Your dog barks non-stop. Your dog digs, ruining your yard. Your dog chews anything he can get his teeth on.

What's missing from this picture? Chances are, it's exercise.

It's not news that we humans don't get enough exercise, so it's no surprise that our dogs aren't moving much, either. While most pet lovers recognize that exercise is good for their dogs, few seem to make the connection between a lack of exercise and behavioral problems that have excess energy and boredom as components.

While environmental management (such as removing barking triggers or giving a dog something acceptable to chew) and training your dog are important, these strategies are only part of the solution. Dogs aren't getting the exercise they need, and it's causing problems.

Look at the big, active dogs we adore, such as the Labrador, golden retriever and German shepherd. These breeds make up three of the American Kennel Club's top five most popular. You don't have to go far down the popularity list to find other active breeds as well. Factor in the countless retriever and shepherd mixes, and you have a lot of dogs whose genetics have prepared them to work nonstop, but are spending their lives in small, boring back yards.

And what are they doing to burn all that natural energy? You guessed it: barking, digging, chewing.

If you're thinking of getting a dog, think very seriously about what breed you want, and whether you can provide an active dog with the exercise it needs. If you can't honestly say that your dog will get 30 minutes of heart-thumping aerobic exercise at least three to four days a week -- daily is better -- then you really ought to reconsider gettting an active large breed.

Instead, consider the alternatives. For large breeds, look at the sight hounds, such as the greyhound, saluki or even the massive Irish wolfhound. These breeds were not developed to work all day like the retriever, husky and sheepdog, but rather to go all-out for a short period of time and then chill out. They're big, but they're couch potatoes by choice. Many guarding breeds, such as rottweilers, boxers and Akitas, also have relatively minimal exercise requirements. All dogs love and need their exercise, but not all dogs will go crazy if they don't get a ton of it.

Most small breeds are easy in the exercise department, too, not because they don't need a lot of exercise, but rather because it's not as difficult to exercise a small dog with short legs. A Yorkie, pug or corgi can get good exercise in a small yard or on a brisk walk.

If you must bring a large, active breed or mix into your home, then you also must meet your dog's needs when it comes to exercise.

Your efforts will pay off for you as well your dog. Experts agree: A dog that gets plenty of exercise is less likely to develop behavior problems and more likely to be able to overcome them if they're established. Plus, an active dog will be less likely to suffer from life-shortening obesity.

So get that leash. Find that ball. And make some time to get your dog out and running. Exercising your dog -- especially if you're a walker or runner -- is great for your own physical and mental health as well.

PETS ON THE WEB

Are you ever embarrassed to admit how much you love your cats? Would you be chagrined to know that others consider you the "crazy cat lady" of your office? If so, you'll enjoy the Web site of the Crazy Cat Ladies Society & Gentlemen's Auxiliary (www.crazycatladies.org). This charming site uses humor to counter the stereotypes of cat lovers. Along the way, the society also raises money for some worthy causes -- cat-related, of course. There's also a forum area to schmooze with like-minded cat lovers. Crazy cat ladies (and gentlemen) of the world unite!

THE SCOOP

As the weather heats up, it's essential that all pets have a constant source of fresh water that's protected from the heat of the sun. I remember almost renting a house that came equipped with one of those nifty dispensers that attach to an outdoor faucet and provide water when the dog licks the end (sort of like the set-ups used for rabbits and other small animals). Problem was, the faucet was in the sun, which meant the metal would be blistering hot on a day when a pet needed water most. I didn't take the place -- the street had too much traffic -- but I did unscrew the watering device and hand it to the rental agent with an explanation before I left.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I'm thinking of adopting a small poodle from animal rescue. I work full-time, and my back yard is just cement and a pool. I am wondering the best way to deal with poodle poop. (I'm hoping the poodle will already be house-trained.)

