As much as your dog looks forward to it, the daily walk is a ritual that can become monotonous or sometimes downright boring for even the most dedicated of pup parents. Sure, you can always switch up the routine and check out a new park or walking route, but you might also consider getting some new dog-walking accessories to spice things up—just think how much more exciting it is to go to the gym with brand-new workout clothes!
From bum bags to hand-free leashes, we’ve rounded up a whole bunch of fun dog walking accessories for your dog (and some for you) to enhance your daily stroll, add more pep to your step and get you re-motivated to take to the streets.
The 17 Best Dog Walking Accessories
Go forth and blaze a trail with these dog walking accessories that will help you make the most of your daily dog walks.
1. The Herschel Bum Bag
Vancouver, B.C.-based Herschel makes this compact and practical belt bag for your next walk. It’s just the right size for the walk essentials: a roll of poop bags, a handful of treats, your wallet and your phone. It keeps you wonderfully hands-free on safaris of all kinds with your dog.
Shop on Amazon2. Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch
This compact pouch can be worn three ways: over the shoulder, as an adjustable dog walking waist belt or on a metal clip. Storage-wise, the main compartment holds days of treats, a zippered pouch stashes your keys and smartphone, and a built-in dispenser for poop bags make this bag a does-it-all deal maker.
Related Reading: 14 Dog Treat Pouches to One-Up Your Walks and Training Sessions.
Buy Now on Amazon3. WM Caps LED Beanie
On dark winter evenings and mornings, this rechargeable LED beanie will light your way. There are three levels of brightness to last up to 10 hours and of course the hat will also keep your head nice and warm too.
Here are some cute winter dog hats, if you’re also looking for something of the canine persuasion.
Buy Now on Amazon4. Pawapoo Dog Carrier Backpack
Have you got a small dog who’s little legs get tired on long hikes? Then give this Pawapoo backpack dog carrier a go! It comes in sizes S-XL fitting dogs up to 7kg. You can wear the carrier on your back but also on your front for easy access to head scratches.
Buy Now on Amazon5. Kurgo Backpack Dog Walking Accessory
A quick walk requires little more than a handful of waste bags and a leash, but longer trips necessitate a longer packing list. The Kurgo backpack is the ideal solution if you’re looking for a way to carry your dog’s accessories without weighing yourself down.
This dog walking accessory backpack is lightweight enough to keep your dog comfortable, even when it’s fully stocked. Plus, it doubles as a harness complete with a rear-mounted leash hook and a sturdy handle.
Buy Now on Amazon6. Yuchiya Poop Bag Carrier
This poop bag holder from Yuchiya can easily clip onto your rucksack, leash or dog harness for easy, hands-free carrying. There’s also a built-in LED torch for any nighttime outings with your dog. It comes pre-supplied with a roll of lavender scented poop bags too.
Shop on Amazon7. Coskefy Touchscreen Gloves
A great dog walking accessory you may not have considered is a pair of touchscreen gloves. The special tech in these gloves not only makes it possible to use your smartphone, but the silicone grip is perfect for opening those often hard-to-open poop bags! These gloves are also fleece-lined so your fingers will stay nice and toasty on those grey winter mornings.
Shop on Amazon8. The Atom Sling
If you can’t quite picture yourself in a dog walking waist belt or bum bag, Patagonia’s Atom Sling bag is the next best thing. Its durable, 50% recycled nylon, water-repellent exterior is ideal in a variety of conditions—from a nice day out in town to a muddy trek on a wooded trail.
It has easy-access pockets for your essentials and an asymmetrical design that keeps you hands free and is easy on your back and shoulders.
Buy Now at Patagonia9. Vivaglory Dog Fleece
This dog walking accessory is super affordable with sizes S-XL all coming in under £16. The double layer of fleece provides warmth for your dog in four colour options: beige, grey, pink and turquoise. And the magic sticker closures under the neck and belly make it very easy to put on and take off.
