1 - A bag for carrying everything you need<\/h3>
Maybe you\u2019re the type of person who is organised enough to remember exactly what needs cramming in your pockets before you leave home with the dog. But chances are, you\u2019re not so a bag probably makes sense. You\u2019ve got a few choices here though, and you might want to vary it depending on whether it\u2019s a quick round-the-block, a whole day out kind of walk or somewhere in-between.<\/p>
Short walks<\/strong> - something like a Jerry\u2019s General tote bag<\/u><\/a> which has loads of room and can be slung over your shoulder. We\u2019ve always got one folded up in a pocket in case we end up shopping while out and about, too! And with some designs now available on our new bigger shopper tote bags, you can fit even more in!<\/p> Medium walks<\/strong> - a bum bag. They may not be as popular as they were in the 90s but they can be both stylish and functional with pockets to divide sections. Try a Jerry\u2019s General Dog Dad Essentials Dog Walking Bag<\/u><\/a>. (Dog Mum version here<\/u><\/a>)<\/p> Long walks\/days out<\/strong> - a small backpack. Not only do they have plenty of room inside, but can be comfortable when walking longer distances especially if you\u2019re carrying drinking water (which we\u2019ll get to in a bit!)<\/p> Next, it\u2019s let\u2019s start looking at what needs to go in the bag\u2026<\/p> As we looked at in our carbon pawprint series of blog posts, dog poo bags can have a horrendous impact on the environment. Be sure to choose non-plastic biodegradable, and put plenty in your carrying bag so there\u2019s no risk of running out, and you\u2019ll have spares in case another dog walker finds themselves short.<\/p> Ultimately, Jerry's poos have to be dealt with responsibly. Of the options I've seen, thankfully there are viable alternatives to plastic, but of course, they're more expensive than plastic ones because plastic is cheap.<\/p> - The Dog Dad Blog - What goes in must come out... unfortunately!<\/u><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote> Leads can and do snap, often helped by a bit of over-keen chewing by our doggy companions. And sometimes the recall mechanisms in them can get jammed or just plain break. Finding the perfect lead for you and your dog can be a bit of trial and error, so when you\u2019ve found one you\u2019re both happy with, buy another one of the same and have it ready to pop in whatever dog-walking carrying bag you\u2019re taking out with you.<\/p> If you\u2019re heading out when it\u2019s already dark, you\u2019ll pop this on before you go, but otherwise, it\u2019s best to have a high-vis dog coat or similar in your bag in case you end up getting home later than you might have planned. Jerry has one with a detachable fleece inside, so it\u2019s perfect year-round. They\u2019re available in all sorts of sizes and styles <\/u><\/a>to suit every dog.<\/p> Your dog is unlikely to need a drink on most of their walks, but it\u2019s best to be prepared if they do. Whether it\u2019s a short walk on a hot day or a long walk on a cold day, dogs get thirsty. And it\u2019s best to bring your own supply of water rather than having to use potentially contaminated or unsafe water from ponds, streams or other water sources. Some pet water bottles like this BPA-free one on Amazon<\/u><\/a> have a fold-out container for your dog to drink from. And don\u2019t forget water for yourself too - check out our stainless steel bottles<\/u><\/a>.<\/p> Having a stash of treats in your dog-walking bag helps whether you want to work on your dog\u2019s recall skills, or as a bribe to get you out of a potentially awkward situation if your dog\u2019s got too excited by another dog. Jerry is a big fan of gravy bones. They are strong enough not to crumble in your bag but easily breakable into smaller pieces while you\u2019re out and about.<\/p> Jerry could entertain himself all day exploring woodland, but most times the thing he wants most is to chase a ball! We carry two options with us - a ball on a rope, and a tennis ball with a launcher. By having the two options it means we can tag-team - one throws as he brings the other ball back. But even if you\u2019re walking your dog on your own, having both options gives some variety. There are new plastic-free options launching all the time, too, so keep an eye out for those.<\/p> Jerry loves water, but dogs can soon get cold if they get wet whilst out and about. If they\u2019ve had a quick dip in a stream or river and it\u2019s a cold day, a towel can help you dry some of it off before they risk getting a chill. A towel can also come in useful if you need to clean your dog\u2019s paws perhaps after walking through a lot of road grit or salt put out when it\u2019s freezing, as this can cause irritation to delicate paw pads.<\/p> Jerry can\u2019t stand being brushed, but brushing dogs while out and about is common amongst dog owners, especially those with larger breeds. Brushing your dog while out on a walk not only means you don\u2019t have to worry about cleaning up the biodegradable hair and fur, but it provides useful warm nesting material for birds.<\/p> Your phone isn\u2019t just for taking cute photos of your dog whilst out and about, though it is very useful for that! Accidents can and do happen, so having your phone with you means you\u2019re prepared no matter what, whether it\u2019s a call to the vet or to friends and family if your dog happens to get lost. It also comes in really handy as a torch if you\u2019re caught out after dark.<\/p> Enjoy your walkies! \ud83d\udc3e<\/p>2 - Dog poo bags \ud83d\udca9<\/h3>
3 - A backup lead \ud83e\udea2<\/h3>
4 - High visibility coat \ud83c\udf11<\/h3>
![\"Jerry](\"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/2mw0ksdhgbd9gnhqdv0y5zgqv7sldsn1hlwimxeu9iwvr5ip.jpeg\" "\\"Jerry")
-- Jerry sporting his high-visibility coat<\/em><\/p>5 - Portable water bowl and water \ud83c\udf76<\/h3>
6 - Snacks\/treats \ud83e\uddb4<\/h3>
7 - Toys \ud83e\udd4e<\/h3>
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/dbw3hd7hjz2knithi5wzzi31ou8ybbcq9phzwzjxxmgrqzdc.jpeg\" "\\"Dog")
\u2014 Jerry doing his best to get hold of the ball on a rope!<\/p>8 - A small towel or cloth \ud83e\uddfd<\/h3>
9 - A dog brush \ud83d\udc29<\/h3>
10 - Your phone \ud83e\udd33\ud83c\udffc<\/h3>