Since I don't really have anywhere in the back yard for the poodle to relieve herself ... well, what do I do? Can I litterbox-train her? Could I put some kind of adult diaper on the floor? -- K.H., via e-mail

A: Your dog doesn't need grass in the yard to use it. Think of all the dogs who live in Manhattan and how little grass they have to use. It's just a matter of acclimating the dog, with training and lots of praise, to use what's available.

I'm getting the sense, however, that you would find poodle poops by the pool to be a problem, and if that's the case, then yes, there are other options. You could walk the dog, being very sure to pick up those messes with a baggie. Or you could use a litterbox.

People with small dogs have used feline litterboxes for years, as well as newspapers spread on the floor. Neither solution was ideal, but in the last couple of years the litterbox option became much more viable when a major dog-food manufacturer threw its support into developing a box designed for dogs.

Purina's Secondnature system comes with a box and litter, along with a training brochure to help convert dogs to the indoor-only potty stop. You can find out more about the product on the Web site, Doglitter.com, or by calling (800) 7PURINA (778-7462).

Q: Thought I'd pass along a possible solution to the problem of stray cats messing on lawns. A friend suggested this solution, and it seems to be working so far.

I realized the cat was coming over my fence, so I laid chicken wire on the 2-by-4 runners along the fence. I stapled the chicken wire at a 45-degree angle on the fence and the 2-by-4s, thus leaving a space between the chicken wire and the 2-by-4.

The idea is that the cat won't walk on the chicken wire because its feet will get tangled up in it. It can also work if you leave chicken wire around the perimeter of the lawn because cats won't walk on it to get to the lawn; they just go to the neighbor's! -- J.D., via e-mail

A: I always know the weather is finally nice enough for gardening when people start writing me to complain about cat mess in their yards.

Your solution to keeping cats out of your yard is similar to ones I wish people would use to keep their cats in their own yards, where the animals would be so much safer. I like to recommend that cats be kept completely inside the house, but I know it's difficult to convert a cat who's used to going out. Many people just can't cope with all the feline complaining and open the door just to get a break from the demanding yowls.

Cat fencing is a good compromise, one that allows the cat to go outside but doesn't expose him to the dangers beyond his own back yard. The fencing also keeps the cat from messing in the neighbors' yards.

You can get do-it-yourself directions on the Web at www.feralcat.com/fence.html. You can also buy ready-made kits from Cat Fence-In (www.catfencein.com; (888) 738-9099) or Affordable Cat Fence (www.catfence.com; (888) 840-2287). Pictures of one do-it-yourself cat-fence installation are at www.lisaviolet.com/cathouse/backyard.html.

I wish more people would consider such fencing! The benefits are many to cats and neighbors alike.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Everyone who meets Drew falls in love with him, which leaves me perplexed as to why such a beautiful, friendly and well-mannered dog ended up needing a home.

Drew is the 5-year-old Sheltie who joined my family last November. I've never had a dog fit in so effortlessly, and bond so tightly. He is, in the words of one friend (who doesn't really like animals), a perfect pet.

There are so many other great pets like Drew out there, just waiting for someone to give them a second chance. Sometimes finding such a pet is as easy as going to the shelter. Other times, as with Drew, you have to snoop around a little to find a rescue group specializing in the kind of pet you're seeking.

Although everyone knows about shelters, rescue groups aren't as visible in their communities. But these grassroots organizations are an important part of the effort to find homes for pets in need and to support the efforts of larger, more established groups with sheltering facilities.

What differentiates rescue groups from humane societies is that rescue operations are usually quite small -- one or two people are usually the norm -- and typically focus their efforts on a single species or breed. While there are rescue groups specializing in such pets as rabbits, ferrets, cats and parrots, the largest number of these all-volunteer organizations are dedicated to the rescue of purebred dogs.

Breed-rescue groups usually work with a single breed, such as the pug, or with related breeds, such pack hounds or sight hounds.