Shop on Amazon10. Pawz Dog Boots (Verified Review)
Our tester found that these affordable, 100% biodegradable, natural rubber dog boots have a sock-like fit that’s less bulky on dog’s paws and easier for them to wear and tolerate—unlike some heavier-duty dog boots with complicated straps and buckles.
They’re a good option to keep your dog’s precious toes dry and safe in wet conditions and help protect against loose gravel, sharp sticks, chemicals and other nasties.
N.B. Both our tester and the manufacturer emphasise these boots are not for prolonged use, as the fit around the ankle can become restrictive.
For more about dog boots, see our articles about summer dog shoes and the best dog hiking boots.
Buy Now on Amazon11. Reversible Morezi Dog Jacket
Why sacrifice style for function when you can have both with the reversible Morezi dog jacket? With a soft inner layer and a water-resistant outer layer, this jacket keeps your dog warm and dry, no matter the weather. The reversible design features a classic plaid pattern in your choice of colours on one side with a tufted inner layer on the other. Available in sizes XS through XXXL for dogs of all breeds.
Buy Now on Amazon12. Zuofeng Collapsible Bowl Dog Walking Accessory
Whether you’re walking for five minutes or five miles, hydration is important. This 3-pack of portable collapsible dog bowls is just what you need for impromptu water breaks. These lightweight silicone bowls fold down flat and clip to your belt or bag with a carabiner, keeping your hands free.
Plus, they’re handy in the car, at the dog park and in a variety of other situations—just clip to your belt loop, rucksack or dog leash and away you go!
Buy Now on AmazonThe Dog Walking Essentials
These last few items are so elemental to dog walking we would be remiss if we didn’t mention them on this list. Consider upgrading to one of these well-reviewed harnesses and leashes and you’ll be on your way.
13. JBYAMUK Heavy Duty Rope Leash
If you have a dog who loves to chew on her lead, this 5-foot JBYAMUK dog leash is a great durable option. It has soft, padded handle made of foam and thick buckles. Made of lightweight, chew-resistant nylon climbing ropes with a high-density anti-bite inner layer this leash is strong enough for big dogs who pull as well as small pups.
Buy Now on Amazon14. Blueberry Pet Multi-Coloured Harness
Fashionable and functional, this darling adjustable harness is made from lightweight polyester materials for ease of wear, is machine-washable, and features buckles made from eco-friendly plastic.
Buy Now on Amazon15. Ruffwear Dog Walking Accessory Leash
“A rugged lead for adventure-loving dogs”, this 5-foot dog leash is durable and made extra sturdy with its carabiner clip to attach to your dog’s collar or harness. There’s also an accessory loop where you can attach poop bags and its comfortable to hold on long walks thanks to the tubular webbing on the handle.
Buy Now on Amazon16. Ruffwear Front Range No Pull Dog Harness
This adjustable harness from trusted dog outfitter Ruffwear might be the last harness you’ll ever need: it’s made with rugged, wind- and water-resistant materials and is designed for chafe-free, all-day wear with padded chest and belly panels. An easy over the head design with side-release buckles on each side makes for easy on and off, and two leash attachment points, one at the top of the harness, and one in the front for pullers who need more control offer an option for every kind of pooch. It’s available in a variety of colours (that match the Ruffwear carabiner leash above) and sizes XXS-XL.
For more about no pull dog harnesses, see our article, No-Pull Dog Harnesses That Work: Your Complete Guide to the Best Options.
Buy Now on Amazon17. Barkswell Hands-Free Dog Walking Accessory
If you’re a runner, or simply tired of juggling leashes, training treats and poop bags, you’ll love this hands-free dog walking accessory. Simply clip the dog walking belt around your hips or waist and clip your dog to the end of the dual-bungee leash. Designed to handle dogs up to 60kg, the leash also has two handles so you can correct your dog without breaking stride.
Buy Now on AmazonFurther Reading
If you want to delve a little deeper into dog walking accessories, we have plenty of articles that go into more detail on specific categories. To start, take a look at the list below: