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Dog mum essentials: comfy bed, Kong toys & walk gear
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items My dog comes everywhere with me, from Berlin to hotels all over Europe. Here's what makes life with a dog easier for us: a proper orthopedic bed, a growing Kong collection, plush ducks and dolphins, rope toys for the teeth, and the gear for long walk...
A proper orthopedic bed was the best money I've spent on my dog. What to look for: thick foam, bolsters to lean on, and a cover you can throw in the washing machine. This one has all three.
Grey orthopedic dog bed with bolsters by FurHaven
We have a whole collection of these. I skip the KONG-brand fillers and stuff them with plain yogurt (no sweeteners) and my own treats instead.
KONG Classic (we have several)
Same shape as the red Classic, but made of a much tougher black rubber for dogs who chew hard. No squeaker either, which matters to me.
KONG Extreme (black) for tough chewers
A Kong-shaped food dispenser that drops kibble out as the dog pushes it around. Handy if your dog eats too fast, because it turns dinner into a game.
KONG Wobbler food-dispensing toy
The bone-shaped version in the tough black rubber, with room for treats at both ends. A nice change from the classic shape.
KONG Extreme Goodie Bone
We use porcelain bowls at home. They're heavy, so they don't slide across the floor, and they're easy to keep clean. This one is a plain, dishwasher-safe option.
Simple porcelain dog bowl
When you travel with a dog, a familiar blanket makes every hotel room feel more like home. Pick a soft one you can throw in the washing machine, and bring it everywhere.
Soft sherpa dog blanket (grey)
We use a long line on walks (in German it's called a Schleppleine). The dog gets room to sniff and explore, and I still have a way to stop them. This set comes in several lengths with padded handles.
Long line leash set (6ft to 30ft)
We've tried different harnesses over the years. If you're choosing one, this is the one testers keep recommending: padded, easy to put on, with a clip on the back for walks and one on the chest if your dog pulls.
Ruffwear Front Range harness
I keep buying duck toys for my dog. This one is by KONG and honks rather than squeaks, so be warned if you like a quiet house.
KONG plush duck toy
Besides ducks, I often pick dolphins. TUFFY makes theirs with several layers of fabric and extra stitching, so it's built to last longer than a normal plush toy.
TUFFY dolphin plush toy
Yes, my dog gets Christmas toys too. This stocking is an easy option: plush toys, a rope tug, balls and a chew toy in one go. Nice as a gift for other dog people as well.
Christmas dog toy stocking (6 toys)
I buy rope toys because chewing on them is good for the teeth, and they're great for tug of war. Just keep an eye on them and throw them out once they start to fray.
Cotton rope tug toy by Mammoth
The matching leash for the Front Range harness. Light, with a padded handle and a clip that locks, so it can't come undone on a busy street.
Ruffwear Front Range leash
If you travel with your dog, you need a bowl that folds flat. This one fits in a pocket or backpack and works for water and food on the road.
Ruffwear Quencher packable travel bowl
Not glamorous, but you need it on every walk. Clips onto any leash, and there's a little hook to hold the used bag until you find a bin.
Earth Rated poop bag dispenser for the leash