Some breed-rescue groups work by referral only, keeping lists of dogs who need homes and referring potential adopters. Others take in dogs from shelters and private individuals and foster the dogs, a policy that allows them to get a good feel for an individual animal's personality.

The nature of breed rescue creates both advantages and disadvantages for a potential adopter.

The advantages include getting a vet-checked, altered and vaccinated purebred at a very reasonable price -- commonly, just the cost of the veterinary care. (Most other costs for rescue and fostering come out of the volunteers' own pockets.)

You may also get more personal service with a breed-rescue group than with a shelter. Some groups will put you on a waiting list if they don't have a dog who suits you, and also will work with other rescuers in the region to find what you want. Breed-rescue volunteers often live with the dogs they're trying to place, so they are more keenly aware of how each dog handles a home situation -- such as how the animals get along with cats.

Getting a dog through a breed-rescue group has drawbacks, too. Breed-rescue groups rely on volunteers, and volunteers sometimes get in over their heads and burn out. Rescue groups start up, stop, regroup and drop out at a surprising rate, which can make tracking down current breed-rescue contacts a little difficult. It can be hard, too, to find the same person you worked with if you have problems a year or two down the line.

But don't let these problems dissuade you if you're looking for a particular kind of pet. Shelters, veterinarians and reputable breeders may be able to provide you with a referral to a rescue group, or you can visit a Web site such as Petfinder.com, which encourages rescue groups to post their listings of adoptable pets. For purebred dogs, you can also search the Internet for the national club of the breed in which you're interested, and then click on the "rescue" link for contacts.

Working with a rescue group is both a good deal and a good deed. And it might net you a good pet like my darling Drew, the hard-luck pup who's now set for life.

PETS ON THE WEB

When readers ask me to advise them in choosing a small pet for a child, I know from experience my answer won't be met with enthusiasm. "Rats!" I say to those who insist on dismissing these clever, playful and affectionate pets, so perfect not only for responsible children but also for open-minded adults. Maybe what we need are a few children's books where rats aren't the bad guys.

If you're willing to consider a rat, be sure to check out the Rat Fan Club site (www.ratfanclub.org), a labor of love by club founder and leader Debbie "The Rat Lady" Ducommun. The site isn't anything fancy, but it does have a lot of good information on getting, raising and caring for these underappreciated pets.

THE SCOOP

Not long after I wrote my recent column on wanting a parrot again, I took the plunge, bringing home a 5-month-old black-headed caique. At this writing, the bird's gender is undetermined, a riddle that will be solved with a blood test when we visit our avian veterinarian for the first "well bird physical." Male or female, the youngster's name is Eddie, after the colorful and entertaining proprietor of a local breakfast joint. Caiques are lively, small parrots, known to be both clownish and sometimes bratty.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Please solve an argument my husband and I are having over our new rottie puppy, Kelsey. My husband grew up with dogs, and dry food was always kept available. I have read that it's better to feed set amounts at set times. Which is it? -- E.F., via e-mail

A: Most trainers and behaviorists believe it's better to control your dog's food and not free-feed. Here are the main reasons for this advice:

-- Obesity. Too much food and too little activity have the same effect on the canine body that it has on humans. Surveys show that the majority of pets brought into veterinary offices are a little pudgy, and some are downright huge. Letting an animal eat all he wants isn't a good plan if you want to keep him trim -- and you should!

-- Observation. Pets can't tell you with words when they're not feeling well, but they will tell you in behavior -- if you're paying attention. Appetite is one of the key measures of well-being, and free-feeding denies you the ability to observe this crucial indicator.

-- Behavior modification. Food is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to training your dog, and if your pet eats when and how he chooses, you've lost that edge. Some experts go so far as to suggest that at least in the beginning a dog should work for every morsel of food, using daily rations as part of a training program. (This also helps with weight-control, since dogs who eat full meals and then get treats in training are getting more calories than they need.)

