Adopting a shelter dog can be a hugely rewarding experience. But it also takes a lot of preparation and patience. Though you may want to start spoiling and snuggling your new pup right away, he may take a little time to adjust. Get yourself and your home organized to welcome your new family member with these steps:

1. Ask the shelter what food your new dog has been eating. While you may want to switch him to a different diet, start him out on his familiar kibble until he’s comfortable in his new home, then slowly transition to the new food.
2. If you plan to crate train, purchase the crate in advance so it’s assembled and filled with soft bedding, ready for his arrival. Make his first encounter with his new crate a pleasant one by filling a stuffable toy with peanut butter and luring him into the crate with it.
3. Don’t buy too many toys at first. Start with a few different types of toys – plush, squeakers, balls, etc., – and wait to see what becomes his favorite.
4. Arrange a dog bed or pile of blankets somewhere near to but not in the middle of where your family hangs out. Your dog may need a quiet retreat if he gets overwhelmed.
5. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a comprehensive exam and to stock up on any medications or supplies that you might need.
6. If possible, bring your new pup home on a Friday so that you have a full weekend to spend time together. Use that time to help him adjust to his new surroundings, to work on potty training or crate training, and to play together.
7. When you first arrive home, lead your new pup around the house on a leash. Allow him to sniff and explore. If he seems relaxed, drop the leash and allow him to explore on his own. Before you unclip the leash, take him out to go to the bathroom (while showering him with praise and treats, of course).
8. If your dog has an accident in the house, don’t scold or “correct” him. It’s bound to happen. Just make a note of when and where, and be more diligent about taking him out. It’s your responsibility to help him succeed.
9. Sign up for a training class (after your vet gives the okay). Even if you’re a great trainer and even if he already knows a handful of commands, it’s a great way to establish a trusting bond with your new dog.
10. Most importantly, practice patience! Your pup may take a while to adjust to his new house, new routines, and new family. He may not want to snuggle or get belly rubs at first. Be patient. Before you know it, you’ll have a happy, healthy, well-adjusted new best friend!

Image: henrycountyhumanesociety

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We love to spoil our dogs, cats, parakeets, and hamsters. In fact, Americans spend $45 billion annually on pets! Instead of dumping our dollars into any retailer hocking a cute chew toy, with a little conscious consumerism, our purchases can support retailers that contribute to animal welfare. Score pet-safe products, treats, and toys for your furballs while supporting these five companies that give back.

West Paw Design

This eco-chic pet retailer carries a range of toys, apparel, and beds for dogs and cats. They regularly donate products to charities to raffle off in fundraisers. Nominate your favorite shelter or charity to receive one of their monthly donations.

Planet Dog

While this manufacturer develops pet-friendly dog products, they also run their own 501(c)(3) foundation, Planet Dog Foundation. The company donates two percent of every purchase to the foundation, which “funds programs that train, place and support working dogs helping people in need.”

Zukes

Zukes makes healthy, natural treats for both dogs and cats. The responsible retailer donates a portion of every sale to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund. The company also pays their employees to bike or scooter to work!

EFA Artists Helping Animals

Etsy for Animals (EFA) Artists Helping Animals “is a group of more than 500 independent artists, independent craftspeople, independent vintage suppliers, and independent art and craft suppliers that combine their efforts to provide charitable relief to animals.” You can locate individual retailers on their site or by searching “team efa” in Etsy’s search bar.

Earthdog

This conservation-driven company manufactures leashes, collars, beds, and chew toys, all made from hemp. In addition to creating cute, sustainable products, 10 percent of Earthdog profits go to kody’s fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that funds spay and neuter programs.

They also donate products to animal rescues!

Image: Bowi The Boxer

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Just rescued a new puppy from the animal shelter? Now what? If you’re not prepared, your apartment could quickly turn into a disaster with your little furry destroyer running the show. Here are five eco-friendly puppy products that will help keep your new pet happy and save your favorite shoes and carpets from destruction all at the same time.

Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Bone for Pups

As your puppy teethes, she’ll try to sink her teeth into everything and anything she can – from your favorite sandals to your dining room table. My little devil even chewed the molding along our floor! But Planet Dog’s sweet pink and blue bones are a perfect and durable alternative for those sharp puppy teeth. Unlike many phlathate-heavy dog toys, they’re made from non-toxic materials in the U.S.

West Paw Designs Eco Nap

While there are lots of eco-friendly dog beds out there, West Paw Design’s Eco Nap is an easy solution for messy pups. You can throw the entire bed in the washing machine and dryer whenever it gets soiled, which will probably be often!

