Some guy, this model isnt ready for texturing, no way. the ears are no where near right for starters. Dont dig yourself into a deeper hole until youve got the basics right.

You cant blame the renders for looking plastic. This my friend is down to you. You need to acquire some knowledge of shader materials. All of which there are information of in the Maya help.

Plasticity is down to how your specular controls are set.

As for tutes, I do believe there are texturing tutes here by Kurt and if you can hang on a little longer theres one coming very soon by my bad self.

Jay