The Ultimate Essentials Needed for Dog Walking
- Admin
- Jan 1, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 7, 2024
Discover the must-have dog walking essentials for a safe and stylish outing in London. From comfortable shoes to first aid kits, we've got you covered!
Dogs enjoy going out for walks as it gives them a physical and mental health boost - seeing the wider world, engaging with the environment, investigating new and interesting sights, smells, and sounds. But walking your dog means establishing a routine, and it can be a nightmare when you don't have appropriate dog walking accessories.
Sure you’ll grab the leash, but what other essentials do you need when adventuring out to create the best possible walks?
Whether you’re a new dog owner or just looking for new accessories to spice things up, we’ve rounded up our favourites to keep you safe and stylish!
1) Dog Walking Bag
To start, you’ll definitely need a way to carry all these cool gadgets and essentials. We recommend a backpack that is comfortable with padded straps and has plenty of compartments for storage to hold lots of treats!
Our favourites:
2) Spare Dog Lead and Collar
We suggest to always bring a spare lead and collar for those “just in case” scenarios on your stroll. If your lead breaks, wears through, or you happen to lose your dog’s lead, or find a lost dog, having a spare lead can help you.
For those dogs in training, we would recommend a short lead to keep your dog close when learning the ropes, or a long lead to let your dog roam freely.
If your dog tends to pull on its lead, there are leads designed to give you better control such as a Figure of 8 and a Halti.
Our favourites:
3) Dog Tags
Even though its a legal requirement for all dogs to be micro-chipped, you need to add a tag to your dog’s collar. And don’t forget to add tags to each collar and harnesses you are using (including the spares).
If your furry friend dog gets lost or goes missing, the public would need to contact you. On the tag it should have your information such as your name, telephone number, postcode, and door number.
So if you are looking for a new collar, why not check out these personalised reflective collars https://amzn.to/3GazbmY, or order a dog tag here https://amzn.to/3vv0PGh.
4) Light-Up Collars
Going out for an early morning or late evening stroll? Your dog will need its own safety gear to make sure they are seen, and also for you to alert others of your presence.
There are great accessories including reflective and light-up collars, leashes, and harnesses, in addition to lighted bag clips, fluorescent jackets, and a torch or headlamp to keep you both safe.
5) Comfortable Shoes
British weather can be unpredictable and these stylish rain-ready boots are the best to rely on, especially if you’re planning a long walk through the woods and countryside. We want you to enjoy every moment of your dog’s walk!
Our favourites:
6) Dog-Drying Coat
No more enthusiastic doggy shakes, wet dog smell, or endless rubbing down - a dog-drying coat will keep your pampered water fur-baby warm and dry.
With affordable sizes in S-XL, we’ve got you sorted!
Our favourites:
7) Paw Wash
Just like us, dogs don’t like dirty paws, and would be inclined to lick and chew on them. After a muddy trek, but before your dog enters the car or tracks the mud over the house, for the benefit of you both, why don’t you consider an easy solution? A paw washer such as MudBuster. The tumbler only requires water, and the gentle silicone bristles helps loosen the dirt and mud from your dog’s paws, hassle-free!
8) Dog-Friendly Wipes
If you have a dog that loves to roll in the mud and fox poo, then you will be relieved to have these dog-friendly wipes in your bag! The wipes offer a fuss-free way to freshen up your dog without the need to use water.
9) Hand Sanitiser
Carrying a hand sanitiser and hand wipes are essential for all the delightful jobs we do for our beloved dogs!
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10) Poop Bags and Holder
When you become a dog owner, you are officially the poop collector! Fortunately, there are lots of fashionable equipment and accessories to help with the experience, including scented bags, poop bag holders, gloves, and poop grabbers. Be prepared and make sure you clean up after your four-legged child. And don’t forget the hand wipes or sanitiser!
Our favourites:
Why not opt for biodegradable poop bags that’s good for the environment?
11) Water Bottle or Collapsible Bowl
Communal drinking bowls (and puddles) are a breeding ground for bacteria and dangerous germs. And although your dog may prefer a puddle, carrying a collapsible dog bowl and a bottle of water is vital to keep you and your dog hydrated. All that walking and running can be thirsty work!
Consider a reusable water bottle that you can store in your backpack, and these lightweight silicone foldable bowls that you can clip to your bag, belt loop, or dog lead – creating extra storage for other essentials. The versatile bowls can also be used for food to ensure your dog doesn’t miss a meal on your adventure.
Our favourites:
12) Treat Pouches
On your walk together, treat pouches are great to use to offer your dog a treat reward for good behaviour, and as an effective recall training aid.
We suggest to use a treat pouch that includes a training clicker, poop bags, and carabiners.
You can find various styles here: https://amzn.to/3IgzqPX
13) Dog Treats
Don’t forget your treats! We love positive reinforcement, and what a better way to reward your dog for good behaviour and recall. We recommend to choose treats that are delicious, but packed with natural ingredients to keep your dog healthy. We also suggest to break the treats into small training sizes.
From natural dog treats such as Good Boy, to training treats such as Denzel's, and dental chews for teeth and breath such as Woofbrush by Lily's Kitchen, stock up here!
And for the treats to remain fresh for longer at home, why not store them in a treat tin.
Our favourites:
14) Clicker
A dog training clicker is a brilliant tool to use for positive reinforcement. Your dog will learn to understand the sound of each click, and will associate the click with being rewarded. You should use the clicker to teach your dog basic commands.
Our favourites:
15) First Aid Kit
Accidents can occur with dogs so it’s good to be prepared. From cut paws, to bumps, and scraps! Carrying a dog first aid kit in your bag ensures you are equipped for any situation that may arise. The best way to prepare for an emergency during your walk is by having a kit that includes all the essential items.
If you are not sure how to treat an injury or wound, be sure to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible!
Our favourites:
16) Power Bank and Cable
Power banks are great for charging your phone on the move when you don’t have electricity. This is important especially if you rely on maps for your adventure or if your dog goes missing.
Our favourites:
17) Dog Toys
Don’t forget to have fun with your dog while outside.
Keep your dog active with a round of fetch with a ball launcher and balls, frisbees, chew toys, and tugging ropes.
This will make your walk more entertaining for both of you!
AND YOU'RE ALL SET!
Next time you go out with your dog, be sure to have these dog walking essentials and accessories.
Did we miss any other essential dog walking items? Why not help us and the dog owners by leaving a comment below with your tips or other essentials you include on your walks.
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