As every pooch owner knows, walks are an essential part of daily pup ownership and making sure you’re equipped with the best dog walking accessories will ensure you’re prepared for every eventuality. Whether you’re popping out on a stroll around the block, an afternoon at the park or pursuing outdoor adventures further afield, like in a forest or at the beach, making sure you’ve got everything you and your dog need for whatever outdoor activity you’re doing will make it an enjoyable experience all round.
Going out with your fur baby anywhere requires almost as much stuff as a human baby does. Well, maybe we’re exaggerating slightly but it can certainly feel that way. We’ve put together a list of essentials we think you’ll need for almost every walk, but you’ll want to pack your dog walking bag with everything from toys to treats to keep your pup’s tail wagging.
Best dog walking accessories at a glance:
• Best dog walking reflective gear for dogs: REFLECT360 Reflective Waterproof Dog Jacket – View on Mountain Warehouse
• Best dog walking jacket: Women's Corinne IV Waterproof Packaway Jacket – View on Regatta
• Best dog walking bag: Mobile Dog Gear Dog Walking Backpack – View on Amazon UK
Let’s not forget about us owners, either. Of course, our first priority is ensuring our dogs have everything they need, but what about accessories for dog walkers to make the walk more enjoyable for us? For example, getting caught in a downpour and then spending the rest of the walk completely drenched is not so fun. We all know that the great British weather leans more towards having wet walks than dry ones so heading out with dog walking attire like a good-quality walking coat and maybe some dog walking boots would be a good idea.
In our round-up of the best dog walking accessories, we’ve thought about everything you and your pooch may need when exploring outdoors. That’s why you’ll find everything from leads and collars to poop bags and paw protectors in this list so you can be ready to tackle whatever the great outdoors throws at you and your pup.
Best dog walking accessories
Leads
Dog leads are essential for safe and controlled walkies and the right one will make the walking experience more enjoyable for you and your pooch. There are various types available, including double-ended leads and retractable ones to suit your individual dog’s needs. The best dog lead for walking will give your pooch enough freedom that they can explore their surroundings while also making sure you’re in complete control at all times so look for one that is around two metres long. Here’s one of our favourites:
Best dog walking lead
Versatile and practical, the HALTI double-ended lead offers eight different ways to use it. Whether you need dual control for harnesses or headcollars or easy management of two dogs, this lead has you covered. Crafted from soft, premium webbing, it has three adjustable lead lengths so you can have greater control or give your dog more freedom as needed. Additionally, the reflective design enhances visibility during nighttime walks.
Reviewers online believe this HALTI lead is strong and sturdy without being too bulky but the quality of the clips could be better. That being said, they appreciate the versatility this lead has, thanks to the multiple ways to use it, and they like that it's easy to adjust to different lengths. Many reviews also comment that it's comfortable to hold, which is super important as you'll be holding your dog on it for the duration of your walk.
Pros
- Multipurpose and can be used for dual control on harnesses or headcollars or for managing two dogs
- Adjustable lengths to give your dog more or less freedom and you more or less control as required
Cons
- Some customers online feel the quality of the clips could be better
Collars
Dog collars are just as important as the right lead when you’re pursuing outdoor adventures with your canine companion. They’ll play a vital role in getting your dog back to you if they get lost. In fact, in the UK, it’s actually the law that all pet dogs must wear a collar with their owner’s name and address on it when in a public space.
Of course, a good fitting collar will also work with the lead to ensure your pooch is safe and under your control. When choosing the right collar for your dog, you’ll need to take into consideration your dog’s size, breed and behaviour to ensure the fit is comfortable and secure. We like this Julius-K9 one…
Best dog walking collar
The Julius-K9 Collar is renowned for its strength and security. Made from high-quality materials, it ensures your dog stays safe with a heavy-duty buckle fastening and stainless steel D-ring to attach your lead to. Durable, easy to clean and water resistant, this collar's a winner in our eyes.
It features a convenient grab loop for quick control if you need to get hold of your dog when they're off lead. This grab handle is one of the stand-out features of this collar, according to reviews online who love that it gives them extra control over their dog when needed. A couple of reviewers felt the collar was a bit bulky, but as some reviews mention, the collar was stiff to begin with but softened over time.