But it's about more than the active art of training: Dogs understand instinctively that food is power, and if the human family members control the food, they are going a long way to being accepted as leaders. My dogs never get anything for free -- at the very least they must sit before those dishes hit the floor or treats are handed out. Sometimes, they are all put on "stay" before I give them the "OK" command and allow them to eat. Other times, I put them on stay and call them to me -- away from the food -- before they get to go back to those dishes and dig in.

These activities don't take more than a few minutes out of my day but they gently and subtly reinforce the idea that I am the head of this particular pack. And that understanding makes our household more pleasant.

So ... I'm with you on this one. Two measured meals a day, no free-feeding. Such a regimen will help your new pup to be trim, healthy and well-behaved.

Q: I followed your advice and sought out an avian specialist for my scarlet macaw. You mentioned that it's important to have a carrier for the bird, but I'm wondering what Sammy will do for water on the trip. -- S.D., via e-mail

A: Here's a tip I got from my "Birds For Dummies" co-author, avian veterinarian Dr. Brian Speer: Put some fresh orange and apple slices in an unbreakable food crock, and set these goodies in the carrier with your bird. Many birds love these sweet, healthy treats, which will not only help keep them hydrated for the trip but also keep them busy in their carriers.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

When Patrick, my little Senegal parrot, died a couple of years ago, I missed him like crazy.

He had been a hard-luck bird, a sick, feather-picked mess who'd been given up by people who'd not been able to cope with the expense and time involved with his many health problems. But even as sick as he was, and as let down by humans as he must have felt, he stepped onto my hand the first time I offered it, and caught my eye with a look of fearless intelligence. I knew at that moment he would come home with me.

My "Birds for Dummies" co-author, avian veterinarian Dr. Brian Speer, examined Patrick thoroughly and ran some diagnostic tests. Then he had me work on the basics of good husbandry, including a healthy balanced diet. My own special contribution: lots of attention and affection, along with exercise and training.

Patrick's health improved dramatically. He still had a gimpy leg and still picked himself bald in a small spot now and then, but the seizures stopped. Over the months, it was apparent by his looks and his attitude that he was feeling fine, maybe for the first time in his life. Even better: His personality bloomed along with his new set of feathers.

People who don't have parrots don't understand how much intelligence is packed into those relatively small, lightweight and handsomely aerodynamic bodies. They see the beautiful colors of the birds, or they are amused by those individual birds who can mimic human speech. But people who love parrots know they are so much more (which is why I cringe when I see these intelligent beings used as "decor" in a hotel lobby or a restaurant).

Other people see parrots as low-maintenance pets: Throw 'em in a cage, feed 'em and you're done. In fact, they are more demanding than most other pets, and if not cared for properly -- and sometimes even (BEGIN ITAL)if(END ITAL) cared for properly -- will make themselves sick. Parrots need to be socialized. They're easily bored, very noisy and more than any other pet I can think of, they're messy almost beyond belief.

When Patrick's health problems caught up to him again and he died, I spent weeks catching up with the places he'd managed to fling food and poop. And it was this effort, more than anything else, that led me to donate his cage to the SPCA rummage sale and decide that the parrot chapter in my life was closed. I just didn't think I had the time or energy for the decades of commitment a parrot requires.

Late last year I sold my home and bought another. I fell in love with the new place for its large yard and the creek-side acreage that ran behind the property -- perfect for exercising my dogs. But the first time I looked at the house, I saw something more: a perfect spot for a bird cage. In the corner of the den was a freestanding wood stove, set on a tiled base that extended to the ceiling.

Floor to ceiling tile! Could there be any surface more perfect when it comes to bird mess?

The stove is gone now, and the tiled space where it was is now open ... and waiting. I've looked at cages, and I've thought about birds. It's still a massive commitment, and I don't want to make it without being as certain as I can be. I know the species I don't want -- the best of the talkers, the worst of the screamers -- and I've narrowed the field down to low-key parrots that best suit my personality. Including the Senegal, just like Patrick.

