A collection of my thoughts, feelings and opinions on everything dog, as well as some of things I do (and don’t do) with my own dog.

The Dog Blog: Barking up the right tree

Before the lead goes on: the little checks that make our dog walks better

Before the lead goes on: the little checks that make our dog walks better

|N Smith
There’s a moment every morning when Petal decides the day has officially begun. It usually involves a stretch, a very serious shake, and then her appearing beside me just staring...
Raw Feeding Realities: What It’s Actually Like to Feed Your Dog Raw

Raw Feeding Realities: What It’s Actually Like to Feed Your Dog Raw

|N Smith
Raw Feeding Realities: What It’s Actually Like to Feed Your Dog Raw I love feeding Petal raw. It's something that works so well for us, but like anything, it has...
Plants and Dogs… Is It Safe?

Plants and Dogs… Is It Safe?

|N Smith
In 2023, I got into plants. Like, really into plants. I didn’t know it at the time, but the very first one I brought home—an Anderson Red Philodendron—turned out to...
The Coat That Started It All

The Coat That Started It All

|N Smith
If you've ever wondered why my wool coats come in funny sizes like XS Long and S Long, it all comes back to one very awkward-shaped dog. His name was...
My Favourite Dog Treats

My Favourite Dog Treats

|N Smith
My dog Petal loves treats. She’s not fussy, she’ll eat anything, but even with her love of food, she definitely has favourites. You know, the kind of treat she’ll do...
The Lazy Dog Owner’s Guide to Enrichment

The Lazy Dog Owner’s Guide to Enrichment

|N Smith
We all want the best for our dogs, but let’s be honest, life can get busy. Whether you're working long hours, juggling family life, or just need a break, there...
Karaka Berry Season: Beautiful for Birds, Dangerous for Dogs

Karaka Berry Season: Beautiful for Birds, Dangerous for Dogs

|N Smith
If you live in New Zealand, chances are you’ve seen karaka berries starting to appear around this time of year. Bright, bold, and absolutely loved by our native birds, they’re...
Dog Daycare or Dog Walker?

Dog Daycare or Dog Walker?

|N Smith
First things first—yes, I’m a dog walker, and yes, I think I’m pretty good at it (if I may say so myself). But I’m writing this one with a neutral...
New Zealand’s Dog Fashion Trends for 2026

New Zealand’s Dog Fashion Trends for 2026

|N Smith
If you thought 2025 was big for dog fashion, 2026 is about to take it to another level. Kiwi dog owners are leaning harder than ever into style, comfort, and...

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