Best Dog Walking Gear: Leashes, Harnesses, and Bags Worth Buying
Reviewing the specific harnesses, leashes, and accessories that work for a pulling puppy and a senior dog on daily walks.
The Dog Walking Gear That Actually Made a Difference
Getting out the door with two dogs requires a system. When I first brought Dodo home, I thought I could just use the same type of gear I had for Alice. I quickly learned that a tiny, energetic puppy needs a completely different setup than a 9-year-old dog who prefers a leisurely pace. After testing a ridiculous amount of harnesses, leashes, and accessories over the last few months, I finally have a walking setup that works for both of them.
Harnesses for Different Life Stages
Alice has been wearing the Ruffwear Front Range Harness for years. It is padded enough that it does not irritate her sensitive skin, and the fit is secure without restricting her shoulders. Since she is a senior chow shepherd, she does not pull much anymore. We just clip the leash to the back ring and she happily sniffs her way down the block. I wash it in the machine every few weeks and it still looks new.
Dodo is a different story. As a mini chowdoodle puppy, she is small, fast, and prone to sudden bursts of energy when she spots a leaf blowing across the sidewalk. We started her on a basic step-in harness, but she figured out how to back out of it within a week. We switched to the Blue-9 Balance Harness. It has multiple adjustment points, which is great because she is growing so fast. The front-clip option has been essential for teaching her loose-leash walking. When she tries to lunge ahead, the front attachment gently redirects her momentum back toward me.
The Leash Situation
I used to be a fan of standard 6-foot nylon leashes. They are cheap and easy to replace. But managing two dogs with different walking styles made me rethink my leash choices.
For Alice, I use a biothane leash from a small Etsy shop. Biothane is waterproof and wipes clean instantly. Since Alice likes to drag her leash through wet grass and mud puddles, this material saves me from dealing with soggy, smelly nylon. It also has a nice weight to it and does not give me rope burn if she suddenly decides to chase a squirrel.
For Dodo, I rely on a double-handled leash. The main handle is at the standard 6-foot mark, but there is a second handle right near the clasp. This traffic handle is a lifesaver when we are crossing busy streets or passing other dogs. I can keep her close without having to wrap the leash around my wrist multiple times.
Treat Pouches and Poop Bags
I used to stuff treats in my pockets, which resulted in a lot of ruined jackets and a lingering smell of salmon. I finally bought the Ruffwear Treat Trader. It clips to my waistband and has a magnetic closure that I can open with one hand. It holds enough training treats for Dodo's constant reinforcement and a few larger biscuits for Alice.
For poop bags, I gave up on those hard plastic bone-shaped dispensers that bang against the leash. I use a soft neoprene dispenser from Wild One. It stays quiet, holds a standard roll of bags, and has a small elastic loop on the bottom where I can tuck a tied-off bag until we reach a trash can.
Night Walking Safety
Since the sun sets so early in the winter, a lot of our walks happen in the dark. I clip a Nite Ize SpotLit LED carabiner to both of their collars. They are bright, rechargeable, and waterproof. I also wear a reflective vest. It is not the most fashionable choice, but it makes us visible to cars when we are crossing poorly lit intersections.
Finding the right gear took some trial and error. What works for a 9-year-old dog with skin issues is not necessarily going to work for a bouncy puppy. Having the right equipment just makes our daily walks less chaotic and a lot more enjoyable for all three of us.
Our Picks from the @thechowdodo Storefront
These are products we actually use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — but I only link things Dodo and Alice have tested.