Dog Walking Essentials
All dog owners know how important walk time is for their dogs. It’s an important way of bonding with your pet and a valuable form of exercise for both you and your pup. Not only is it necessary to walk your dog daily, but it’s important to keep them enriched by exploring different areas and environments. As such, you need the right dog walking essentials for both yourself and your dog so you can handle everything the outdoors brings.
From summer sunshine to cold winter winds, you need a range of walking gear to get you out and exploring no matter the weather.
Here at Philip Morris, we have a range of premium dog walking clothes to keep you walking in comfort and style.
Without further ado, let's jump straight into our top 20 dog walker essentials!
Comfortable Dog Walking Footwear
When you’re out on walks with your pup, one of the most important dog-walking essentials by far is a pair of comfortable and suitable shoes. You’ll be out on walks in all types of weather, from wind to rain and summer sunshine. You’ll also likely explore a range of urban pavements, rural paths and muddy fields. For exploring these various terrains you need the right footwear.
Wellies
Over 50% of dog owners use poor weather as an excuse to avoid walking their dogs. This means your pooch could be missing out on important outdoor time every time it rains. To combat this issue, waterproof shoes are dog walking essentials, and there’s no better protection than a pair of dog walking wellies.
Wellingtons are the best way to keep your feet warm and dry when out on walks in the rain. Your furry friend might like getting their feet dirty, but we certainly don’t! A pair of reliable, waterproof wellies will create a barrier that stops any mud or water from getting into your shoes or skin. This means you can tread through muddy fields or puddles without worrying about soggy socks.
Walking Boots
If you’re embarking on a long-distance journey or heading off on a woodland walk, you’ll need a pair of sturdy and durable boots. A pair of specially designed dog walking boots will give you the stability you need with thick, grooved soles and ankle support for any uneven surfaces.
Comfort needs to be a priority when enjoying long walks with your dog too. A pair of walking boots offers a breathable footwear solution that prevents your feet from becoming sweaty and swollen. They also feature padding and cushioning to absorb impact and prevent fatigue.
“My go to footwear for walking the dog is a pair of Le Chameau walking boots , which I use all year round. They’re fantastically comfortable, have great grip (which is really important in the woods near us), and most importantly waterproof. I’ve had the same pair for about 4 years now, and they are still going strong, which I think is pretty good with near daily use." - John Jones at Philip Morris
Dog Walking Jackets or Coats
Conditions can change quickly in the British countryside, and it’s not unusual to have a chilly spell or spot of unexpected rain. Dog walking jackets are one of the dog walker essentials that will keep you comfortable and protected in all kinds of weather.
Fleeces
When the weather turns chilly but isn’t quite cold enough for a heavy-duty coat, dog walking fleeces are a great option for a layer of warmth. A fleece offers a lightweight, insulating layer to keep cold air out and your natural warmth in. With features like added hoods and zips for easy ventilation, a fleece jacket is great for the unexpected weather changes a walk in the British weather can bring.
Waistcoats
Sometimes a full-coverage jacket can reduce comfortable movement when holding your dog's lead or bending to play with your pup. Dog walking waistcoats free up your arms to allow unrestricted movement while also offering a layer of warmth for your torso. If you pair a waistcoat with a breathable country shirt, you’ll have a thin layer to protect your arms from a chilly breeze.
Padded Coats
When winter hits, we’re prone to snow, icy winds and slippery conditions. Whilst this is unpleasant for us, an adventure outdoors in this weather is a dream for many dogs. A padded, heavy-duty coat is one of the top dog walking essentials for when temperatures drop. This allows you to continue to give your dog their daily exercise without feeling the negative effects of bitterly cold conditions. Just remember that if you’re cold your dog will be too, so it’s important to learn how to keep your dog warm in winter.
A Backpack or Dog Walking Bag
When you’re out on a walk, you’ll need a place to keep all of your dog's accessories as well as your own essentials. A small backpack or shoulder bag is a great accessory that can store everything from waste bags to treats and toys. You should ensure you have room in your bag or pockets on the exterior for water and snacks too. You can buy specially designed dog walking bags that have handy features like lead attachments and water bowl clips.
Comfortable Trousers
Walking long distances can cause discomfort if you’re wearing the wrong trousers. Clothing like jeans might be comfy for social occasions or quick trips, but if you’re heading off on a long hike with your dog, your priority should be comfort. A pair of dog walking trousers is an essential that offers a comfortable, breathable solution for long walks.
These trousers have handy features like elastic waists for flexibility and movement. Many trousers for dog walking also have a waterproof coating to prevent any splashes or stains from mud and rain.
Dog Walking Accessories
Whilst the right clothing is essential when walking your dog, it's equally as important to consider accessories and how these can make walk time easier for both you and your furry friend.
Insulated Gloves
When the winter weather hits, your hands start to feel the cold and this can cause issues when out and about. Cold hands can cause problems with gripping your dog's lead and make for a generally uncomfortable experience whilst walking. A pair of dog walking gloves is the ideal solution to keep your hands warm and increase your grip.
Premium gloves for dog walking are light and well-insulated whilst still allowing full mobility for your fingers. The palms of these gloves also feature rubber or suede materials to allow for a tighter grip when holding leads and heavy bags.
Dog Walking Hats
When exploring the great outdoors you’re exposed to wind and rain, but you’re also exposed to UV rays too. Many people fail to consider the protection needed for their head, and a hat is a forgotten accessory that can be a huge help on daily walks.Dog walking hats come in a range of styles, from flat caps to beanies, and all play an important role in protecting your head.
A hat that shields your eyes, face and head is one of our top dog walking essentials. Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds or mist, so it’s extremely important to choose the right hat to protect your skin and eyes, even on rainy days. A wide-brim style or visor hat will shade your face from any potential sun damage, whilst also offering a barrier against wind and light rain.
Accessories for your Dog
Remember that when you're out with your dog, you'll also need to ensure you bring all of their dog walking essentials too. There are a few items you need to remember in order to keep your dog happy and safe.
Doggy Waste Bag
Even if you’re heading off to a woodland area or open space, it’s always important to carry waste bags to pick up after your dog. Not only is it illegal in many urban areas to leave dog waste on the streets, but it’s also important to be considerate to the public and other dog walkers by cleaning up after your dog.
Dog Leads
Dog leads are an important accessory that ensures the safety of your dog as well as other animals and walkers. You may encounter some areas on your walk where dogs are required to be on leads by law, so ensuring you have one on hand is essential. A dog lead will also improve safety for both you and your dog in urban, busy or unfamiliar environments.
Many puppies and younger dogs may not understand the purpose of walks or become overexcited or distracted by the world around them. A lead allows you to control your route and redirect your dog to continue walking in the right direction.
For dogs that love to run, you can opt for bungee leads to give them more reach. If you’re out exploring fields and forests, you can use a slip lead on well-trained dogs for easy removal when necessary.
Dog Collars and Dog Harnesses
If you’re using a lead whilst on your walk, your dog needs to be wearing something the lead can secure to. For this, you can either opt for traditional dog collars or invest in a dog harness that secures around your dog's body
A dog collar is a simple yet effective accessory that can be used in conjunction with a lead. A collar can also be a helpful accessory that displays a dog tag with your dog’s name and your contact information should your pup get lost.
A harness is a better option if your dog finds collars uncomfortable or if you want a more secure attachment for your lead. You can find dog harnesses in a range of sizes and styles, so there’s always an option no matter how big or small your dog is.
Dog Treats
Not all dogs enjoy going on adventures, but it’s important they get outdoors to stay fit and healthy. Sometimes your furry friends might need a bit of encouragement, or maybe you just want to reward them for good behaviour. Having some treats on hand is a handy tip and one of the dog walker essentials that can reinforce good behaviour. Rewarding your dog with a tasty treat will encourage them to see walks as something to look forward to rather than a chore.
Dog Coats
If temperatures drop and you’re feeling the cold, the chances are your dog is too. In the same way a coat is essential for us humans, dog coats are one of the top dog walking essentials that keep your dog safe.
You can purchase a range of doggy coats from quilted options for winter days or waterproof coats complete with hoods. If you know the weather is going to be wet, windy or cold, ensure both you and your dog are kept warm and protected from the elements to prevent illness.
Water Bowl
Both you and your dog need to stay hydrated during exercise. A dog water bowl or bottle will allow you to let your dog drink to keep them energised. Bring a bottle of water for yourself and share this water between you and your pup. You can purchase water bottles with a built-in bowl for dogs, collapsible rubber bowls and even foldable fabric dog bowls. Options like this are lightweight so you won’t get weighted down and small enough to conserve valuable room in your bag.
Dog Toys
For larger dogs, just walking is not enough to burn off all their energy. If you take your dog on a walk to the park, be sure to bring a range of dog toys like frisbees, balls and chew toys. These will help enrich your dog and allow them to run, roam and tire themselves out. To give your dog the best quality accessories, Barbour also has a dedicated dog range so you can spoil both yourself and your pup with quality country wear.
Dog Walking Essentials For You and Your Pets at Philip Morris and Son
Now you know the top dog walking essentials, it’s time to ensure you’ve got all the right gear to enjoy walkies with your pooch. Here at Philip Morris, we have a range of premium products for you and your dog, all in one place.
Our dog walking range has been specially selected from the highest-quality country brands in the industry. This means that whatever you choose, whether it’s a cosy coat for yourself or a sturdy harness for your pup, our products are made to last. From braving wet and windy weather to the rough and tumble of pet play, you’re investing in essentials for everyday wear.
To explore our amazing range in person, come down to our store in Hereford. Our friendly team of experts will be on hand to answer any queries or questions.
Prefer to shop from home? Our experts are available online too! Simply contact us and we’ll direct you to the right products to help you enjoy your walks all year round!
Posted by Isobel
Isobel is a social media specialist and content writer at Philip Morris & Son, where she creates visual media to generate sales. With a strong passion for language and marketing, she aims to craft content that connects with our customers and enhances brand presence. Starting her career in the dynamic world of social media, Isobel has recently joined the company and is keen to expand her copywriting skills and deepen her understanding of social media marketing.
Outside of work, Isobel enjoys making the most of the Herefordshire countryside walking. She’s also a keen cook, although will never turn down the opportunity to go out for dinner instead.