Have you considered adopting a big dog, but you don't have a big yard? Big dogs need a big couch, not a big yard! If well exercised and trained, big dogs can be calm, couch potatoes. They are much safer and healthier living indoors.

Sprocket

Want to take a good picture of your dog or cat? Here's a few hints:

• Shoot outdoors.
• Shoot on a cloudy day. No hard shadows.
• Get eye level with the pet. Don't shoot above them.
• Get the animal to look into the camera by using a squeeky toy. It's important to capture them looking at you!
• Shoot with a nice (or neutral) background.

This picture of Sprocket was posted on FaceBook. He had 4 good adopters apply for him the first day. A great picture with a clever bio, is invaluable for posting homeless animals.

Cisco's crate

Do you crate train? It's a useful tool for housebreaking puppies. Pups don't like to soil their sleeping area, so it teaches them to wait to potty. Buy a crate from a pet retail store (I like the wire crates) and place the crate in a living room, near a window. When you first put the pup in the crate, give praise and treats. Place a blanket, toys and treats inside. Keep the door open to create a positive experience. General Rule: when the pup is unsupervised in the house, use the crate.

I usually leave the house for a couple hours when I first crate a new puppy. The pup will cry for awhile, but eventually settle into his new den. NEVER take the pup out of his crate while he is crying, or it reinforces the behavior. Wait until he's completely quiet to remove him!

Young pups will usually have to potty after waking from a nap, so be sure to go promptly outside. Praise them enthusiastically for eliminating outdoors. Take him to the same area each time. Depending on the pup's age, that's how long they can go without pottying. (ie: 3 month old pup can hold it 3 hours, 4 month old/4 hours etc...)

Don't leave water in the crate or the pup will have to potty prematurely. Be sure the pup is properly exercised, walked and socialized.