What to Bring on a Dog Walk - The Ultimate Checklist
By Paws Avenue Co
Dog walks sound simple, don't they? Grab the lead, open the door, go. But if you're a busy mum heading out with your dog — and possibly your kids in tow — you know the reality is a little more chaotic than that.
Stuffed pockets. Forgotten treats. A dog pulling one way, a toddler pulling the other, and somehow you're also holding a used poo bag with nowhere to put it.
Sound familiar? We've been there. That's exactly why we created Paws Avenue Co — to make every dog walk feel effortless, organised and yes, even stylish.
So whether you're heading out for a quick morning walk around the block or a longer weekend adventure at the park, here's the ultimate checklist of everything you need to bring on a dog walk.
1. A Dog Walking Bag
Let's start with the foundation of a great dog walk — somewhere to put everything.
A dedicated dog walking bag is a game changer. Forget stuffing your pockets with treats, keys, your phone and poo bags all at once. A well-designed dog walking bag keeps everything organised and accessible so you can focus on the walk, not the juggling.
Look for a bag with multiple compartments — keeping everything organised and easily accessible so you always know where everything is, no matter how hectic the walk gets. A good dog walking bag should comfortably fit your phone, keys, wallet, poo bags, treats and anything else you need for the walk.
Our Dog Walking Bag was designed specifically for this — smart storage, a comfortable adjustable strap that coordinates perfectly with your dog's harness, leash and collar, and a style that works just as well off the lead as on it.
💡 Want the complete dog walk setup? Our Coordinated Dog Walk Bundle includes the dog walking bag, treat pouch, adjustable interchangeable strap, collapsible bowl and poo bag clip — everything you need in one place. Shop the Bundle →
2. A Treat Pouch
If you're doing any training on your walks — or just want to reward good behaviour — a separate treat pouch is essential.
The last thing you want is dog treats loose in your bag mixing with your phone and keys. A dedicated treat pouch gives you instant, one-handed access to treats exactly when you need them, without digging around.
Our Treat Pouch clips easily to your walking bag and keeps treats fresh and separate. Quick access, no mess, no fuss.
3. Poop Bags and a Poop Bag Clip
This one goes without saying — always bring poop bags. Always.
But here's the part nobody talks about — what do you do with the used bag when there's no bin in sight? Carrying it in your hand for the rest of the walk is nobody's idea of fun.
A poop bag clip is the solution. It clips to the outside of your walking bag so you're never stuck holding a used bag again. Small upgrade, massive difference.
Check out our Poop Bag Clip — it's one of our most loved accessories for good reason.
4. A Collapsible Water Bowl
Keeping your dog hydrated on walks is especially important in the warmer months — and Melbourne weather can surprise you.
A collapsible water bowl is lightweight, compact and clips easily to your walking bag so it's always with you. Fill it from your water bottle whenever your dog needs a drink and fold it flat when you're done.
Our Collapsible Dog Bowl is designed to clip directly to your Paws Avenue Co bag so everything stays together in one place.
5. A Well-Fitted Harness, Leash and Collar
The right gear on your dog makes a huge difference to the quality of your walk — for both of you.
A well-fitted harness gives you better control without putting pressure on your dog's neck, which is especially important for dogs that pull. Pair it with a sturdy leash and a properly fitted collar with an ID tag and you're set.
And if you want everything to look as good as it functions — our Dog Walk Set includes a beautifully coordinated matching harness, leash and collar designed to work perfectly together. Pair it with our Dog Walking Bag and interchangeable strap for a fully coordinated system from head to tail.
6. Your Personal Essentials
Don't forget the basics for yourself:
- Phone — for music, podcasts or capturing those gorgeous dog photos
- Keys — obvious but easily forgotten in the morning rush
- Earphones — if you're walking solo, a podcast or playlist makes the time fly
- Sunscreen — especially for those longer morning walks in summer
- A water bottle — for you and to refill your dog's collapsible bowl
Walking With Kids and Your Dog — Extra Things to Pack
If you're heading out with both kids and your dog, a little extra preparation goes a long way. The Paws Avenue Co bag handles all your and your dog's essentials — but for the kids, you'll want to pack separately. Here's what to add to your checklist:
- Snacks for the kids — hungry kids + an energetic dog is a recipe for chaos. Pack something easy to eat on the go
- A spare lead — if your kids want to take turns holding the lead, a second one gives you backup control
- Wipes — kids and dogs together means mess. Always have wipes
- A small toy or activity — if you're stopping at the park, something to keep the kids entertained while the dog runs around
- A carrier or pram — for younger toddlers who might tire before the dog does
The key to walking with kids and a dog successfully is keeping your hands as free as possible — which is exactly why a well-organised dog walking bag for your and your dog's essentials is non-negotiable. When everything you and your dog need has its place, you can easily manage the kids, the chaos and everything in between.
The Easiest Way to Stay Organised
If you want to tick most of this checklist off in one go, we've got you covered with two great options:
Our Coordinated Dog Walk Bundle includes the dog walking bag, treat pouch, adjustable interchangeable strap, collapsible bowl and poo bag clip — everything you need to keep your dog walk essentials perfectly organised.
Pair it with our Dog Walk Set — a matching harness, leash and collar — for a fully coordinated look from your bag to your dog's accessories.
No more juggling. No more stuffed pockets. Just you, your dog (and possibly the kids) and a walk you actually enjoy.
Shop the Coordinated Dog Walk Bundle →
Paws Avenue Co is an Australian owned and operated brand based in Melbourne, designing stylish, matching and organised dog walking accessories for busy mums and their dogs.
