well-styled, beautifully lit, and created with humour, this put a great big smile on our faces.

Diana Welsh

Who knew African Grey's loved Cheetos?! This is a lovely shot filled with character, those crumbs on the beak and falling are a lovely little detail.

Erica Harvey | Erica Lane Photography

A gorgeous colour palette gives this a warm, homely feel. The pup is posed perfectly and balanced well with the lamp. Ready for a cuddle?

Jordyn Bobo | Golden Atlas Photography

What a sweet, cosy and intimate portrait of this sleepy pup! The texture of the blanket adds to the cosiness and the colour and composition work well too.

Nikki Jennifer | Nikki Jennifer Photography

The light in this room has helped create some lovey detail and definition on the dog. It's got a lovely light-filled, airy beach house feel and the symmetry enhances that.

Valerie Howes | Wild + Ruff

Wake up, it's Monday, get out of your cave! What a fabulous moment, perfectly framed by those outstretched paws.

Vera Faupel |  @everythingpawssible

Oh dear, we have a fridge raider! Such a fun image, with a great story. The light has been handled well and the super-wide lens gives a quirky character to this.

Emerge is the intermediate 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, focusing on helping you to expand your shooting shot list and learn valuable new skills.

Emerge is open to students who have previously completed the first course in the series, Embark.

Want to be the first to hear when Embark opens for enrolment each year? Register your interest here.