Must haves for your Manhattan mutt

I am a dog parent who loves to lavish my pooch with the latest and greatest in the market. Some of the things I splurge on are flat out, silly. The list below while extremely trim, covers the bases in safety, exercise, chewing, treats and training. No splurges here. Just practical must haves for your city pup.

1. Sense-ation Harness – This “no pull” harness is a great tool for city walking. The design diminishes pulling and gives you more control over your dog’s strong body. www.softtouchconcepts.com

2. The Tricky Treat Ball – Ditch the bowl and use this enrichment toy to entertain, pacify and nourish your pooch. Fill this ball with your dog’s favorite treats or entire meal. My favorite thing about this toy, it passes time! Instead of gobbling a meal in two minutes flat, your dog will work and burn energy for at least twenty minutes. www.dogtoys.com

3. Martingale Collar – As a neurotic nervous Nelly dog parent, I worry about my dog (and every dog we care for) slipping out of the collar. This “no slip” design ensures safety for your dog and peace of mind for you. Check out www.premier.com

4. Natural Balance Dog Roll – Hands down the best training treat and toy stuffing. Similar to beef jerky in smell and sausage like in texture, this food can be diced into the tiniest of training bits, dropped into enrichment toys or smooshed and stuffed into hollow sterilized bones.

5. Biodegradable Waste Bags – We are all making strides to lessen our eco footprint . Why not shrink your dog’s eco paw print by using biodegradable waste bags? Poop today. Gone tomorrow.

6. Dog Duvet – Washing a dog bed (particularly a large one) in a city laundry mat or your home machine is a total bummer. Designed like a bottom sheet, Dog Duvet covers are easily removed and washable. Here’s a tip; layer a wee-wee pad under a dog duvet. Instead of washing the entire bed (which is now protect by the wee-wee pad) you can just wash the duvet. This lightens the load for you, the washer and the environment.