Blessed with caring owners, dogs can lead a wonderful life in the city.

Thoughts of contented dogs typically include images of country farms or big suburban yards where the hounds can run around all day. But millions of American dogs are actually city-dwellers, more used to high-rise apartments and asphalt than back porches and fields. Dogs can lead surprisingly happy lives in the city, as long as they have caring, responsible owners who are dedicated to making the most of what our urban areas have to offer to the four-legged crowd.

New York journalist Nina Munk has written for national magazines from Forbes to The New Yorker, and is the founder and chief executive of Urbanhound: the city dog's ultimate survival guide. She's also the proud owner of an urban hound named Mack, who lives happily in Manhattan's Gramercy Park with Nina, her husband Pablo and their new baby boy. Here Nina offers advice for keeping city dogs happy and healthy:

• Frequent walks. The first key to keeping an urban dog happy is to take it outside whenever you can. Munk likes to take Mack out about four times a day, where he can get some fresh air, exercise, and hang out with friends of both the human and dog variety.

• Dog parks. Many cities have designated dog runs and dog parks, or other green areas where dogs are allowed. Parks give your dog a chance to socialize with other dogs and enjoy running on real grass and dirt. Make sure you know the specific leash laws of your local green spaces, and support the building and maintenance of dog parks.

• Dog-friendly businesses. As more city dwellers choose to own dogs and take them out around the neighborhood, shops and other businesses are starting to relax their attitudes towards pets. Many restaurants that have outdoor patio seating will even offer a bowl of water for your dog, so he can stay cool and hydrated while you enjoy your meal.

• The good life. According to Munk, the life of a city dog is very often "the good life." She believes that living in the city and owning a dog fit together naturally and encourages responsible urban residents to consider getting a canine friend to make their lives complete.

Urbanhound
www.urbanhound.com

The Dog Park
www.thedogpark.com

Dogpark.com
www.dogpark.com

The Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org/ace/352

American Humane Association
www.americanhumane.org

Next: An Exotic Pet for You