Pros
- Made from strong and durable materials
- Grab handle to give extra control when needed
Cons
- Some felt the collar was a bit bulky to begin with
Best dog GPS tracker
Are you in search of a reliable solution to keep tabs on your furry friend? Look no further than Tractive, a renowned name in the realm of pet tracking technology. Something to add to your dog's collar with a real-time tracking feature and unlimited range, you can monitor your pet's whereabouts effortlessly. What's more, Tractive boasts advanced functionalities such as location history and activity tracking, giving you valuable insights into your pet's movements and well-being.
With over 28,600 reviews, customers online have lots of positive things to say about the Tractive GPS tracker, saying they like the functionality it offers and how easy it is to use. Some customers have had issues with the signal quality in more remote areas but many pet owners can't rave enough about the peace of mind this tracker gives, saving them a lot of worry and stress when their dogs go for a wander.
Pros
- Unlimited range and real-life tracking to monitor your pet's whereabouts
- Location history so you can see exactly where they've been
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with signal quality in more remote areas
Harnesses
Some dog owners prefer to use a dog harness for attaching the lead to instead of their dog’s collar. The benefit of using a harness over a collar is that they’re designed to distribute the pressure of a dog pulling on the lead across their body rather than putting all the strain on their neck and throat. As well as being a fab option for dogs that pull or have respiratory issues, they’re good for giving you a greater sense of control over your dog.
To ensure the perfect fit for your pooch, you’ll need to make sure to properly measure your dog for a harness. To measure your dog for a harness, you’ll need to take a tape measure and take the measurements around the widest part of their chest, behind their front legs and around the base of their neck. The harness should be snug but not so tight that it’s restricting so you should be able to have a two-finger gap between your dog and the harness. Here’s a harness that we recommend, just make sure to double-check the measurements before you order…
Best dog walking harness
Designed for everyday ease and comfort, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is an overhead harness that features two quick-release buckles, making it simple to put on and take off your pet. The chest attachment clip helps prevent pulling during walks. Crafted from breathable, padded air mesh, it is weather-proof and includes reflective threads to keep your dog visible in low-light conditions.
This harness rates highly for sturdiness, durability and value for money, according to the 134,700+ reviews on Amazon. Many reviews mention the quality of the harness and the comfort it must provide to their pooch as although it's sturdy and durable, it feels nice and soft. Overall, dog owners online felt this harness provided a good fit for their dog, although there are some reviews that mention it came up small so be sure to check the size guide before you order.
Pros
- Weather-proof and crafted from breathable mesh to suit all kinds of weather conditions
- An overhead harness with two quick result buckles ensures it's simple to put on and take off
Cons
- A handful of reviewers felt this harness came up small so be sure to check the size guide against your pup's measurements before ordering
Poop bags
Every responsible dog owner knows that they shouldn’t set out on a walk without being armed with dog poop bags. Stuff them in your pockets, in your dog walking bag and even up your sleeve so you’re never caught short without them. When it comes to choosing the best dog poop bags, many owners choose to use biodegradable poop bags as they are environmentally friendly and break down much more quickly than traditional plastic bags to make cleaning up after your dog good for the planet now as well as in the future.
Best poop bags
Having a stash of poop bags ready to take with you on your walk is a must-have for any dog owner and thanks to this bulk-buy of Greener Walker Poo Bags, you won't run out for a long time. Made from corn starch, they're way friendlier to the environment than regular poop bags and with 540 included for the price, you'll always be prepared while saving money and helping the planet too.
Customers have found their poop bags to be durable and leak-proof, with the fact that they're also eco-friendly being a nice added bonus. Some did find them to be a bit fiddly to open so one reviewer mentions pre-opening a couple before you head out on your walk so you're ready to clean up after your pooch when nature calls.
Pros
- Customers have found them to be durable and leak-proof
- Value for money bulk buy as it contains a large amount of bags per roll and pack
Cons
- Some reviews say they're a bit fiddly to open
Water bottles and bowls
We all know the feeling of suddenly feeling thirsty when out and about and not having access to water to quench our thirst so you can make sure your pooch never has the same feeling by being equipped with travel water bottles and bowls. The amount of water your pup will need on their walk will all depend on their breed and size as well as how long you’re going to be walking for but generally, you’ll be to make sure you’re offering them water every 15-20 minutes to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
The best portable water bottles and bowls for dog walks are lightweight to make them easy to carry around and leakproof so you don’t end up with a pool of water at the bottom of your dog walking bag. They’re super easy to use too as most come with a detachable bowl or built-in dispenser so your dog can stay hydrated as you go. You can also use them to put their food in if you’re going to be out during mealtimes. Take a look at this stainless steel option…
Best dog walking water bottle and bowl
Perfect for water and food stops on outdoor adventures, the Absobu Dog Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle and Bowl features a detachable bowl for eating and drinking on the move. It comes with a leakproof screw-top lid and easy-to-carry handle to make it ideal for walks and hikes with your pooch in tow. With vacuum-insulated, copper-lined walls, it offers superior thermal insulation and temperature retention plus the bowl has an anti-slip base for added stability.
