Walking your dog should be simple.‎ You grab a leash, head outside, and enjoy the fresh air together.‎ But if you’ve ever dealt with a dog that pulls too much, struggles in the heat, or gets distracted every few steps, you know it’s not always THAT easy.‎ Luckily, the right dog walking gear can make all the difference. Curious about the gear you didn’t even know you needed?‎ Keep reading, and you just might find something that changes your daily walks for the better.

Why you need dog walking gear

Your daily dog walks are an opportunity for both of you to exercise, bond, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Unfortunately, they can also pose some real risks to your and your pup’s safety.‎ A study published by Medicine &‎ Science in Sports & Exercise in‎ 2023‎ has shown that injuries related to‎ dog walking have increased‎ significantly over the years.‎ Namely,‎ between‎ 2001 and 2020,‎ approximately‎ 423,000 adults in the U.S. visited emergency departments due to injuries sustained‎ while walking their dogs.‎ The annual number of these‎ injuries‎ more than quadrupled during this period,‎ rising from about 7,200 in‎ 2001 to over 32,000 in‎ 2020.‎‎ Common injuries included:

• Finger fractures,
• Shoulder sprains,
• And even traumatic brain injuries

…typically resulting from falls caused by dogs pulling on leashes or making sudden movements.

Of course,‎ improper or lacking dog walking gear means your furry friend is at risk, too. Dogs can suffer from neck strain,‎ overheating, paw injuries,‎ and even anxiety-related issues during walks without the right equipment.

Beyond safety concerns,‎ the lack of adequate gear has also been linked to ineffective training and unnecessary‎ discomfort for you and your dog.

Dog walking gear you didn’t know you needed

Most dog owners have the basics covered:‎ a leash,‎ a collar,‎ and some poop bags.‎ But what if a few simple upgrades could make your walks easier, safer,‎ and more enjoyable?

Let’s take a look at the dog walking gear you didn’t even know you needed‎ and why you’ll never want to walk without it again.

1. Protective booties

Asphalt and concrete can heat up fast during summer,‎ reaching temperatures well over 125°F (52°C) on a sunny day. This is hot enough to burn paws within seconds! Protective booties create a barrier between your dog’s feet and the ground,‎ thus preventing painful burns and discomfort.‎ Beyond helping protect their paws in hot weather, booties also come in handy during winter walks.‎ They shield paws from ice,‎ salt, and harsh chemicals to protect your pup’s feet from irritation and frostbite.‎ Additionally, they provide extra grip on slippery surfaces,‎ making it easier for dogs to walk on wet or icy roads.

2. Hands-free leashes

Have you ever tried to walk your dog while holding a coffee,‎ checking your phone, or just stuffing your hands in your pockets on a cold day?‎ It’s not so easy with a leash wrapped around your wrist. Lucky for you,‎ hands-free leashes exist, and they’re here to save the day.

These leashes wrap around your waist or body to give you better control while keeping your hands free.‎ What’s more, they also help distribute your dog’s pulling force more evenly,‎ thereby reducing strain on your wrist and shoulder. Many hands-free leashes also come with shock-absorbing bungee sections,‎ which soften sudden movements. So, instead of getting jerked forward when your dog spots something exciting, you get a little give…enough to keep both of you steady. This is also a good way to train your dog.

3. No-pull harnesses

If your dog pulls, you’ve probably felt the strain on both your arm and their neck. A no-pull harness changes that by shifting pressure away from the throat and onto the chest and shoulders, making walks more comfortable and controlled.

Unlike a color, which can dig into your pup’s neck with every lunge, a no-pull harness discourages pulling without choking. Designs typically feature a front-clip attachment, which gently turns your dog toward you when they try to surge ahead.

4. Reflective and LED gear

Low visibility, whether at night or in foggy conditions,‎ puts you and your dog at risk. Without the right gear, drivers,‎ cyclists, and even pedestrians might not see you in time, increasing‎ the chance of accidents. That’s why reflective gear is a must. It catches‎ headlights and streetlights, making you more‎ visible from a distance.

For even better safety, consider‎ LED clip-on lights or glow-in-the-dark collars. These provide continuous‎ illumination to make your dog easy to spot, even in areas with no external light.

5. Treat pouches

Fumbling through your pockets for treats while trying to keep your dog’s attention is frustrating, to say the least. A treat pouch solves that by keeping rewards within easy reach, making training on the go much smoother. Many pouches come with magnetic or drawstring closures that allow quick access while keeping treats secure. Some even have separate compartments for kibble, high-value treats, and waste bags, so everything you need is in one place.

6. Collapsible water bottles

Dogs don’t sweat like we do, which means they can overheat fast, especially on long walks or in hot weather. That’s why you need to make sure they remain well-hydrated during walks.

Sure, you could bring a regular water bottle, but let’s be real: it takes up space, and‎ if you’ve got a bigger dog, you’ll need to carry even more. Collapsible water bottles are a much better‎ option for keeping your dog hydrated on the g. They’re‎ lightweight and easy to pack and may even come with built-in bowls, so you can pour out just the right amount without wasting a drop.

7. Paw washers

Muddy paws are inevitable‎ after a rainy walk or a trip to the‎ park. Instead of wrestling with a towel at‎ the door—or worse, dealing with dirty prints all over your floors—paw washers make‎ cleanup quick and easy. These portable‎ devices use soft bristles and water to‎ gently remove dirt, mud, and‎ debris from your dog’s paws in virtually seconds. Some are‎ cup-style, where you dip each paw‎ in and twist, while others function like a small bath‎ mat your dog can step onto. Either way, they help keep your dog and home cleaner with minimal effort.

Final thoughts

The right dog walking gear makes your life easier and makes walks safer,‎ more comfortable,‎ and more enjoyable for you and your pup.‎ You don’t need to overhaul‎ your entire routine overnight. But next time you’re out with your dog,‎ pay attention to the little‎ challenges you face.‎ If something feels like a hassle,‎ a piece of gear is probably designed to help.