- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
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 moms 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 fanny packs 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 leash in hand. Heck, some even bring the bling! So go forth and blaze a trail with one of these dog walking accessories that’ll get you back to enjoying bonding, quality dog walks in no time.
20 Dog Walking Accessories to Level Up Your Daily Stroll
Vancouver, B.C.-based Herschel makes this compact, yet eye-catching tiger-striped belt bag for your next walk (on the wild side). 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.
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.
If you can’t quite picture yourself in a dog walking waist belt or fanny pack, 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 sidewalk 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.
This backpack is ideal for slowing, senior dogs when they tire, transporting smaller breeds on public transportation, and even on hikes when a vertical scramble becomes too difficult for your dog. Pictured here is a size small in olive green, but the K9 Sportsack is available in sizes from XS (30 pounds or less) to XXL (80 pounds or less) in a rainbow of fashionable colors. With enough pockets for your stuff, too, you never need to leave your best friend behind again.
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 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 leash hook and a sturdy handle.
Last but not least, for the dog who won’t walk: a stroller. If carrying the weight of your dog on your back seems like too much, this pet stroller 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!
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 trashcan.
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 leash, bag, or belt for hands-free convenience.
We love the simplicity of this minimalist poop bag carrier from Wild One, available in a curated palette of understated colors. An elastic cord easily attaches to any leash, and a twist top makes reloading a breeze. It comes pre-supplied with a roll of eco-friendly poop bags, too.
Buy Now at Wild One for $12.99
When the air is brisk and your dog needs a warming layer, suit her up in one of Pendelton’s cozy fleece and cotton dog sweaters. Part of its National Park series (pictured here is the Grand Canyon pattern), 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.
Buy Now on Amazon from $49-$69
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.
Buy Now on Amazon for $9.96 and up
This adorable tie-dyed dog sweatshirt, available in sizes extra small to extra large, fends off the chill on brisk mornings while also channeling the spirit of a long-ago peace-loving music festival signaling that your dog, possibly you, is a hippie at heart.
Just for dog moms 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 colors, 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 cozy you’ll want to own more than one.
Buy Now on Amazon for $20.92 and up
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.
Buy Now on Amazon for $13.99 and up
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 (and they come with a free, convenient poop bag dispenser and roll of bags, too).
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 leashes and you’ll be on your way.
What’s special about the SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Leash 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 leash is up to the task. The shock-absorbing bungee provides gentle correction while the leash itself is braided with tough nylon for chew-resistant durability. Plus, it comes in four stylish color combinations.
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.
Designed specifically for medium and large breeds, this 5-foot carabiner dog leash is crafted from durable tubular webbing with a sturdy loop on one end and an aluminum swivel carabiner on the other end. This nearly-indestructible lead can withstand up to 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.
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 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 pet. Naturally, it’s available in a variety of colors and sizes.
If you’re tired of juggling leashes, training treats, and poop bags, you’ll love the hands-free convenience of the TaoTronics Retractable Hands-Free Dog Leash. Simply clip the dog walking waist belt around your hips and clip your dog to the end of the dual-bungee leash. Designed to handle dogs up to 150 pounds, this leash also has two handles so you can correct your dog without breaking stride.
Further Reading
Featured Image: pasja1000 from Pixabay