Selection issue

[Markbd]

Help please. I've made a selection of a dogs head (which I want to transfer on top of another image). I used the refine edge to get the hair in, but when I've clicked OK to finish refine edge, it makes a black mask layer. How do I reselect the dogs head(get marching ants around the refined selection) so I can copy and paste to the other image?

[Damien Symonds]

No no no no no.  You must NEVER do it that way.

Please show me the two photos.

[Damien Symonds]

This is really important.

But I need to see the photos to be sure of the best way to manage this.

[Markbd]

 Ok, i'll post it when I get in from work. 

[Markbd]

Here are the two files i've been giving. They want me to move the black dogs head in the middle(on the left image) to the body of the black dog looking away.

[Markbd]

This is what I got when I tried it on another dog. Looking forward to seeing how wrong i'm doing it!

[Damien Symonds]

Oh gosh no, just swap the whole dog.  This method.

[Markbd]

Brilliant Damien. Great method and so easy compared to my efforts.

Much appreciated

[Damien Symonds]

First, open the donor image and select a generous chunk around the dog:

Then open the base image and paste the dog onto it:

Immediately change the layer to a Smart Object, then change its blend mode to "Difference":

Ctrl T to get the transform handles.  Zoom in as far as needed, and line up the tree branches just above the dog's head as accurately as possible.  Then Alt-click on them to set the middle point there, then rotate to line up the grass around the dog's legs also as accurately as possible.  In my play, I also found I had to enlarge the dog a tiny bit.

Once it's all lined up as accurately as you can, put the blend mode back to Normal, hide the dog completely with a black mask, then paint it in.  (I've shown the mask in red view here):

[Markbd]

Superb mate. Thanks again