Earthbath Grooming Wipes Especially for Puppies

With digging in the mud, rolling in the dirt, swimming in the lake and one too many icky accidents you can expect to clean some serious grime off your grubby pup. Since you can’t give him a bath everyday, Earthbath’s Grooming Wipes will prove to be beyond handy. Plus, they’re gentle on your pup as they’re free of parabens, perfumes, phthalates, synthetic dyes and phosphates – and vitamin E and aloe vera will help keep his coat nice and shiny.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals

Sit, stay, shake, down, leave it and take it are all commands your pup should soon learn. Your pup will love doing tricks for Zuke’s tasty soft bites in salmon, chicken or peanut butter flavors. They’re made with good-for-your-dog ingredients without wheat, corn or soy that commonly cause allergic reactions in pets. And since they’re tiny – and only two calories each – you don’t have to worry about many times you’re rewarding your good dog.

The Brampton Company Natural Training Pads

Before you pup is housebroken there’s no getting around accidents in the house, especially if you’re living in an apartment building that requires a long elevator trip down to relief. Wee wee pads are a lifesaver and help your dog learn he has a special spot to do his business, but they’re traditionally incredibly wasteful. These Natural Training Pads are made from natural cellulose fiber from trees, tree pulp and a special biodegradable film. The company promises the 100 percent biodegradable pads will decompose faster than an orange peel.

Now you’ll just need to learn the best green ways to clean up after dog accidents!

Image: elvissa

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Now that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is underway, footie fever is spreading fast. While the World Cup isn’t looking so green, some partners are trying to do their part – Nike’s World Cup jerseys are made from recycled PET water bottles – and you and your dog can get in on the recycling action with Planet Dog’s Orbee Tuff Soccer Ball.

Even though David Beckham is stuck on the bench this World Cup, England’s injured star was recently spotted playing fetch with his bulldog Coco in a Beverly Hills dog park using the Planet Dog soccer ball. Too bad one green dog toy can’t help Beckhams’ monstrous carbon footprint!

The ball is made out of non-toxic materials so you don’t have to worry about chemicals like phthalates and BPA. It also scores by being made in the USA and is recyclable. The 5-inch diameter soccer ball is great for strong chewers who destroy your average tennis ball in minutes.

Image: Muffet

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Recently, there has been an increase in the number of eco-friendly pet toys available. Many boast earth-friendly fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and healthy manufacturing. While that’s great news for concerned pet owners, many also have elevated price tags and construction that doesn’t withstand playful puppies.

I must confess: My dogs destroy toys almost as soon as I cut off the price tag. They are “power chewers” who love to play tug-of-war. So of course I’m concerned with making sure that the toys they play with are nontoxic – they occasionally, accidentally ingest torn pieces – and will biodegrade since I end up tossing so many shredded items. We recently had the opportunity to test a handful of eco-friendly toys, and two companies proved that it is possible to have a durable eco-friendly dog toy.

West Paw Design

We tested three toys provided by this innovative, earth-friendly manufacturer. First, the Tux toy (pictured above) is part of their Zogoflex line. The toys are made from tough, non-toxic material in a manufacturing process that creates virtually no waste. Tux is also stuffable – fill the cavities with treats and peanut butter to keep your dog busy for longer. From the same Zogoflex line, we also tested the Bumi, which is a z-shaped flexible toy. Though my dogs didn’t get into the Bumi, I tested it with the neighbor’s puppy who couldn’t get enough of its flexible, tugable shape. The company claims that Zogoflex toys are so tough, they’ll replace it once for free if your dog can damage it – and they have a less than one percent return rate. But the best part? When the toys degrade, you can send them back to the company for recycling.

I hesitated with the third toy. The eco-friendly plush toy, Flyer, is a round disc made from eco fabric and stuffing created from recycled plastic bottles. While the idea is brilliant, I thought for sure it would rip or tear after the first tug-of-war game. But, nope! A few weeks later, it’s still in one piece, and it quickly became my dogs’ favorite toy.

Purrfectplay

Purrfectplay is a young company in northwest Indiana. The products are crafted from organic, chemical-free, fair-trade materials and come in an array of shapes and sizes. We tested the 100 percent organic, dye-free cotton tug rope. The hand-braided toy is stretchable, which seems to be more fun for dogs than a static rope. Plus, this toy earns extra eco points because the company uses scraps of fabric provided through a cooperative arrangement with Mortex Apparel, and the price tags are made from outdated calendars.

We also tested the organic wool balls, which are made from wool sourced from small family farms across the U.S. The wool balls are hand formed from sustainably-produced, dye-free wool that is processed with gentle, non-toxic soaps. My dogs adore these wool balls, and they’re extremely durable, especially because they don’t have a seam for dogs to pull. Both the tug rope and the wool balls are machine washable, which is a big plus.

Bonus: Purrfectplay also produces darling cat toys made from organic dye-free fabrics stuffed with organic catnip.

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This is the third in Luanne’s new lifestyle column, Life in the Green Lane. Read the inaugural column, “The Pros & Cons of Being Married to an Eco Man” and the follow-up, “Why Is it So Hard to Get My Mom to Go Green?”.

