Most stylish belt waist bag for dog treats / H&M waist bag / Affordable dog accessories under £10 / Luxury dog products reviews / Perfect cocker spaniel dog blog (C) Expert tips and lifestyle stories about English cocker spaniels, grooming, health, puppy tips, diet and training (C) Natalia Ashton

20 May 202019 May 2020 by Natalia

We Love | Perfect dog treat bag

The most perfect dog treat bag that never was?! Oh yes, exactly that! I don’t think the H&M folks who came up with this design thought of the dog parents and walkers because this little beauty is too special and lovely. And it’s ideal if you don’t want give up on style when walking your dog yet need the utilitarian comfort.

This belt bag is a proof that best things come in small packages. It’s a perfect size. It sits on your hips or waist leaving your hands (and pockets!) completely free. It has two compartments, so you don’t have to mix your keys, poop bags (oh, the glamour level is just getting better now, isn’t it?!) and the said treats. The top part (that I’ll be using for treats) opens from the top, which allows me to pull the biscuits out quickly, without much fuss or noise – the latter is very important because dogs can swiftly react to the sound of a plastic wrapper or bag inside, so the treat suddenly becomes a lure, not a reward.

I also really like the colour… It’s neutral. It will look good with summer clothes, jeans or even worn over a trench coat. And you can always add a key ring, charms or even a small scarf to customise it.

Lets not forget it’s only £9.99, which, considering a price of an average treat bag, leaves you plenty of cash to buy plenty of actual treats, too. Still available online.

Style outfit ideas for dog walking in fashion / Spring edition / Camel outfit ideas / Cashmere jumper, leather trousers, puff jacket, suede leather bag / Perfect cocker spaniel / pet blog (C) Natalia Ashton

6 Mar 20207 Mar 2020 by Natalia

Fashion guide to walking your dog in style | Spring edition

I saw this on Facebook the other day…. “You used to look nice. Perhaps, enjoyed selecting a nice outfit to wear for your Saturday shop and coffees out. You don’t give a shit now. Once never seen out unless fully made up you will now be found wandering round your neighbourhood at 7 am on a Sunday morning in your pyjamas with your puff coat, carrying a bag of hot poo, swinging it gaily even, by way of a statement, so all your neighbours know you are a responsible dog owner. You will have clothing envy as you meet other dog owners, clearly in the game longer than you have been as they have managed to get dressed and comb their hair…”

And as funny as it sounds, it made me think about my journey as a dog mum… I’ve always tried to look nice. In fact, I promised myself that all my boys will have a mum they’d be proud of. Sometimes, usually past the puppy period when I’d be covered in mud and paw prints most of the time, I succeeded… But then there were times I didn’t feel particularly pretty.

However… as I work from home and my life revolves around my (very good looking) pups, I end up dressing up for dog walks mainly. Or for outings with dogs. And for meeting other dogs. Which basically means that I still like my clothes, but have to forgo the heels and extra special pieces, and instead choose practical clothes that would still pass the “beautiful” mark. Because if the clothes aren’t beautiful or feel cheap and tacky, sooner or later the feeling will transfer onto, or even under, the skin like a permanent tattoo… And if you’ve even experienced it, you know it’s not a good feeling. At all…

So… Blame it on the spring, sunshine, fashion week or new collections, but I’ve decided to play a little style game here and share some outfit ideas for dog mums. Because we may still have a bunch of poop bags in every pocket, but those pockets will be attached to the prettiest jackets, trousers and bags!

Also… on a “before we begin” kind of note… Do you like the featured photo? Because I will be using it for the entire series of my style posts.

The look below is for an early spring, so you can layer the pieces depending on the weather. If you aren’t sure about the colour of the trousers, they come in black, too.

Image credit: Karen Arnold from Pixabay

Cooper and Fred english cocker spaniels / Perfect cocker spaniel book and blog / cocker spaniel tips, advice, diet, puppy tips, cocker spaniel grooming, how to hand-strip cocker spaniel / (C) Natalia Ashton

7 Dec 201910 Dec 2019 by Natalia

Best Christmas presents for your cocker spaniel

If you have ever lived with a cocker, you know they are a very special kind of dogs. The pups do appreciate a touch of quality in everything they are surrounded with. And let’s admit, anything of a great quality is the sure way to put a smile on an often moody face of a cocker spaniel.

Today’s post is all about them! Our beautiful, wonderful, funny, adorable, irresistible, huggable and goofy little guys. And of course, the best gifts we could get for them this Christmas.

My guide is more of a curated boutique’y kind, but it’s only because these gifts are the best of the best – and it takes a lot of time, trial and error to discover them. Hope you’ll find something for your spaniel here.

There are hardly any cocker spaniels who would not appreciate a beautiful tennis ball – or any ball, but tennis ones are the ultimate. These balls from Barc London will please both the pooch and the human who, like me, think that a hint of a classic fluorescent yellow in the interior feels like a painful shot to the brain.

Choose among 5 beautiful shades or get the rainbow! Christmas only happens once a year.

Toys are a special story in our house, too. We went through so many, especially during the teething times. Then I shut down my inner Scrooge and bought a “ducky” from Fluff & Tuff. It was a gift for Fred’s first birthday. Fred is now two and the toy, even through it’s been living an outdoorsy life, is still in one piece and looks very “fluff and tuff”, too. They aren’t cheap, but they really are the best and safest soft toys for your cocker whatever the age. Make a good cushion, too.

Cockers love to sniff and exercise their brain, so they will appreciate a puzzle game from Nina Ottosson or a food dispensing toy.

New year – new collar! I’ve got these two because the tan colour should suit most coat colours. The “Butter” collar in cognac is from Austria-based Molly&Stitch and the “Gerard” is made in England for Maison le Lou.

If you are after a very special gift, give your cocker a new bed to relax after a good run. Our favourites are made by MiaCara and Hunter. Perfect for any dog without compromising on style.

If you feel that your cocker may need something extra warm, give him a baby blanket made of natural wool or cotton. The natural fibres will adjust to the body temperature and be kind to the coat unlike any static polyester or fleece. I’ve got these Tartan Blanket & Co baby blankets when my boys were puppies and am currently admiring the striking one by Lillemor.

Any pampered spaniel will love the natural spa and grooming products from Dug & Bitch, the Scottish company that pups and I adore. We’ve been using and talking about their wonderful whimsical things for years and I was glad to see that now any dog parent can truly indulge their pup by getting the Ultimate Gift Set box.

My boys have home-baked biscuits as a special treat, but if you want something ready to eat for your food-loving cocker or as a gift for one of his friends, Pooch&Mutt Christmas Dinner mini treats should hit the spot.

If you haven’t done so yet, don’t forget to check my Gift Guide for dog lovers that I shared earlier. Because you deserve a special treat, too.

And it’s worth to mention that this post has not been sponsored by any of the above mentioned companies and brands whatsoever.

Photo credits: Cooper & Fred photographed by me, images c/o Barc London, Fluff & Tuff, Molly & Stitch, Maison Le Lou, Cooper photographed by me, The Tartan Blanket Co, Dug & Bitch by Fetch & Flash Photography, Pooch & Mutt,Cooper photographed by me

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We Love | Perfect dog treat bag

Fashion guide to walking your dog in style | Spring edition

Best Christmas presents for your cocker spaniel