I run a bespoke dog walking and daycare company, and my day to day is about making sure the pups I hang with have the best walks possible. I’m always trying out new dog accessories to make our days together fun and easy. With spring coming up, it’s a better time than ever to refresh the doggie staples we use with our clients, so we’ve tried out some fresh new products on our pups. Here are the ones that we think are actually worth investing in…
The Happy Dog Cookbook, £14.99
Forget those sneaky table scraps: use this brilliant collection of 24 recipes to give your dog the delicious, nutritious and occasionally indulgent home-baked treats they deserve. From hot cross buns to one-pot stews, The Happy Dog Cookbook is full of irresistible inspiration. The 24 recipes are arranged by season and include plenty of tips on choosing the best dog-friendly ingredients as well as ways to tailor each recipe to your dog’s dietary needs. Written by Sean McCormack, tails.com’s very own head vet and expert in dog nutrition, and featuring Annabel Karmel the established expert in feeding a young family, and the proud owner of three dogs this charming book is a delicious treat for dog-lovers everywhere.
Miss Richardson says: I’ve got a couple of pups in my crew who are always keen to try new foods, but since my packed lunch isn’t up for grabs, The Happy Dog Cookbook is a great resource for pups with adventurous tastes. I know what I’ll be getting the pups for Christmas next year!
Available from: www.agreatread.co.uk
AllPaws Wild Mint Cleansing Shampoo, £14.00
This organic dog shampoo freshens musty mongrel smells with a soothing blend of Mint and Eucalyptus bath bubbles which leave fur soft and fragrant without irritating delicate dog skin. Suitable for all breeds and pups aged 12 weeks or older.
Miss Richardson says: this shampoo is excellent! We tried it on a particularly pongy pooch (naming no names, but let’s just say they had managed to roll in something whiffy over the weekend) and it totally got rid of the smell. It made their fur so soft, it made me wish it was for humans too!
Available from: www.greenpeople.co.uk
Tails Good Dog Treats, £1 per pack
Whether it’s for training, good behaviour rewards or just showing how much you care, our Good Dog Treats get the tails wagging. These personalised Tails treats are free from artificial flavours, colours and added sugars. Only good stuff for good dogs. They come in a handy re-sealable, pocket-sized pack – perfect for treating on the go and they’re easy to break in half for smaller mouths and lighter bites!
Miss Richardson says: I’m always on the lookout for treats that are tasty but healthy and Tails Good Dog Treats are both, the pups go mad for them! I also work with dogs that need a little bit of extra help with behaviour and training and the lure of these treats have been amazing motivation for the doggos.
Available from: www.tails.com
Bella and Duke, Calm & Balmy Herbal Calming Spray for Dogs, £14.65
A herbal calming spray for when stressful situations can’t be avoided. A herbal and hydrosol based herbal calming spray for dogs. It can safely be used in any situation which causes stress for your best friend. A natural blend of Lavender hydrosol with tinctures of valerian, passionflower, hops and oat seed.
Miss Richardson says: This spray smells so good, when I tried it out I think it helped relax me too! I’d definitely recommend it, especially for puppies settling into their new home. A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful; I think this is a great tool for a more stress-free pup.
Available from: www.bellaandduke.com
Bella and Duke, Duck Chewing Sticks
The hard consistency of our duck chewing sticks are great for cleaning your dog’s teeth. They contain green-lipped sea shell extract and glucosamine. These sticks are beneficial for your dog in 2 ways: the hard consistency is great for cleaning your dog’s teeth and the ingredients strengthen your dog’s joints by supporting the connective tissue and cartilage structure.
Miss Richardson says: while working from home with your furry best friend is obviously great fun most of the time, there might be the odd zoom meeting that you’d prefer your fluffy assistant is distracted for. These sticks are perfect for that; your pup will be occupied and happy while you’re left to work without their ‘help’.
Available from: www.bellaandduke.com
Saffron Pawtique Poo bag carrier, £12.00
No longer do your poo bags need to be loose in a pocket or wondering if you have taken enough with you on the walk. You can now take a whole roll of poo bags in this elegant carrier. This poo bag made by Koko Collective comes in seven beautiful colours, the one in the photo is purple. They come with a clip and a ring so you can attach them to a lead or bag. It is lined with organic hemp with recycled bicycle inner tube details and is completely plastic free. Koko Collective makes all their products through a fair-trade accredited handicraft workshop to help benefit those living in the developing world.
Miss Richardson says: this poo bag carrier is so pretty it’s made the least glamorous part of the job feel stylish. I’m the envy of the park!
Available from: www.saffronpawtique.co.uk
Miss Richardsons Dogs, Personalised Tote Bag, £20.99
When you become a client of Miss Richardson’s Dogs, you are provided with an artist drawn portrait of your furry to welcome you to the gang. We provide the highest quality boutique dog care, in-home boarding and walking services for your four legged bestie, but if you’re not part of the gang, you can still purchase merchandise with a range of doggy designs! These are available on our website in the form of bags, cushions, mugs and many more!
Miss Richardson says: I just love this doggie tote bag. This little gem is Squeegie, an ex beauty queen of the dog show circuit and an all round adorable companion for afternoon walks. This bag never fails to put a grin on my face!
Available from: www.missrichardsonsdogs.com