“Dogs weren’t bred to lie on the sofa all day and then walk in perfect step with their human for 30 minutes a day,” said trainer Eric Goebelbecker, CPDT-KA, owner of Dog Spelled Forward. “They get bored just like we do and need to exercise their brains.”

Providing the right stimulation can be a critical step in eliminating problem behaviors. As Goebelbecker points out, bored behavior is often mislabeled as separation anxiety. A dog who is bored will spend his day searching for activities, like disemboweling your television remote or barking incessantly. Providing adequate mental stimulation is easier – and more fun – thank you might think.

When you’re hanging around the house, play with your dog. Consider a game like tug or fetch. Hide in your house, and let your dog find you. You can repeat that exercise with treats and toys, too.

When you leave for the day, give your dog food puzzles he can solve on his own. To up the ante, Goebelbecker suggests hiding the toys. This gives your dog two separate activities – first, finding the toy, and second, solving the food puzzle.

Nina Ottosson makes a range of eco-friendly and pet-safe toys that will definitely keep your dog busy. Warning: These toys, which come in a variety of skill levels, will probably require your participation at first. (Check out her YouTube video demonstrations!) Another great option, though less eco-conscious, is the Kong. You can stuff a Kong to keep your dog occupied. “Kongs are great. You can put treats in them or even actual meals,” said Goebelbecker. “If your dog gets good at un-stuffing them, freeze them.”

Keeping your dog’s mind active will help eliminate problem behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive barking. According to Goebelbecker, “Mental stimulation can result in more relaxed and satisfied dog.”

Your dog will be happier and healthier for it, too!

Image: OakleyOriginals on Flickr, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons.

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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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Nothing beats the heat quite like a tasty ice cream treat. As the temperatures heat up, so does your fur-coat-wearing dog! Help him cool off with homemade, organic ice cream.

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this simple treat:

• 32 oz. container of plain, organic yogurt
• 1 small box of fresh or frozen organic blueberries
• 2 heaping tablespoons of natural peanut butter

In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt and peanut butter. Toss in the blueberries and give it a gentle stir to distribute the blueberries throughout. Pour the mixture into bowls or dishes you have available – muffin tins work great as do ice cube trays for smaller dogs, just pop the cubes into a bowl once they’re frozen. I fill ramekins for my bigger dogs, and this recipe makes eight full ramekins. Stick the containers in the freezer, and in just a few hours, your dog will be happily lapping up his frosty treat!

For a little variety, you can switch out the blueberries for other fresh or frozen berries. Most dogs love raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. In addition, if your dog is on a diet, you can substitute low-fat yogurt.

Image: dryfish

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