As it's made from stainless steel, customers online have found this water bottle to be sturdy and good quality but also heavy to carry due to the material it's made out of. That being said, they appreciate that the material allows the bottle to keep water cool all day.
Pros
- Keeps water at a constant temperature
- Leakproof lid to stop water spilling everywhere in your dog walking bag
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit heavy to carry around
Reflective gear
If you like to go out on dog walks at night, reflective gear is a must-have as it enhances both you and your furry friend’s visibility during low-light conditions, like early mornings, evenings or when it’s foggy. It’s important to have reflective gear for dog walking as it makes sure you are easily seen by others so they can also help to prevent accidents. Consider reflective vests and coats for you and your dog, light-up collars and leads with reflective strips to make you more noticeable from a distance to make walking in low-light conditions a safer experience.
Best dog walking reflective gear for dogs
A game-changer when it comes to visibility on wet walks, the REFLECT360 Reflective Waterproof Dog Jacket is made with 100 per cent reflective material and it's waterproof, so it's perfect for those dark, drizzly walks and gloomy evenings. Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL with an adjustable neck and chest strap, you're sure to get the paw-fect fit for your pooch and there's also a harness attachment hole so you can still use it underneath the coat.
During the day, it has a sleek grey look which isn't the most fun coat design, but when the sun sets and a light source, such as car headlights or a touch, hits, it turns reflective to keep your pup seen and shining bright.
Pros
- Super reflective to allow your pooch to be seen in low-light conditions
- Available in five different sizes with an adjustable neck and chest strap to ensure the perfect fit
Cons
- Grey colour isn't the most fun coat design or colour
Best light up dog collar
The Blazin' Bison Safety LED Dog Collar is an outstanding choice for keeping your pooch seen in low-light conditions. With over 16,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.5 on Amazon, its popularity with other pet owners speaks volumes. Made from a quality nylon, this collar is pretty robust and the LED lights make sure your hound is easily visible when out and about on walkies after dark.
Reviewers love that this light-up collar is super bright, making it super easy to spot their pooch when out in low-light conditions. Some reviews feel the power switch is a bit bulky but they also appreciate how simple it is to charge as you just need to plug it in via a micro USB cable.
Pros
- Highly rated by customers on Amazon
- Reviewers feel the LED lights in this collar are super bright to ensure their pooch is easily seen
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the power switch was a little bulky
Footwear and paw protection
Proper foot protection is vital for both humans and their pups on dog walks as it will shield them from uncomfortable terrain while also providing support and stability. While dogs don’t necessarily need paw protection for walks, wearing boots or other paw protectors will add a layer between your pooch and hot pavements and icy roads. Plus, they'll give extra grip if you choose protectors with non-slip soles. To choose the right size and type of dog boot, you’ll want to make sure the boots offer a snug fit without being too tight so take a tape measure and note the width and length of your pup’s paws before ordering.
To ensure you can walk for miles alongside your pooch, make sure you’re wearing shoes or boots that offer good cushioning and support to prevent your feet from becoming sore and tired. As the Great British weather is completely unpredictable, it’s a good idea to find ones that are made from waterproof and weather-resistant materials so you can walk your pooch enjoyably in different conditions.
Best waterproof dog walking boots
Perfect for those who love to explore the outdoors with their pooch in all weathers, the Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Women's Waterproof Walking Boots are designed for all your adventures together, from leisurely strolls to hikes. Featuring a water-resistant upper and waterproof membrane, they'll keep your feet dry while the cushioned footbed ensures comfort and support no matter how long your dog's walk is. With deep lugs for traction and a mesh lining for breathability, these boots have you covered for any terrain.
Sturdy, supportive and waterproof are just some of the things that customers say about these boots in the reviews. Many reviewers also mention that they are comfortable but some say they were a bit hard around the ankle at first so you might need to break them in before heading out on a long walk.
