A walk with your dog is not just an everyday routine, but a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond, enjoy fresh air together and ensure sufficient exercise. But to make every walk relaxed and safe, the right preparation is crucial. From the right leash and reflective accessories to weather-appropriate clothing for dogs and owners - the right equipment ensures that you and your four-legged friend can master every season without any problems. In this article, you will receive practical tips on how to be optimally prepared for your walks.
The most important things at a glance
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The right equipment : Choose the right leash, collar or harness as well as reflective accessories for safety in the dark.
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Weatherproof clothing : Protect yourself and your dog with raincoats, warm jackets or cooling vests depending on the season.
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Visibility and safety : Use LED clips, reflective leashes and headlamps for safe walks at dusk or in the dark.
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Environmental awareness : Use sustainable poop bags and dispose of dog waste in an environmentally friendly way.
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Flexible planning : Pay attention to your dog's needs, vary the route and plan breaks for a stress-free walk.
Table of contents
- Collar or harness?
- Environmentally conscious on the go: Sustainable poop bags
- Right clothing for you and your dog
- 5 Tips for Relaxed Walks
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Suitable equipment for walking your dog
A successful walk starts with the right equipment. This is not just about practical aspects, but also about comfort, safety and environmental awareness.
The most important basics are:
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Leash: It provides control and safety – both for the dog and for its environment. Depending on your preferences and needs, a short city leash, a long retractable leash or a flexible retractable leash may be the right choice.
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Collar or harness: While the collar is a classic option for dogs that walk well on a leash, a harness offers more comfort, especially for dogs that pull or are sensitive.
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Muzzle: Wearing a muzzle is mandatory in many public transport systems or in some countries. A well-fitting, comfortable muzzle can therefore be essential in certain situations.
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Dog tag: If your dog ever runs away, a dog tag with his name and your phone number on it will help you find him quickly.
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Poop bags: Disposing of dog waste is the responsibility of every dog owner. Environmentally friendly, compostable poop bags are a sustainable alternative.
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Drinking bottle: Especially on hot days or during long walks, it is important that your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
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Dog walking bag: Always have everything to hand - both for you and your four-legged friend - in a functional dog walking bag. Depending on the occasion, you can vary the style of your dog walking bag. Here you will find our selection for stylish walks .
Addition: Safe on the road in the dark
Walking in the dark poses certain risks, especially in traffic. Here are some tips for greater safety:
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Luminous collars or LED clips increase visibility.
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Reflective leashes and harnesses ensure that cyclists and drivers can see their dog in time.
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Additional light sources such as headlamps help you see the path better and avoid tripping hazards.
Collar or harness?
Whether a dog should wear a collar or a harness is a question that concerns many owners. Both options have advantages and disadvantages:
A collar has the advantage of being easy to put on and more comfortable for many dogs to wear. It offers direct control, especially for dogs that walk well on a leash. However, a collar can put pressure on the cervical spine if suddenly pulled, which can lead to health problems in sensitive or small dogs.
A harness, on the other hand, relieves the neck area and distributes the pulling force across the chest. This can be particularly beneficial for puppies or dogs with respiratory problems. However, a harness should fit well to avoid chafing or restricting freedom of movement. There are different types of harnesses, including the ergonomic Y-harness, the Norwegian harness and the lead harness. Depending on the type of dog, a different model may fit better.
For sporting activities such as jogging or hiking, a harness is usually the better choice, as it gives the dog more freedom of movement and does not throw the owner off balance with jerky movements. However, if you spend a lot of time in the city and have a well-behaved dog, a high-quality collar can be just as good.
comparison in an overview
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feature |
collar |
Dishes |
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Invest |
Simple and quick, can be worn all day |
Depending on the dog, more difficult, may need training |
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comfort |
Very comfortable with padding, depends on the dog's leash |
If freedom of movement is guaranteed, very comfortable |
|
Suitable for activities |
Ideal for walks on a short leash, e.g. in the city or off-leash when running freely |
Ideal for working on a leash or for anxious, strong-pulling dogs |
|
Suitable age |
adult dog |
From puppy age |
|
Suitable size |
Available for every size |
Available for every size |
The choice between a collar and a harness depends on your dog's individual needs and your own lifestyle. It is important that the fit is right and that the dog is comfortable with the option chosen.
Environmentally conscious on the go: Sustainable poop bags
Disposing of your pet's waste in an environmentally friendly manner is an important concern for responsible dog owners. Biodegradable poop bags offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic bags. However, not all bags labeled "biodegradable" meet the same standards. Expert Sören Meissner from The Sustainable People provides valuable advice on this.
What does “biodegradable” mean?
