Halloween can be a fun time of year for adults and kids - but it can also be a blast for dogs! Many dogs revel in the attention they get when they are all dressed up in costumes. Plus, they really enjoy the extra treats! Just make sure you don't let your dog get into the human treats - candy and chocolate can really make your dog sick.

Are you thinking of dressing up your dog this year? If so, perhaps you can take some suggestions from the Halloween costume photo gallery. Already have a great costume? Tell us about it! Also, submit a photo of your dog in costume and I will try to post it in my gallery. Happy Halloween!

As you probably know, we are celebrating Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month! I chose the Labrador Retriever as the Dog Breed of the Week because it is one of the most common dog breeds found in shelters. That's probably because Labs are one of the most popular breeds today. A very large percentage of shelter dogs are at least Lab mixes, if not purebred Lab.

If you know Labradors, then you know that these are happy, friendly dogs with sweet, loving personalities. They are also masters of retrieval - just try to keep a Lab from chasing a tennis ball! With a strong history as water dogs and hunter's helpers, Labs are also great competitors in most of today's dog sports. Plus, their intelligence and loyalty make them perfect assistance dogs. Are you a Lab-lover? Tell us all about your "Labradorable" dog!

Photo © Jenna Stregowski

I just love October for so many reasons: Fall is here with cooler weather, Halloween is around the corner (my favorite holiday), and it's National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month! As the proud owner of a shelter dog, it makes me so happy to see the adoption of shelter dogs being promoted this month. It's a great reminder to all of us about just how wonderful shelter dogs are. Here are some reasons:

• Shelters usually have a wide selection of dogs in all shapes, sizes and personalities.
• Many are mixed-breed dogs, and mutts are great!
• You could find a purebred dog.
• There is a chance of finding a dog that is already housebroken and even has other training.
• Most of all - you can save a life!

This October, consider whether or not you are ready for a dog. When you are ready, take a trip to your local animal shelter - you may be surprised at who you find!

Looking for another great way to celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month? Enter your dog in this year's ASPCA photo contest: The Best-Dressed Dog. Do you have some other ideas about how to celebrate? Share them here!

Photo David Paul Morris / Stringer / Getty Images

No matter how much your dog "acts out," you still love her, right? However, it doesn't make it any easier to cope with constant barking at three in the morning, holes all over the yard, or coming home to utter destruction in your house. When my dog was young, she destroyed almost everything I owned - books, candles, shoes, clothes, you name it. I kept wondering what was wrong with her! Then I got wise and realized that part of the problem was me. A good dose of training, plenty of exercise, and a few years later: the problem was basically solved.

Ok, my dog still has the occasional urge to misbehave, but things are much better. Bottom line, you have got to understand your dog's behavior problems in order to really begin solving them. I'm sure I am not the only one who has experienced common dog behavior problems. Share your stories of dogs behaving badly - what has your dog done to really show off that naughty side?

Photo Scott Barbour / Getty Images