Pros
- Waterproof for walking in wet conditions
- Cushioned footbed for added support
Cons
- Reviewers say they were a bit hard around the ankle at first
Best dog walking paw protection
Ideal for year-round dog walking, the MOKCCI Truelove Dog Boots are lightweight and feature an inner breathable mesh to keep your dog's feet cool and comfortable so they don't overheat. Perfect for hiking and general walks, these boots are designed to withstand all seasons with non-slip grips on the soles to give your pooch greater control on uneven terrain. The reflective material enhances visibility in low light, ensuring your dog stays safe and seen on any adventure.
Customers feel these dog booties are of good quality and like the level of protection they provide to their pooch's sensitive paws. They also say they're easy to put on because they have a wide opening and Velcro straps to tighten the fit but some reviewers had issues with them staying on their dog's feet for the whole walk.
Pros
- Inside made with breathable mesh to prevent your pooch from overheating
- Reflective to ensure your dog is seen in low visibility settings
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with the paw protectors staying on their dog's feet for the full duration of their walk
Weather-appropriate dog walking gear
Dressing for the elements will make the walk more enjoyable for you and your hound. Not only will dressing your dog appropriately for the weather make things more comfortable for them but there are health benefits too to ensure they don’t overheat or get too cold. In warm weather, make sure you’re equipped with a cooling vest and breathable harness and in cool weather, add a coat to your dog to ensure they’re nicely toasty.
We humans also hate being cold when out on a walk so insulated coats, gloves and boots are a must-have for winter walks but when the sun makes an appearance, switch that coat for lightweight breathable clothing and the gloves for a sunhat and you’ll be good to go. Equipped with the right clothing, you and your pooch will love your walks together whatever the weather.
Best walking coat for dogs
The Ancol Stormguard Coat is both stylish and highly functional. Made in a beautiful chocolate brown colour, it'll keep your pooch both warm and dry with its cosy fleece inner and waterproof outer. Not to mention safe in low-light conditions, thanks to the reflective piping around the edges. To ensure a snug but comfortable fit, it has an elasticated neck and Velcro strap around the chest.
Affordable yet high-quality, this coat has thousands of rave reviews on Amazon. They say it looks great and does a fantastic job of keeping their pooch dry and cosy on their walks. Opinions are mixed on the coat's sturdiness but overall customers think this coat offers great value for money.
Pros
- Fleece-lined inner and waterproof outer to keep your pooch warm and dry
- Reflective piping around the edges for added safety in low-light conditions
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the sturdiness of the coat
Best dog walking jacket
www.regatta.com
We all know that the great British weather can be unpredictable at times so having a jacket that you can stash in your dog walking bag in case you need it will be ideal. The lightweight Women's Corinne IV Waterproof Packaway Jacket from Regatta packs away into its own pocket for ease of carrying. To protect you from the elements, it has a durable water-repellent finish and has taped seams to further enhance the waterproof protection. Available in 35 colours in sizes UK 8-26, there's a jacket in this style for every dog owner.
This jacket is both practical and stylish, according to comments from real-life customers. Many of them love how lightweight the jacket is so it's easy to chuck in a bag and whip out when it's raining or the weather turns chilly. There are some reviews that say this jacket runs small, so you may want to size up, especially if you're planning on wearing multiple layers or thick jumpers under it.
Pros
- Lightweight and packs away into its own pocket
- A water-repellent finish with taped seams
Cons
- Reviewers say sizing runs small so you may want to size up
Best dog walking bag
Whether you're heading out for a long walk or going with your dog somewhere further afield for a staycation, the Mobile Dog Gear Dog Walking Backpack has plenty of room so you can pack everything you need. With its array of pockets, you can easily stash all your dog's essentials in one convenient bag. Plus, it comes complete with two silicone bowls and a handy placemat for hydrating and feeding on the go. Made from heavy-duty polyester, it's resistant to tearing and ripping and it also gets style points for its chic grey design.
The bag is good quality and has many useful compartments say customers online. It is quite big so it may be a bit much if you're just heading on a stroll around the block but despite its size and having lots of storage space, reviewers found that it's actually quite lightweight.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty materials that are tear and rip-resistant
- Plenty of storage pockets
Cons
- Might be on the larger side for a stroll around the block
Best dog walking trousers
www.mountainwarehouse.com
Offering both practicality and comfort, the Quest Trousers from Mountain Warehouse are an excellent choice for dog walking. Made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric with UPF 50+ protection, these trousers are perfect for outdoor walks come rain or shine. They're designed with numerous pockets so you can carry treats, poop bags and other small essentials in your dog walking kit.