The term "biodegradable" refers to materials that can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi, leaving only water, carbon dioxide (CO₂), mineral salts and biomass as end products. For plastics, it is crucial that they can be completely degraded under certain conditions. The European standard EN 13432 specifies that at least 90% of the organic material must be converted to CO₂ within six months under industrial composting conditions (60-70 °C).
Tips from expert Sören Meissner on handling biodegradable poop bags :
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Pay attention to certifications : Make sure that the poop bags are EN 13432 certified and bear the "OK compost" logo. This guarantees the industrial compostability of the product.
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Please note disposal: Although the bags are compostable, they should not be disposed of in your home compost bin, as the temperatures there are often not high enough to complete the decomposition process. Find out about local disposal options for dog waste (usually residual waste).
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Check the material composition : Make sure that the bags are made from bio-based raw materials such as bio-plastics and do not contain any petroleum-based plastics.
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Note storage: Store the bags in a cool, dry place to ensure their shelf life. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can start the decomposition process prematurely.
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Use consciously: Even if the bags are biodegradable, they should be used sparingly and responsibly. Any unnecessary consumption of resources pollutes the environment.
By following these instructions, you are actively contributing to protecting the environment and ensuring that your dog's waste is disposed of sustainably and responsibly. Discover the Sustainable People brand poop bags here .
Right clothing for you and your dog
The right clothing for you and your dog will make a significant contribution to a pleasant and safe walk. Depending on the weather and environment, it is important to prepare accordingly to protect both yourself and your dog from wetness, cold or heat .
protection from rain and moisture
A sudden rain shower can quickly make a walk uncomfortable. With the right equipment, you and your dog will still stay dry. A high-quality raincoat for your dog protects its fur from moisture and prevents it from being completely soaked after the walk. Dogs with short fur or older animals in particular benefit from additional weather protection. A waterproof jacket and sturdy, non-slip shoes are also essential for you as the owner to get through the rain dry and safely.
protection from cold and snow
In the cold season, many dogs need extra warmth. A well- insulated dog coat can be a valuable protection, especially for small, older or short-haired dogs. In addition, special paw shoes help to protect sensitive paws from road salt, ice and snow. For you, windproof and waterproof clothing as well as warm, lined shoes are crucial to ensure that even longer walks in sub-zero temperatures remain pleasant.
protection from heat and sun
High temperatures can also be a challenge for you and your dog. Dogs with light or thin fur should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. A light cooling harness or a damp cloth can help cool your dog down. After swimming in the lake or sea, a quick-drying bathrobe or towel is a good idea to protect the dog from evaporative cooling. For you as the owner, airy, breathable clothing and a hat are recommended to protect yourself from the intense sun.
Weather-independent must-haves
Regardless of the season, there are a few things that are useful on every walk. A functional walking bag with compartments for poop bags, snacks and a drinking bottle is extremely practical. Comfortable, well-cushioned shoes with a stable grip are also essential for being safe and comfortable on the go. A light blanket for your dog can serve as a place to lie down when you are out and about, for example when taking a break in the park or in a café.
With the right clothing for you and your dog, every walk - no matter what the weather - will be a pleasant experience. Look for high-quality materials , a good fit and functional details to ensure maximum comfort and protection.
5 Tips for Relaxed Walks
To ensure that walking the dog remains a relaxing experience for you and your dog, we share the following tips:
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Choose a varied route : Dogs love to explore new smells. Variety along the route keeps the walk exciting.
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Plan breaks : Especially on longer walks or in hot temperatures, your dog needs sufficient rest periods.
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Pay attention to your dog's body language : Your dog will show you through his behavior whether he is feeling comfortable or needs a break.
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Be flexible : Some days are more energetic than others. Adjust the length of the walk to suit your dog's mood that day.
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Enjoy time together : Walks are not only a necessity, but also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
With the right equipment, good planning and careful observation of your dog, every walk will be a pleasant and relaxing experience!
Conclusion
A well-planned walk with the dog is much more than just an everyday chore - it is a valuable time for exercise, relaxation and bonding between humans and animals . The right equipment plays a crucial role in this. Whether it is a suitable leash, reflective accessories for safety in the dark or weatherproof clothing for dogs and owners - all of these aspects ensure that walks remain pleasant and stress-free regardless of the weather or environment.
In addition to the right equipment, environmental awareness is also an important factor. By choosing sustainable poop bags and behaving consciously, you are contributing to environmental protection. In addition, the health and well-being of your dog should always be the focus - whether through the choice between a collar or harness, protection from extreme weather conditions or good planning of walks.
With the right preparation, a well-thought-out selection of accessories and consideration of your dog's individual needs, every walk will be a pleasant and safe experience. Make the most of your time in nature and enjoy exercise with your loyal companion!
