About how long does the average dog live?

It’s totally random, but I was wondering about how long is the average dog’s life. I have a medium size, brown Chow. I got him as a Christmas present when I was in the 3rd grade. I’m a junior in college now and he’s still around. He has a touch of arthritis, but other than that he’s in good health. So, I was wondering just how long do dogs live?

Do you believe that rubbing a dog’s nose in their poo will help housebreak them?

I have been told for more than half of my life that I should rub the dog’s nose in their poo to house break them.

Does this really work?

What is the basis behind this type of behavior modification?

Doesn’t it make more sense that it would actually just reinforce the behavior through negative reinforcement?

Any games that let you control an animal?

I’m looking for any video games for the PS3 or Wii that lets you control a REALISTIC animal. So far I have Ecco the Dolphin for PS2, Dog’s Life for PS2, WolfQuest for PC, and Jaws for PS2. Are there any other games similar to these? I’m not intersted in Animal Crossing, since I wouldn’t actually call that realistic.