Customers online found these trousers to be lightweight and comfortable, which is what makes them good for long dog walks and travelling in general. Opinions are mixed on the fit, with some saying they came up big, others feeling they came up small and many saying they fit just right, so depending on how loose or tight you like your trousers, there may be some trial and error before finding the right size.
Pros
- Reviewers found them lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Made from a quick-drying fabric, which is ideal if you get caught in a shower on your dog walk
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the overall fit
Best dog walking gloves
www.trespass.com
Keep your hands nice and toasty on colder walks with the Trespass Waterproof Contact Gloves. Made from a bonded fleece material, they ensure your hands stay warm and comfortable but as they're also waterproof and breathable, they'll keep your hands dry while preventing them from getting too sweaty. Additionally, their touchscreen compatibility allows you to use your phone or other devices without removing them.
The waterproofing and being able to use their devices while wearing the gloves are things that customers rave about in the reviews. They also like how warm they keep their hands but some reviewers felt they were thinner than they expected.
Pros
- Waterproof to stop your hands from getting wet on rainy walks
- You can wear these gloves and still be able to use your touchscreen devices
Cons
- Some reviewers felt they were thinner than they expected
How we chose the best dog walking accessories
All of these accessories for dog walkers have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, practicality and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog walking essentials to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
FAQs
What to consider when looking for dog walking accessories
When looking for accessories to add to your dog walking kit, there are a couple of things to consider to ensure both you and your pooch are equipped for everything the great outdoors has to throw at you. Here are some answers to questions you may have in order to help you pick the best dog walking accessories:
What materials are most durable for dog walking gear?
When choosing dog walking essentials, you’ll want to pick items that are made from good quality, tough materials so they’re equipped to tackle the elements and last for ages. Look for accessories made from nylon, leather and high-quality polyester as these materials are known for their strength and longevity.
What safety features should I look for in dog walking gear?
Keeping our hounds safe and sound is the number one priority for us dog owners, so when looking for items to add to your dog walking kit, consider ones that have additional safety features. We’re talking reflective stitching and bright colours to ensure your pooch (and you) can always be seen when walking in the dark or other low-light conditions, and secure fastenings on leads, collars and harnesses to avoid your pooch accidentally escaping and running off.
How do I ensure the accessories are comfortable for my dog?
To make sure you and your pooch can go for miles, choose comfy clothes for you and padded, non-restrictive accessories for your dog. When looking for a harness or coat for your dog, opt for ones that are made from soft, flexible materials to reduce chafing or other irritation. Fabrics should also be breathable to prevent overheating. For additional comfort, you may want to pick accessories that have additional padding and an adjustable fit so it can grow with your pooch. You should always check the size guide of anything you’re ordering for your pooch against their body measurements to ensure the fit is snug but not restrictive.
Is it important to purchase adjustable walking accessories?
Speaking of the perfect fit, we’d recommend getting items that are adjustable. Adjustable straps, whether elasticated or Velcro, allow you to alter the fit to your hound’s size and shape which is especially useful for growing pups.
What are essential accessories for dog walking?
If you’re an experienced dog owner, you probably have a good idea of what your dog will want on a walk, but you never know when you might need something else. Here’s a list of what we think are essentials for your dog walking kit for both you and your pooch.
• Lead and harness
• A collar with an identification tag
• Dog poop bags
• Travel water bottle and food bowl
• Treats and snacks for you both
• A ball for fetch
• Waterproof dog coat (for wet walkies)
• Mobile phone
• Money/bank card
How long should I walk my dog for?
Every dog should have at least one walk a day, but the duration of your dog walk will depend on a couple of factors, including your dog’s breed and size, age, health and overall energy levels.
Larger, more active breeds may need more than two hours of exercise per day so they could do with a longer walk, whereas smaller, less active breeds may need shorter strolls.
Senior dogs may not be able to walk as far as they used to so they may need to slow down as they enter their twilight years wherever you will need to gradually build up the duration of a puppy's walk while they get used to being on a lead.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take a Break Pets_, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers._