Looks can be deceiving—do you know how to spot a fake service dog? In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of “Assistance Animals” turning up in public places, helping their handlers who suffer from a wide variety of disabilities and afflictions. At the same time, unfortunately, there has also been an increase in confusion about these animals, which has sparked some controversy. This can be distressing to those who legitimately depend on a service dog to help cope with everyday life.

Each year millions of companion animals enter shelters. Hundreds of thousands are currently in need of homes. Here’s the good news: pet overpopulation has slowed dramatically since the 1970s, when it’s estimated American animal shelters euthanized between 12 and 20 million cats and dogs every year. Compare that to today, when only three to four million animals must be euthanized annually. And here’s another telling fact: in the 1970s there were 67 million pets in American homes, and today there are more than 135 million. In other words, we invite far more animals into our families these days and euthanize far fewer, perhaps suggesting a paradigm shift in how we think about animal stewardship.

You’re treated to signs of affection from your dog every day. Exuberant tail wagging and slobbery kisses from forehead to chin are obvious ones. But some signs of affection are subtler and easily missed unless you know what to look for. Here are seven ways your dog “says” I love you.

Your puppy’s full size—and when he reaches it—can depend on genetics. And though heredity can offer a peek into a dog’s eventual size, even littermates can be considerably different—so don’t base your puppy’s growth on his siblings’. Instead, ensure your puppy is getting the nutrition and care he needs and consider these facts about growing dogs.

Dogs need between 30 minutes and two hours of exercise every day. The exact amount of exercise your dog requires will vary significantly, however, based upon her breed (or mix of breeds, if she’s a rescue), age, and health. Read on to learn how to keep your dog in tip-top shape, and how her exercise needs change over time.

Adult dogs spend 12 to 14 hours asleep each day. Parts of the canine sleep pattern resemble our own sleep cycle—including REM sleep. When your dog’s eyelids begin to twitch and her paws start to move, you may be wondering what’s going on during her slumber. Do dogs dream? The answer is: most likely.

Floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and severe weather—ensuring safety for your family and pets in case of emergency or evacuation is easier if you’re prepared. Discuss emergency planning with the family so everyone knows how to stay safe, and follow these guidelines for including your dogs in your contingency plan.

Your dog should sleep wherever you—and your furry best friend—are ensured a good night’s rest. Whether your dog sleeps in your bed, his own dog bed, on the couch, or in his dog crate will vary depending on what works best for you both. Read on to learn the pros and cons of various sleeping arrangements with your dog.