My dog has fleece. And that’s not all. There are dozens of reasons why this impossibly adorable pug is leaving behind a puny carbon paw print.

If you consider dogs part of the family then it’s important they’re pulling their weight in the eco department along with the rest of us.

My little Smokey may not be as earthy as those drooling, stick- fetching, shaggy water dogs you see at Ocean Beach. But he plunges into nature pretty darn well for a pampered, toy breed favored by Tibetan monks, Chinese emperors and 16th century European royalty.

Plus, he’s a champion chick  magnet. I can’t take him anywhere without hormonal, puppy-loving teenage girls gushing over what looks to them to be a huge stuffed pet. Their devoted boyfriends stand by while they give up some love to my guy. “Ohhh, is that your pug? Can I pet him? What’s his name? OMG, he’s sooooo cute!”

Okay, so being a magnet doesn’t earn you an LEED certification, but these other things count – things you won’t learn at obedience school.

Here’s why my dog is cuter..I mean greener…than lots of other dogs.

1. Carpools on Playdates

Smokey gets picked up for his group, The Littles, a couple of days a week, and this has helped him become the socialized, refined gentleman neighbors invite over for biscuits and tea. Also, his owner (me) is saving fuel by not driving him myself.

2. Named for the Bear

Every time we call out his name, “Smokey, stop eating those Bounce sheets,” people are reminded of that famous ranger bear Smokey who first appeared in 1952 to get clueless cigarette smokers and weekend campers on a campaign to prevent wildfires. My mother argues he should be named Oliver or Churchill or something that goes with brandy and a cigar. But Smokey was already named when our babysitter gave him to us ’cause she was moving and couldn’t keep him.

2. Reuses Everyday Household Objects

A savvy consumer not taken in by the notion that new is best, Smokey forgoes the fancy, synthetic dog bed for a cozy laundry bag or basket filled with warm sheets and socks. Good boy! That’s my good green dog! However, his favorite mount is our laps and that costs nothing at all and we like it because he is so lovable and sweet.

3.  Maintains a Strict  Organic Diet

We feed him Newman’s Own organic pet food, as well as organic kibble and free range chicken broth in a reusable stainless steel dog dish. Occasionally, we let him have a treat, such as organic string cheese, which was a great training aid for prompting him to sit, lie down and stop eating Bounce Free sheets.

4.  Walks the Walk

Smokey is an avid walker who adores cruising to a nearby playground or hiking at Fort Funston. Walking keeps him fit (pugs have a tendency to pack on the pounds) and also calms him down. Walking is great for me, too, and for pet owners like you! Besides, Smokey gets rather nervous riding in cars. He insists on having the windows rolled all the way down and whimpers uncontrollably until we arrive at our destination. My husband is the same way.

5.  Wears Made-in-the-USA

Whether starring in a 4th of July parade in Sonoma or escorting his sisters on Halloween, Smokey wears locally-made garb, from patriotic bandanas to harnesses and muscle shirts. He feels we import too many toxic toys and products from China, and although he springs from the Asian culture and resembles the Foo Dog in looks and stature, it all stops there.

6. Creates a Warm Fur-ness

If you can sleep through the intense snoring (being hit over the head with a large mallet can help) then you don’t need to turn up the heat on a cold night in San Francisco. When Smokey stomps on your ribs and flops down on you or near you, it’s like a natural furnace that keeps you toasty all night. Just ask old Audrey. She likes to hang with Mr. Smokes for sunny afternoon cat naps. Audrey showed him who is boss from the very start, but now she needs him. Oh, yes she does, girl.

8. Prefers Biodegradable Pooper Scooper Bags

He won’t tolerate any other sort of bag for scooping up his shit. Funny, that’s one of the reasons I love him so. I once tried to pick up a poop using a plastic grocery bag and boy did he yelp. He likes that Bio Bags are made with planet friendly corn that breaks down. We use bio bags for composting, too.

9. Is Never, Ever Wasteful

Kids might kvetch, “there’s nothing to eat,” but Smokey never takes that stance because he will eat just about anything that resembles food. While I’m preparing his meal, he cries and dances manically in a circle, a tribal dance reminiscent of Native American rituals praising the buffalo. If a scrap falls on the floor, he laps it up. If he feels the compost we set aside could be more useful as a snack, then he asserts himself like a good steward of the planet should. And if Audrey won’t finish her own breakfast, Smokey recycles that into his dessert.

10. Conserves Energy

Like the best hybrid, Smokey is efficient at conserving fuel. Here he is after completing a five mile course along the Great Highway bike path. He parked his tired pug ass on the sofa for a snooze before dinner.  After dinner, he usually rests until his late night walk with dad. Then he parks it until breakfast.

OMG! My pug is sooooo cute!

Images: Luanne Bradley

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