Dog walking kit essentials
A while ago I introduced our new addition Lexi the Labrador and over the last few weeks she has settled in really well, mastered an array of commands and undergone the recommended course of vaccinations to ensure she would be safe from catching any nasty canine diseases and she recently experienced her first walk out in the countryside! She has been loving them ever since.
I now have a routine before going out on the walk to make sure I have everything I might need whilst out with Lexi and I wanted to share this in the hopes of helping other first timer puppy walkers on their way. Here are my dog walking kit essentials:
Suitable footwear
We are lucky to live in the Kent countryside where we have access to lots of fantastic green spaces and fields with easy going terrain where we can walk dogs, we also have access to slightly more challenging conditions underfoot with woodland and river side paths which can get overgrown or slippery. The last thing you need when walking a dog is to trip over something and end up on your arse with the dog running off or trampling on you! I recommend hiking boots such as those from Hi-Tec UK with good grip to keep you steady on your feet no matter the weather.
Jacket/ Coat
Just like having appropriate shoes making sure you have suitable outerwear at hand in case a cheeky rain cloud comes overhead half way through the walk is a good idea. I recommend getting a a waterproof jacket or coat which folds down, or even packs away into a small easy to carry package, so it can easily be carried or worn depending on the weather. Having a jacket with plenty of pockets is also helpful as you can keep your other doggie walking kit goodies close at hand!
Poo bags
Of course if you are going anywhere with your four legged friend you have to be prepared for the inevitable. There are lots of manufacturers of doggie poo bags of all sizes, colours and event fragrances! I really recommend getting biodegradable poo bags which do not damage the environment. I recently reviewed Earth Rated Biodegradable Scented Puppy Waste Bags which I really like. You can get handy dispensers which attach to your dog’s lead which means you don’t even have to carry them.
Dog biscuits
It’s always a good idea to have some doggie treats with you on a walk in case you need an enticement or a reward for good behaviour. As Lexi is still learning lead etiquette we use treats to reinforce good behaviour. She is particularly keen of Winalot Shapes which you can find on Amazon.
Dog whistle
My mum has two black Labradors which were trained as gun dogs and have been trained to return when they hear two short blasts of a whistle which comes in handy when out on a walk and mum wants to recall them if they wander off to explore. When we got Lexi we decided to train her to the same whistle so when we walk the dogs all together she will also come back to us if she hears the whistle. Dog whistles come in different frequencies so make sure you get the right one for your breed; Labradors respond to the gun dog frequency so we have a couple of Acme 211.5 dog whistles which you can also find on Amazon.
