When you first get your puppy or rescue dog, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of products on the market. It's not difficult to spend a small fortune but still miss the key items that will make your life easier and your dog's walks more enjoyable.
My name is Tammie Kirk and I run Clan Canines - Scotland's premium dog adventure and home boarding service. As a dog owner and professional dog walker, I have road tested so many products and pieces of equipment over the years.
Today I want to share with you 5 of my top items that every dog owner should have for their walks (and share my reasons why!)
1. A DICKY BAG (www.dickybag.com)
This is probably my number one item, especially if you have more than one dog! This amazing piece of kit is made from neoprene and comes in a variety of sizes so you can pick which is most appropriate for you.
No more carrying stinky poo bags around whilst searching for a bin - now you can pop the full poo bag into your dicky bag, zip it up and clip it on to your belt or trousers with the handy carabiner that comes with it - keeping your hands free and your nose happy until you get to a bin!
Trust me, this will be one of the best purchases you will ever make as a dog owner!
2. A SILICONE TREAT POUCH
As part of your dog's continued training, it is hugely beneficial to always have treats to hand on a walk.
As a professional dog walker, I've tried many different treat pouches over the years and have come to find the silicone ones the best for me. There are many different manufacturers of these, and a quick Google search of 'silicone treat pouches for dogs' will help you find them.
The joy of silicone pouches is that they are so easy to keep clean and hygienic. You can fill them with whatever treats you prefer - wet or dry - and after you're done, a quick wash in soapy water followed by a rinse has them as good as new in no time! The kind I use also have a handy clip to attach to your belt or trousers.
3. A CANINE FIRST AID KIT (www.pawaid.co.uk)
I highly recommend that you book on to a Canine First Aid course as soon as possible, if you have not already attended one. Even then, it is definitely worth refreshing every year or two, to keep your knowledge up to date. As with human first aid, it's a skill that we hope we never have to use but it could ultimately mean the difference between life and death so it is worth learning.
There are several excellent Canine First Aid trainers in the UK, and we recommend finding one who is either a qualified vet or a vet nurse, as they have a great deal of hands-on experience and knowledge that they can share.
I recommend having a well stocked Canine First Aid kit in your house and also in your car, so that you always have one close by. If you carry a bag with you when you take your dog for a walk, I'd advise carrying at least some basic kit in it - particularly cohesive bandages.
Last year I came across Pawaid Canine First Aid kits and I was so impressed that I bought them for my whole team at Clan Canines. These kits are very reasonable priced at £24.99 (at the time of publishing this blog) and are incredibly comprehensive. Yet they are still compact enough to not take up too much space.
4. A GOOD HARNESS, COLLAR AND LEAD
It can be a minefield when searching for a collar, harness and lead for your dog - there are literally hundreds of brands out there!
Scientific research has shown that when choosing a harness, it is advisable to opt for a Y shaped one at the front (like in the picture below) as this style is the least restrictive on your dog's natural gait. Harnesses that have a strap straight across your dog's chest can restrict their movement and sometimes cause long term health issues.
There are three brands that I particularly love - Ruffwear, Perfect Fit and Dog Copenhagen. My Labrador, Malfy, has had equipment from all three and they have all been great. We are currently using Dog Copenhagen (which we ordered from Podgy Paws in Keswick) as this seems to be the best fit for Malfy's physique. However, I would highly recommend any of the brands I have mentioned above.
When it comes to equipment that your dog will wear on a daily basis, you really do get what you pay for and it is worth investing in some quality pieces if you can afford to do so.
5. A COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOWL
It is always advisable to carry fresh water for your dog, especially on longer walks and/or hotter days.
A collapsible water bowl is a great piece of kit as it doesn't take up too much room, but can unfold to provide your dog with a bowl when they need a refreshment break.
I have used several different bowls over the year as a professional dog walker. There are some great silicone ones which are really easy to keep clean and can be bought from most pet stores or websites. I also love the Ruffwear one as it is incredibly light to carry.
So there you have it - my ultimate guide to the 5 items every dog owner should have for walkies! I hope you have found this blog useful. Please let me know in the comments if there are any other items you think should have made the list!