Must Have Items For Dog Walkers

Here is the list of things that I take with me on a dog walk:

Poop Bags

If pooping isn’t the mission for your walk, forgetting to bring a bag with you a walk can be a regular occurrence. A good way to avoid that happening and ticking off neighbors and even getting a fine for leaving their poop is to get a bag dispenser that attaches to their leash.

This handy tool has saved me on many walks! And although most owners will equip you with a poop bag, I’ve run into many occasions when I needed more than one bag! Thankfully, I wasn’t without a second one because the bag dispenser holds an entire roll of bags inside it.

Check Price

Hand Sanitizer

Yes, I know hand sanitizer is one of those slightly controversial products. It’s often filled with chemicals that can dry out and irritate your skin. However, picking up dog poop is a messy job, and it can be a long way between you and a sink.

Therefore, stocking up on a sanitizer that’s free of triclosan, parabens, phthalates, and other unnecessary ingredients is a good compromise. I recommend PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals with Plant-Based Alcohol. It doesn’t irritate my skin and it keeps me clean enough until I get my hands on soup and water.

Check it out on Amazon:

PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals with Plant Based Alcohol.

Check Price

Extra Leash.

I know what you’re thinking, the dog is already on a leash, why would you ever need another one?

Well, I can’t tell you the countless amounts of times that I’ve need another leash. Most commonly, I’ve needed it to save another dog!

Check Price

Dogs are often let out in their backyards and on their owner’s property without supervision. That means that if they manage a way to sneak out of their yard, their owners usually aren’t aware that they’re missing for quite some time. That’s when you come in to save the day with your extra leash!

However, I’ve also needed it when a leash has broken on me. Yes, nylon leashes have snapped during walks. I never encountered this with my own dog, but larger dogs, I prefer to use a cord leash.

They’re durable, safe, and comfortable to hold. Also, your dog won’t be able to do the type of damage it would to a nylon leash so it will remain sturdy and durable.

Dog Walk Waist Fanny Pack

When out on a walk with someone else’s dog, you’ll need both hands free, but you’ll also need to carry some things with you. The fanny pack is a great solution for that. In it, you can carry treats, spare leashes, your phone, keys, poop bags, water bottle, hand sanitizer, etc.

Your pockets (especially for women) can get full rather quickly since we mostly carry things in our handbags. However, you’re not going to want to bring your entire bag with you on a walk because it becomes burdensome. A backpack gets heavy and can make you much sweatier than necessary. The fanny pack is lightweight and has enough room to fit your essentials. Plus, it allows you the freedom to use your hands.

Check Price

Dog Walking T-shirt

One of the hardest things to do as a dog walker is to grow your client list. You’ll want to network with other people to grow your dog walking business. A good way to put people on notice that you’re a dog walker it so wear it! Having something on your shirt that says, “I walk dogs” is a good conversation starter.

I run into people while walking dogs all the time. Mostly they want to say hi to the dog, but an added benefit to that is to start a conversation that you’re not the owner, but the dog’s walking companion.

Check Price

Stock up on these items of what every dog walker needs to bring on their walk. I found out the hard way, but hopefully you’ll be more prepared your first time around the block!