Dog Scouts of America has to be one of the more clever ideas I've ever seen, with a Web site (www.dogscouts.com) that lives up to its potential.

The idea behind the site is that dogs don't get enough exercise of their minds and their bodies (true), and that doing things with your pet can be great fun for you both (doubly true). As one might guess, the site offers guides for plenty of wonderful activities, from backpacking to obstacle courses and "naked obedienceÓ (the dog is naked, not the person).

Of course, adorable merit badges mark each skill mastered at each progressively more difficult level. The entire DSA manual is online and free to access. There's also a lot of practical advice on training and problem-solving.

Troops can be found in many states, as well as Canada and Japan. Join the fun!