With summer upon us, it's time to let the kids and pets outside so they can burn off some steam and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Kids and dogs have a lot in common. They tend to let loose.... running and jumping, going here and there with no thought of what dangers may be present around them.

As with your children, your dog's well-being is your responsibility. That's why it's important to keep safety and good health high on your checklist, so summertime will be a fun time for your whole family... including your pets.

Following are some things to watch out for this summer, in order to make sure that your dog is around to enjoy many long hot summers for years to come...

If you have a dog and an iPhone, then you will definitely want to check out these totally cool iPhone apps that pertain to dogs.

Some are FREE. And some are nearly free -- only $.99 to $1.99), so they're still very affordable.

The best part: they all really unique, so dog owners should find them interesting.

Following are my top picks for the best dog-related iPhone apps. Plus, you'll also find the top picks from several other dog owners, as well!

I don't know about you, but I've become ever-increasingly aware of what my dogs' toys are made with.

I mean hey, we are more watchful of what we put on and in our bodies...don't our four-legged family members deserve the same?

Of course they do!

If you're looking for a new toy for fido to enjoy, look no further than the Gourdo from Ruff Wear.

If you haven't figured it out quite yet, we're giving one away right here! Read on for the details...

We recently adopted a puppy. From day one, he's had a mouthing and biting problem.

Of course we know that when puppies play, they bite. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world. It is as normal for them to bite as it is for them to eat or sleep.

It is through puppy play, which includes nipping, mouthing and biting that they eventually learn to control their biting instinct. However, allowing a puppy to bite anything other than a toy or his food, is asking for trouble with a capital T!

A puppy that bites will grow into an adult dog that bites and that will become a nightmare for both you and your adult dog.

Here are some tips for controlling nipping and biting while your puppy is still young...

After you have determined the type of dog you're looking for, the next question you should ask is "Where do I go to get my dog?"

First and foremost, do not get your puppy from a pet shop. Often those puppies do not come from reputable breeders.

You don't want to start your brand new relationship with your puppy having to deal with socialization issues and other kinds of trauma that puppies in sub-par facilities often experience.

You want your first days with your new dog to be joyful and fun. And most important of all... you want a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog, not a sick or traumatized one.

Following are some tips for choosing between a breeder or a shelter...

You have decided to get a dog, now the question is:

"What kind of dog am I looking for?

There are so many choices:

• A puppy from a breeder
• A puppy from a private person, the Internet, a newspaper ad
• A shelter dog
• An older dog
• A mutt
• A tiny, small, medium or large dog?
• A wire haired, short haired, medium or long haired dog?

The list goes on and on... so how do you decide? What is the best choice for your situation?

Here are my best tips for determining the "right" dog for you...

Chihuahuas are one of the cutest dog breeds around! Any owner of a Chihuahua will attest to this.

In the 1990s, Taco Bell used a cute little Chihuahua as its mascot, and that helped to raise the interest in this wonderful little dog.

The origins of the Chihuahua are clouded in mystery, and no one seems to know for sure where they originally came from. Some of the theories are: 

• Chihuahuas came from Asia via Native Americans and the Bering Strait.
   
• The Chihuahua is indigenous to the Americas and descended from a breed of dog owned by the Toltecs called the Techichi.
   
• Chihuahuas came over to the Americas with the conquistadores.

Whatever their origin, Chihuahuas have stolen the hearts of dog owners and enthusiasts everywhere!

Despite their cuteness, owning a Chihuahua is a big responsibility. It's important to understand the pros and cons of owning a Chihuahua before you bring one into your home.