Hey hey friend! Using photoshop for the first time can really be a challenge, but I'm glad you're getting the hang of it! As far as your technique in digital painting goes, you're not as bad as some new beginners I know of. Be careful of over smudging. And don't over use the dodge or burn tool .
This character is cute, and I like your choice of color. I think more atmospheric lighting could have really added some great depth to this piece. If your character is in a purplish/sunsetty background, then some of that light should be reflected onto him. I saw there is some of that highlight on the claws and feet, but don't be afraid to incorporate that into the rest of the character! Know your lighting; understand how it lays on 3d objects. I have a jar of play-doh, so when I don't know how something would look, I quickly make a rough shape and put it underneath a light, and recreate what my light source would be. Remember that you are drawing two dimensionally, but your goal as an illustrator is to create the illusion of depth.
Also don't be afraid to expand your canvas! Understand how the human eye makes its way across a picture. Having some open space on this, and allowing for more room for the background would give the viewer's eyes something to rest on.
Keep it up !