Water bowls, dog towels, toys, treats and more... There can be lots of things for us dog owners to remember on a dog walk - never mind our own things - so a multi-functional dog walking bag could be just what you need.
Dog walking bags, walking packs, and bum bags are becoming really popular for dog walkers and owners - they can be unique, custom, or even handmade to tailor what you want for your dog. Getting kitted out for your walk will mean you'll have all the essentials to keep your pup safe on your adventures. Walk your 'pawfect' pooch with these dog walking bags we've handpicked for you.
Best anti-anxiety dog beds shortlist:
• Best all-round: Pet Room Dog Walking Bag
• Best for those with two dogs: Dog Training Treat Bag
• Best for longer walks or hikes: G4Free Small Sling Backpack
• Best design: Dog Walking Bag by THE DANDY DOG COMPANY
A huge deciding factor in your style of the bag could be down to how you would prefer to store your pup's water bottle, poop bags, lead, treats, toys, and any other dog essentials. You may want a particular item to be easily accessible, so it would be worth adjusting your styling to suit your needs. You'll need to consider how much you normally pack for a dog walk too, and base the sizing around that.
You might also want to consider the material of your bag, especially if you'd like it to be water-resistant - a really handy feature if you're walking in the UK.
The best dog walking bags UK
Editors choice
This compact bag can be worn as a belt around the waist or hung over the shoulder and comes complete with a treat pouch, poo bag holder, dog training clicker, collapsible dog bowl and adjustable belt and shoulder strap. Some product features include high-quality fabric, three ways to wear, a drawstring closure to keep treats safe and a front zipper pocket.
Review: "A great kit! I've recently started a dog walking business, so convenience is everything. This pack is great for holding essentials while keeping pockets and hands-free! A couple of side pockets, a front zipped pocket and the main bag keeps everything separated. A High-quality bag & fast shipping!"
Pros
- Can be worn in multiple ways
- Made from high-quality fabric
- Comes with a variety of useful features
Cons
- May not fit larger items
Best for those with two dogs
If you're looking to train your dog, this treat bag is great! This bag comes with two collapsible travel pet bowls, making it ideal for owners with two pooches. There's also a poop bag dispenser and puppy clicker. The bag also comes with a waterproof walking storage pouch and an adjustable reflective, shoulder/waist belt for extra safety and comfort when walking in dark or rainy conditions. Some features include a collapsible bowl, dog treat pouch, sturdy dog belt clip and carabiner.
Review: "The absolute best treat bag we've tried so far!! What more can I say... It holds loads, the clicker is great. The bowl is beyond brilliant, although it is a tiny bowl it's plenty big enough for my Golden Retriever and the second it hits the floor dogs swarm from nowhere to share the water. My Puggle is a master at treat bag destruction and despite a couple of attempts, he hasn't managed to make a mark on this one and even better he can't mug me for treats during the walk thanks to the amazing drawstring and fabric closure. All in all, it is simply fantastic!!"
Pros
- Comes with collapsible bowls and poop bag dispenser
- Great for training
Cons
- May not have as much space for other items
Best handsfree bag
If you're more a fan of the bum bag, this dog walking bag is a great option. The multiple pockets mean you can safely store all your own belongings inside, such as your phone or house keys, to keep your hands free for the dog leads. The key features of this dog walking bag include its multi-functionality and durable and water-resistant construction.
Review: "After reading the reviews on here and going through various bum bags walking the dogs over the years and with my dog walking business I purchased this. I have been in rain and everything was dry and not even damp in there so was very pleased so far. Hopefully long may it last. I love all the pockets it has for various things as well as the normal doggy stuff I have medication to carry around for my epileptic dog so it is great."
Pros
- Multiple pockets for personal items
- Convenient for carrying dog items and personal items
- Can be worn around the waist
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer shoulder bags
Best for summer
This very durable walking bag has little pockets for valuables and treats but can fit your dog's harness or lead. With breathable mesh material, it's a great carry bag for the summer months and includes easy storage for treats and poo bags and designated spaces for keys and cash.
Review: "Absolutely love this! Perfect for when I go running when I take my friends dogs out and can store everything I need without having to carry my keys and plastic bags etc in pockets! Definitely a must-have for any dog walkers / owners who love to exercise and are fed up having to carry rucksacks etc."