I think about Patrick a lot these days, and I miss him still. But what he taught me about parrots will never die, and some day soon one of these special beings will brighten my life again.

PETS ON THE WEB

Petfinder.com is one of my favorite places to send people who are looking to adopt a pet. The Web site showcases animals from more than 5,000 shelters and rescue groups, and its services are free to those who are offering the animals and to those who are looking for a pet to adopt. Even better: If you adopt a dog or cat from Petfinder, you'll be eligible for two months of free veterinary medical coverage from Pethealth, a company that offers health insurance for pets in most states and in Canada.

THE SCOOP

Springtime is when we all think of gardening. If you're putting in some new plants, don't forget to include a few your pets will enjoy. Carrots are favored by many dogs, and make a great substitute for commercial treats for overweight pups. Catnip is a natural for cats, but also consider valerian, another herb that makes kitties dance with joy. Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and other rodents will enjoy any leafy vegetable you plant. And as for parrots, what's good for you is great for your bird. The fresher the better!

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: The people who wrote to you recently with the "sort of adopted" cat might also consider, from the crusty ears they described, that their stray could have precancerous lesions, sunburning and possibly even squamous cell carcinoma. This is particularly likely if the cat is white.

I'm very sure you have encountered this, and would know that the kitty needs an aggressive approach, including biopsy and generous amputation to save the cat if it is indeed cancerous. Would you please let them know so they can get the help they need? -- Brian Putty, DVM, Fair Oaks, Calif.

A: Thanks for checking in, Dr. Putty! Your note is a good reminder why it's always important to see a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of an animal's health problems. Too many times people turn to the Web or other sources to save them the time or money of seeing a veterinarian.

Problem is, most pet lovers aren't trained to recognize symptoms of disease, and they may be missing the most important ones. Sometimes, there's no harm done and the problem resolves itself; other times, diagnosing a pet's illness without the hands-on advice of a good veterinarian can put an animal in grave danger.

I would rather see my veterinarian a dozen times for something that turns out to be nothing, rather than miss the one time when the problem turns out to be serious. Better safe than sorry is always a good rule to follow when it comes to your pet's health.

Q: I have many pieces of glassware and figurines that I've collected over the years and that are very important to me. After my sweet old cat died early last year, I adopted a kitten. She's much more active than my old cat, and loves to jump up on things, including the shelves with my collectibles. She has already broken one piece, and two more would have been broken except that they fell onto the couch cushions. How can I keep her on the floor? -- N.W., via e-mail

A: Practically speaking, you can't keep cats on the ground. The best you can do is display your treasures in ways that keep them safe or, at least, safer.

You might consider moving your collections to a single room and keeping the door closed when you're not around to supervise. Glass-fronted bookcases are another option for keeping collectibles and cats apart.

Although it's probably best to keep your most valuable pieces where your cat can't get to them, other objects can be made safer from the wanderings of active cats. Two products that will help: Quake Hold or Museum Gel, both putties that seal objects to their display surface. If you can't find it at your home-supply store, check out catalog and Internet retailers.

Q: Can you give me some suggestions on local organizations I could send a small donation to in the memory of a friend's beloved dog who recently had to be euthanized? -- K.R., via e-mail

A: Donating in the memory of a friend's pet is one of the kindest ways to show you care. Especially when you consider there are always folks around who are quick to ridicule those who grieve the loss of a pet. Message to the "but it's just a dog (cat, iguana, parrot)!" crowd: Grief is grief.

You can't go wrong donating to your local SPCA or humane association, and these groups have programs in place to send a card in acknowledgment of your gift. A donation to your local school or college of veterinary medicine is also a good choice, as is a gift to regional nonprofit groups that train dogs to assist people, such as search-and-rescue dogs, hearing dogs or dogs who assist people who use wheelchairs.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600