Essential Items For Dog Walking Success
Walking a dog is far more rewarding (and fun!) when you have the right tools.
Here is a list of my favorite go-to products that make my life easy when walking dogs:
Silicone Reusable Storage Bags (pocket sized)
These washable, lightweight pocket-sized storage bags carry the perfect amount of treats and work especially well for training with high-value rewards, such as cheese or deli meat! You can leave the bag un-sealed for easy access to treats, slipping a couple fingers into the opening, or close it up with a few pinches. They do an excellent job of keeping fresh, moist or stinky treats secure!
Buy Silicone Reusable Storage Bags (pocket sized) on Amazon.com
Multipurpose Tactical Belt Pouch
This multipurpose pouch is awesome for holding poop bags, keys, your phone, and even your silicone treat bag! I attach mine to my waste-carrier belt, but you can also use a simple nylon belt or even a small fanny pack.
The reason I highly recommend this tactical pouch is the vertical, simple and organized design. I can open different sections of the pouch without needing to look and search for items every time.
This works great for reactivity training; when another dog is approaching, I can quickly grab a treat while still keeping an eye on my dog. I also like to carry pepper spray to repel dangerous wild animals (or humans!) if needed, so keeping that in a handy spot is essential.
Nature Gnaws Salmon Treats
These limited-ingredient Salmon Treats work well for dogs of all ages and breeds, and are awesome for dogs with food sensitivities.
They include only salmon and sweet potato, which makes them VERY smelly, but that can be great for training games and keeping your dog’s focus.
This soft jerky can be broken into smaller pieces for small pups; one treat can last an entire walk! For some of my fish-loving dogs, this is a high-value reward that works wonders for reinforcing good behaviors.
NiteCore Headlamp
No more juggling a leash and cellphone flashlight while you try to scoop poop! This rechargeable LED NiteCore headlamp is lightweight, powerful and essential for walking at night.
From the 4 levels of brightness, I like to use the 3rd level (190 lumens), tilted at a 45 degree angle, which does a great job of illuminating my path and the dogs I’m walking.
This headlamp also includes other modes such as SOS, Beacon and red LED outputs which makes this a useful headlamp for other activities, too. Anything from back roads, trails and city streets, this headlamp makes a big difference when you need to see, and be seen, at night.
LED Armband Running Lights
Last, but certainly not least, I recommend these awesome, super bright rechargeable LED running lights. I currently have one set of the green-band design and I feel so much safer walking at night.
At it’s longest, comfortable length I wear them below my knees, above my calves, facing back and outward so drivers and pedestrians coming from behind will spot me.
I usually wear both myself, but it might be possible to use one as a collar for smaller dogs around 15-20 lbs (not quite for a Lab, as advertised!). The slow-flash mode is eye-catching and can be seen down a city block, but this product really ‘shines’ on dimly lit roads!
Thank you for taking the time to read about my favorite dog walking tools. I hope they make your life easier as well!
Happy walking, friends!