Pros
- Has pockets for valuables and treats
- Fits the dog's harness or lead
- Breathable mesh material
Cons
- May not have as much space for other personal items
Best for longer walks or hikes
Perfect if you're walking further afield on a hike with your four-legged friend, this waterproof backpack fits comfortably across the body. It has pockets for all your technology with slant pouches big enough to hold a mini iPad, an anti-theft zipper pocket, and a buckle for fixing your keychain or purse in place. There's a front zipped pocket for quick and easy access on your walks. Made from Nylon, the material is waterproof and anti-scratch, perfect if you have an excitable pooch eager for treats or plan to walk from overgrown forest land. This bag is available in a whole range of colours and designs to match your other walking gear.
Review: "I have owned dogs for over 15 years and I have always been on the hunt for the perfect dog walking bag. 2 years ago I became a professional dog walker so it became even more important. I saw the spec on this one and thought I would give it a go as it seemed good value for money. When it arrived I discovered it was the one I had been looking for! It was lightweight and at last the right size for everything I needed for dog walks. A small water bottle, collapsible bowl, poo bags, treats my phone and keys. The pockets are really well placed and so far is pretty robust for everyday use. I realised it would be perfect for non-dog walking but didn't want to keep swapping out so I bought another one!"
Pros
- Fits comfortably across the body
- Waterproof material
- Pockets for technology
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer waist or shoulder bags
Best design
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This dog bag is smart and stylish and definitely one for those that don't want to be obviously carrying a bag full of poo bags and treats. It's plain enough to be unisex, so no qualms as to whose responsibility it is to carry the bag of essentials when you're out together. It can be worn either across the body with a strap or attached through a belt, using the sturdy loop on the back.
Review: "This bag is perfect for ensuring I have all the essentials for my dog walks. I keep it well stocked with poo bags, door key and treats then just grab it and go."
Pros
- Smart and stylish design
- Suitable for both men and women
- Great for carrying dog items and personal items
Cons
- May not have as much space for larger items
- May not be suitable for those who prefer waist or shoulder bags
Types of dog walking bags and things to consider
Dog walking bag styles
Walking bags can come in a range of styles, and the one you choose is up to you, depending on the design you prefer, what you find most comfortable to carry and which you consider the best for style and substance! Different dog walking bags can include:
• Sling shoulder dog walking bag
• Cross-body dog walking bag
• Bum-bag dog walking bag
• Waist pack dog walking bag
• Backpack dog walking bag, available in small, medium or large
Being a responsible dog owner
No matter your bag of choice, the truth is you have to be fully prepared and equipped for any situation, no matter how many dogs you're having to keep under control.
And whether you're looking to train your canine companion with a treat bag or you're taking your dog further afield for a full day of hiking, there's a bag for every kind of walk, whatever the weather. Having a dog walking bag will have you feeling like a dog walking professional!
With so many different kinds of dog walking bags on the market, we've rounded up some of the best so you can find the perfect one for you and your pooch.
Dog walking essentials
Here is a list of the essential items we think you need when taking your dog for a walk that you can wear or carry in your new dog walking bag:
• Dog waste bags
• Appropriate dog lead, dog walking belt and/or dog harness
• Treats
• Water
• Antibacterial wipes
• Raincoat (especially if you live in the UK)
• Face mask
• Mobile phone
• Money/bank card
• Snacks for you
• Potentially a whistle and some sort of ball or dog toy
Fancy getting creative and making your own dog walking bag?
YouTuber Owl Be Sewing posted this video to give you a step-by-step guide on how to make your own dog walking bag.
The handmade bag includes storage with a grommet at the front, allowing you to easily pull out doggy bags and a second pocket to fit in your mobile phone and keys. Super handy!
Take a look at the video below for a 40-minute guide on how you can make your very own dog walking bag...
Dog walking blogs and vlogs in the UK
There seems to be an abundance of pet vloggers out there and we came across TheDogVine on Instagram. This page discovers all things dog-friendly and is London-based.
The main stars of this are two rescue dogs, Belinha and Moleque. These two pooches go on many a walk and are a great inspiration to follow. They add colour and happiness to our lives and we think you should check out their page and let us know what you think.