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Taking our dog on its daily walk is one responsibility that’s incredibly rewarding. There’s no greater testament to just how much your dog loves heading outdoors into the sunshine (or rain!) than when its eyes light up as soon as you reach for their leash. The thing is, if you’re underprepared for your walk, your dog may be the only one who ends up having fun. While there aren’t too many things you need to bring along with you, the ones you need to are essential. So what are these essential items? Here are 5 you should make sure to pack each and every time.
One of the most important (if not the most important) items to bring along when walking your four-legged companion is a dog leash. You’ll need to find a durable leash that fits with your dog’s collar. Genuine Collars has a variety of sturdy leather leashes, in different colours and lengths.
Dog leashes are essential because they can keep both you and your dog safe from unexpected accidents. That’s why when shopping for a dog leash (and collar), it’s crucial to choose a high-quality product that won’t easily break. Safety should be your number one concern when shopping for a dog leash.
If you’re walking your dog, you need to prepare for the (almost) inevitable possibility that they’re going to do a number two. In order to prepare, you’ll need to ensure you’re carrying an easy-to-use pooper scooper on you. Although the pooper scooper is a simple tool, you need to choose the right one. As dog expert Caitlin McCormac points out, “With the right dog pooper scooper, this loathsome chore can become a quick, over-and-done with task.”
So what qualities should you look for? Ideally, you should look for one that’s lightweight, has a comfortable grip, can easily lift poop from different kinds of surfaces, and can conveniently be stored away when you’re not using it. You don’t need to spend a lot, either, to buy a high-quality pooper scooper. So say goodbye to the days of needing to bend down to clean your dog’s mess. It’s really just an unnecessary and undesirable task that can easily be replaced by the humble pooper scooper.
Now that you have the scooping part down, you’re going to want to put your “haul” somewhere. This is where poop bags come in handy. While it may be tempting to just reach for any old plastic bag you find, it’s well worth sparing a thought for the environment. Think about it—if you use a bag every time, or even every occasional time, that’s thousands of bags over your dog’s lifetime.
That’s why we love the growing number of the eco-friendly options there are to choose from. “Anyone who is concerned with the environmental impact of using non eco-friendly bags should definitely make the switch to bags that are biodegradable,” says Angela Stringfellow from Pet Life Today. You can find these bags either in your local pet shop or online. It’s always a good idea to look at reviews online before you buy as there have been reports of some poop bag brands inflating their eco credentials.
There are many reasons why it’s important to bring along dog treats. For starters, they make a fantastic incentive during dogs training. For instance, if you’re trying to teach your dog to stop before any crossings, you’ll want some yummy treats to reward them whenever the succeed. Secondly, they’re a super convenient snack to give your dog whenever they are feeling a bit peckish, or your walk before a meal time is running a bit long. Finally, dog treats are just a great way to say thanks to your dog for being that special little fur ball in your life.
You’ll want to make sure the dog treats you buy are healthy, however. Many dog owners mistakenly think there’s no such thing as a healthy treat. But shop around, and you’ll see there are many options that are not only tasty, but nutritious too. Cesar’s Way recommends dog owners to buy dog treats with no added sugar and salt, and treats that are grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
If only every day was a beautiful, sunny day ideal for walking your dog. Depending on where you live, you may have to battle all manner of weather conditions—even on a single walk! That’s why you’ll want to pack weather-appropriate clothing and gear so your dog is well protected from the elements.
For instance, in winter, a winter jacket will be vital in keeping your dog warm. On a rainy day, a raincoat and rain boots will help to keep them dry. Believe it or not, there’s even special dog clothes to help cool them down, such as cooling vests and collars. Even if you bring along weather-appropriate clothes on your walk which you don’t end up using, it’s better to be safe than sorry! After all, no dog owner wants to see their dog sick from a cold or heat exhaustion, so make sure to always have the right clothes ready to take on your walk.