After all of that time spent walking your four-legged friend through the cold and wet winter months, there is nothing better than seeing the weather change and the plants start to grow.
No matter what breed of dog you have, there is now a wealth of widely available accessories that can make their walk and yours a lot easier. Let us, then, take a look at some of the dog walking essentials that you ought to invest in for the months ahead.
Bum bag or small rucksack
Dogs don’t always travel light, and if you are going on a long walk, you will need a few essentials to make the journey better for both of you. There are many dog products online such as bum bags which are great for keeping the things you need for your dog, plus they are easy to carry around.
If you also want to bring along a snack or some water for you, then perhaps a small backpack can be useful. It can carry more than a bum bag but is still light enough to not cause any issues.
Dog treat training pouch
If you are still training your dog, then having treats ready and available is essential to reward the good behaviour as it happens. However, trying to put treats in your pocket can be tricky, so having a dog treat pouch on your waist allows you to quickly get to them when needed.
They usually clip onto a belt or have a strap on them, and they also have an open-top so that you can gain quick access to the treats. Some of them also have additional pockets for your phone or car keys so that you don’t have to carry anything else.
Dog carrier backpack
If you have a small dog, they can get tired on long walks and want to be carried. If you don’t want to be carrying them in your arms all the way home, then you can get a dog carrier backpack.
These backpacks come in different sizes and can hold up to a total of 7kgs. You feed your dog’s legs through the holes and their head peeks out of the top. The rucksack can be carried front or rear-facing depending on your preference.
Poop bag holder
Everyone who owns a dog needs one of these, although you might not always enjoy using it. There are now many different designs of poop bag holders on the market. Some simply carry the bags, while others have built-in lights and other features.
If you have more than one lead for your dog, then it’s a good idea to either get one for each lead or put the bag holder on your bum bag so that you aren’t without the poop bags when needed.
Dog coats
When the weather is bad, some dogs can suffer more than others. To protect your dog, you can get coats that you can use to keep them dry and warm. You might need to test them at home first so that your dog gets used to wearing them.
While not all dogs may need a dog coat, they can be a great item to have ready just in case. Types vary from ones that wrap around their body, to others that cover their body and legs. Sometimes these are a good idea if your dog likes to get muddy, as the coat can be taken off when you get home.
Dog boots
To go with the dog coats, you might also want to use dog boots. These will protect your dog’s paws from extreme cold or heat, although it is best to bear in mind that a lot of dogs will take a while to get used to them.
Dog boots come in different types and materials, so you may have to experiment to see which ones work best for your dog.
Hands-free dog lead
If you are a runner or you don’t want to be holding the lead all of the time, then you might like having a hands-free dog lead. These comprise a belt that goes around your waist to which the lead attaches. You then attach the other end to your dog, and they can walk while you have your hands free.
The lead is a bungee type that will extend and retract according to the distance between you and your dog. It might take a little while for you and your dog to get used to this arrangement, but there can be many benefits for you.
Conclusion
Having the right equipment for your dog walk will help you and your furry friend get the best from your time together, in addition to protecting both of you.
