Dog walker’s checklist

3rd October 2023

Whether you are a new dog owner, or you have been taking your dog for walks for years, there are some things that would be useful to take with you which you might not have thought of. Here’s our dog walking checklist to help you make sure you and your dog has everything you need.

Everyday walks

• Dog lead – there are many different types of leads available so find one that you and your dog are both comfortable with. An extendable lead can give your dog more freedom to roam while a shorter lead is more useful if your dog is still in training
• Dog collar and tag – it’s the law in the UK for all dogs to be microchipped but it’s a great idea for your dog to also wear a tag with your phone number on it so that passers-by can contact you easily if your dog wanders off
• Harness – not for everyone, but your dog may feel more comfortable if their lead is attached to a harness, especially if you have a small dog
• Animo activity and behaviour monitor so you can track how long your dog walks for and set daily activity goals
• Muzzle if required
• A collapsible water bowl – a great space saver that you can easily pop in your bag
• Poo bags
• A whistle – save your voice and train your dog to return when you blow a whistle
• A ball to play fetch and maybe a ball thrower
• Dog treats or a clicker if your dog is in training
• A backpack to store everything
• Good walking shoes for rough terrain

Bad weather walking

Rain or snow shouldn’t stop you from taking your dog for a walk. After all, your dog needs daily exercise all year round. These are just a few things you and your dog might need:

• Waterproof clothing or an umbrella
• Waterproof shoes for walking through puddles
• A coat for your dog in cold weather

Walks in the dark

When the nights start drawing in it’s likely that you’ll need to take your dog for a walk in the dark. Make sure that you and your dog are visible to keep you both safe. You might like to consider the following:

• High viz indicator or jacket for you and your dog
• A torch – head torches work well as they are hands-free
• Bright clothing