As much as your dog looks forward to it, the daily walk is a ritual that can become monotonous, sometimes downright boring, for even the most dedicated of dog mums and dads. Sure, you could switch up the routine and find a new route or two, but you might also consider gearing up with a dog walking accessory to jazz up your daily constitutional.
From bumbags to treat dispensers, we’ve rounded up these cool dog walking accessories for your dog (and some for you) to enhance your daily stroll, add more pep to your step, and get you motivated to take to the streets, dog lead in hand.
So go forth and blaze a trail with one of these dog walking accessories that will help you make the most of the daily walk with your dog in no time.
18 Best Dog Walking Accessories
The Herschel Bumbag
Vancouver, B.C.-based Herschel makes this compact, yet eye-catching bumbag 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, and it keeps you blessedly hands-free on safaris of all kinds with your dog. Herschel also makes these handy packs in a variety of solid colours and other patterns.
Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch
This compact pouch is deceivingly multi-purpose. It 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 worth 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.
The Atom Sling
If you can’t quite picture yourself in a dog walking waist belt or bumbag, Patagonia’s Atom Sling bag might be the next best thing. Its durable, 50% recycled nylon, water-repellent exterior is ideal in a variety of conditions, from a nice day out on the street 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.
K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier Backpack (Verified Review)
We tested the new, larger, K9 Sport Sack model—coincidentally called “Rover”—that’s been upgraded to accommodate pets up to 36kg (80 pounds).
We found some significant improvements over the last K9 Sports Sack we tested. Better quality, higher-performance materials have gone into this new style, from a durable exterior fabric better designed for the elements (and heftier dogs), to clips, buckles, and straps that have improved functionality and are easier to use (we had heard from some users that the some of the buckles on older models were finicky).
Other features we liked:
- Adjustable weight distribution straps at the top of the pack and a sternum and waist strap that help level out the load on your back
- A smaller, detachable backpack that’s perfect for carrying the day’s essentials such as keys, your phone, and snacks
Testing it out on Rover pup Coconut the Samoyed, one drawback we encountered was stuffing all of her beautiful hair into the pack without getting it caught in the zipper. At 20kg (45 pounds), she’s smaller than the pack’s weight rating of 36kg (80 pounds), but getting all that fur into a smaller pack would have been impossible, so it’s important to consider your dog’s breed and volume of hair when ordering one.
Getting the pack off was tricky, too, so you’ll need to think about how to remove the heavy load from your back without injuring yourself or your dog (our tester found a second pair of hands useful for this).
On the plus side, once she was all strapped in, the pack fit both Coconut and her dad very well. “I think it’s awesome,” said Coconut’s dad. “I would definitely use it again. For me and Coconut it’s just a fun novelty, but I think it’s a great bag for an older dog who can’t walk that much, or a dog with an injury. And people really enjoyed seeing Coconut in it.”
Kurgo Dog Backpack
A quick walk requires little more than a handful of waste bags and a lead, but longer trips necessitate a longer packing list. The Kurgo Dog 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 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 lead hook and a sturdy handle.
All-Terrain Dog Buggy
Last but not least, for the dog who won’t walk: a buggy. If carrying the weight of your dog on your back seems like too much, this pet buggy is the perfect solution. It’s made from durable, water-resistant materials with 360-degree front wheels for maximum mobility on any terrain. Load it up with your gear for the day and you’ll be good to go!
Dog Poop Pickup Tool
If the idea of having nothing more than a biodegradable bag between you and a poo makes you squirm, you’re not alone! Consider the protective barrier this dog walking accessory provides. This mess-free solution that acts as a pooper scooper for your hands saves you the unpleasant experience of getting up close and personal with your dog’s #2 as well as having to tote around a freshly filled poop bag until you find a bin.
Turdle Bag
If carrying around a plastic claw isn’t your thing, or you’d like a poop tool with a few more bells and whistles, consider the TurdleBag. This solution provides a tidy way to carry dog poop bags when a waste receptacle isn’t immediately available. It features a large compartment to discreetly store full bags and an integrated dispenser for clean ones. Simply clip it to your lead, bag, or belt for hands-free convenience.
Pendleton Dog Sweater
When the air is brisk and your dog needs a warming layer, suit her up in one of Pendelton’s cosy fleece and cotton dog jumpers. This reversible dog fleece is available in a variety of patterns and sizes from XS to XL, offering that classic, distinguished Pendelton look for your dog.
Pawz Dog Boots
Need a simple, practical pick? These 100-percent biodegradable natural rubber dog boots keep your dog’s paws dry and safe in wet conditions and help protect against loose gravel, sharp sticks, chemicals and other detritus that could injure or damage your pet’s paws. They come in different sizes too!
Classic Champion Hoodie
Just for dog mums and dads, a classic Champion hoodie is just the thing to have waiting at the door for a quick walk around the block or a visit to the dog park. Available in a variety of sizes and colours for both men and women, this machine-washable, poly-cotton blend sweatshirt stands up to muddy paws, has reduced pilling to resist wear from contact with active dogs, and is so durable and cosy you’ll want to own more than one.
MIGOHI Dog Jackets
Why sacrifice style for function when you can have both with the reversible MIGOHI 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 colors on one side with a tufted inner layer on the other. Available in sizes XS through XXXL for dogs of all sizes.
2-Pack Portable Collapsible Dog Bowl
Whether you’re walking for five minutes or five miles, hydration is important. This 2-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 situations.
The Dog Walking Essentials
These last few items, though not true dog walking accessories, are so elemental to dog walking we would be remiss if we didn’t mention them on this list. So, consider an upgrade to one of these well-reviewed harnesses and leads and you’ll be on your way.
SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Lead
What’s special about the SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Lead is that it features an anti-pull bungee section for shock absorption to handle ruff situations. Whether your dog is oversized or simply overeager, this lead is up to the task. The shock-absorbing bungee provides gentle correction while the lead itself is braided with tough nylon for chew-resistant durability. Plus, it comes in four stylish colour combinations.
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.
Tuff Mutt Dog Rope Leash
Designed specifically for medium and large breeds, this 5-foot carabiner dog lead is crafted from durable tubular webbing with a sturdy loop on one end and an aluminium swivel carabiner on the other end. This nearly-indestructible lead can withstand up to 450kg (1,000 pounds) of force, so it can take what your dog is handing out—especially if you have a strong puller on your hands.
Ruffwear Front Range Everyday 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 chafing-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 lead 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 pet. Naturally, it’s available in a variety of colours and sizes.
Barkswell Hands-Free Dog Lead
If you’re tired of juggling leads, training treats, and poop bags, you’ll love the hands-free convenience of the Barkswell Hands-Free Dog Lead. Simply clip the dog walking waist belt around your hips and clip your dog to the end of the shock-absorbing bungee lead. Designed to handle dogs up to 60kg (132 pounds), this lead also has a pouch with two lined compartments.
Further Reading
- Top 10 Waterproof Dog Coats to Keep Your Buddy Dry
- Top 10 Winter Jumpers to Keep Your Dog Cosy
- Your Complete Guide to Dog Harnesses
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