Dog walking is an important (and fun!) part of responsible pet ownership. Providing exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time for both you and your pooch, walking is a great way to exercise the mind and the body. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important to have the right equipment. Here are ten essential dog-walking accessories:
1. Lead
Let’s start at the very beginning. A lead is a must-have accessory for any dog walk. It keeps your dog safe and under control. If you have a chewer, whether they’re large or small, young or old, then we recommend the heavy-duty rope lead from JBYAMUK. It’s not only strong and durable, but has double reflector threads woven into the nylon, meaning that you’ll be safe and visible at night.
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2. Collar or Harness
A collar or harness ensures that your dog stays secure on their lead. It’s also where you can keep their required-by-law ID tags, so that if your pup does get lost, they can easily be returned to you. For a high-quality, durable collar that’s as stylish as it is classic, we love the Merlin Dogs leather collar. If you need a bit more control over your dog on walks or they’re unable to wear a collar, then there’s the Halti harness range. Fitting all shapes and sizes, the Halti Front Control harness is comfortable, easy to use, and dependable.
Find out more about collars here
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3. Poo Bags
Keep Britain Tidy and the streets poop-free! Always bring poo bags to clean up after your dog. If you want to be extra eco-friendly, then pick up some Adios Compostable and Biodegradable Dog Poo Bags. Not only are they thicker than your average bag, compostable, and biodegradable, but they also come in rainbow colours to cheer you up on those drab days!
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4. Water Bottle
It is officially summertime, which means that even the morning walk is much warmer now. No matter how far you walk, it’s important to keep your pup hydrated. A bowl and bottle in one, purchasing a portable dog bottle might be the best decision you make. Keep those canines cool!
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5. Treats
Are treats a dog-walk essential? Our dogs certainly think so! Treats are great for ongoing training and rewarding good behaviour (and for just reminding your dog that they’re the best). Pooch & Mutt do a tasty range of Meaty Dog Treats that are the perfect size for all dogs great and small.
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6. ID Tags
As mentioned above, the law requires that all dogs wear an identity tag or other form of clear identification (in addition to them being microchipped). But that doesn’t mean their ID tag has to be boring! Pet ID Express has a range of humorous tags that allow you to showcase your dog’s personality. We particularly love the ‘have your people call my people’ tag.
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7. Dog Carrier
Just because your dog might be getting on in years doesn’t mean they don’t also enjoy getting out and about. For those less mobile senior pups, there’s the Pawaboo backpack dog carrier. There are sizes S-XL to fit dogs weighing up to 7kg. The carrier is adjustable so that you can wear it on your back as well as on your front for easy access to tummy tickles!
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8. Reflective Gear
As it gets too hot during the day to walk our beloved dogs, we often have to resort to walking earlier in the morning and later in the evening. If it’s getting dark as you’re leaving your house, make sure to wear reflective gear to increase visibility during your nighttime walks. For your dog, there’s the Rabbitgoo reflective harness, and for you, there are some fetching safety vests.
Find out more for your dog here
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9. Hands-Free Waist Lead
Ideal for those who love to run and hike. With this hands-free dog lead, you won’t have to juggle leashes, training treats, and poop bags. Simply clip the dual-bungee lead to your dog’s collar and clip the dog walking belt around your waist or hips. With two handles, this lead can help you correct your dog without breaking stride. It’s rated for dogs up to 60kg.
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10. Bag
Unless you have Mary Poppins-style pockets, there’s a slim chance of you fitting most of the above into your pockets. The solution? A treat training pouch or bum bag! Personally, we’re big fans of the Paw Lifestyle Treat Training Pouch, because it can be worn three ways (over the shoulder, as an adjustable dog walking waist belt, or on a metal clip) making it versatile and convenient. The main compartment holds days’ worth of treats, a zippered pouch stores your keys and smartphone, and there’s a dispenser for poop bags built right in. This bag does it all!
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