Wether it’s a weekend adventure or just a daily walk, dogs and dog owners spend a lot of time outside.

While we are fortunate to have pretty great weather every day here in NorCal, we definitely still need the right gear for when we head outside to ensure it’s fuss-free and enjoyable.

I’ve been a dog mom for 10+ years now, so I’ve really gotten to try out a lot brands when it comes to athleisure clothing and dog accessories. That’s why I’ve rounded up all my favorite dog walking essentials for the dog moms and furbabies.

Dog Walking Essentials for Dog Moms

I generally live in athleisure clothing, whether it’s leggings or joggers with a long sleeve top, sweater or jacket and I definitely have go to’s when it comes to taking Rue for walks. Here’s what I think are essential when considering your dog-walking outfit:

1. Pockets: These are at the top of my list when it comes to any piece of clothing, but particularly when I’m taking Rue for a walk. I like to be prepared on our walks by bringing treats, poop bags, chapstick, hand sanitizer, my phone and headphones. This means I need places to store all these things so I can keep my hands free for a leash and any quick action that may be needed.

2. The Right Bag: When pockets just aren’t enough and you need to bring a dog mom bag with you, having the right one to organize all your things is key. I love a good belt bag for shorter daily walks. It comes in handy on those warmer days when you may not have as many pockets or on days when you want to carry a little extra. For longer days or weekend adventures, One of my go to bags is her Fjallraven Classic Kanken backpack. This backpack is so durable and easy to clean from any type of adventure. It also has plenty of space for my camera and usual walking accessories, plus outfit changes for Rue, larger amounts of treats/snacks, sunglasses and a large water bottle.

3. Comfortable Fit: We generally go for 2 mile walks during the week and longer ones on the weekend, so a comfortable fit is necessary. Comfort not only means fits well when wearing it (like doesn’t rub in a weird spot, fall down, rises up, etc.), but that your clothes also need to be appropriate for the weather. Typically on cooler mornings/evenings, I like wearing fleece lined leggings with a light parka, and when it’s warmer lighter leggings with a tank top or tee, but once again these options should vary based on what YOU’RE comfortable in.

4. Easy to Clean: While you may not think a dog walk leads to getting dirty, you never really know. From paw marks to muddy shoes or a spilled coffee from a leash tug, you want to make sure whatever you’re wearing can be easily cleaned and stay in your dog walking attire rotation.

Based on these four things, here’s some of my favorite dog walking pieces that I own and swear by. Swipe through to Vuori Joggers and Athleta leggings (both with pockets!), to light weight parkas, the comfiest of shoes and socks, the perfect bag and Apple AirPods.

Shop Dog Walking Essentials for Dog Moms

Dog Walking Essentials for the Dogs

For the doggos, all the essentials are pretty easy: leash, collar, maybe a harness and poop bags. But if you’re like me, your essentials for a walk probably go beyond that list.

1. Treats: A great addition to a walk and something we generally don’t leave the house without. Why? Because a walk is always a good training opportunity to reward good behavior, like maintaining the proper walk pace, or to refocus attention from something Rue maybe shouldn’t be doing, like barking at the neighbor dog through their fence or ripping my arm out of the socket when Rue sees a squirrel. And instead of bringing a whole bag of treats with us, I like to use Stasher’s pocket reusable silicone bags – they save on plastic and fit in just about any pocket – or Wildebeest’s Alamo Dog Treat Pouch, (use RUBYDOODLE15 for a discount) which comes with a heavy duty waist clip or strap.

2. Poop Bag Holder: I used to find poop bags (and treats) in every pocket of my clothes until I got poop bag holders that attach to your pups leashes. (Seriously, one of the smartest accessories.) We’re partial to Wildebeest’s Baggie Dispenser that secures to your leash so there’s no annoying swinging and The Foggy Dog’s Waste Bag Holder for stylish prints (use RUBY10 for a discount).

3. Good Poop Bags: This one may seem silly, but hear us out. There is nothing better than an earth-friendly bag, with a nice perforated line that’s easy to tear from the roll, and quickly separates to open when picking up after your furry friend. Maybe it’s just me, but there’s nothing worse than having to search for where to tear the bag and then spending 5 minutes trying to get the opening separated. Especially if you’re in a busy area and happen to have your hands full. (Pockets!) Our go to poop bags are Earth Rated. Not only are they biodegradable, but they are also made from recycled materials.

4. All Weather Jacket: No matter where you live, you’re going to experience some elements and there’s nothing worse than having to give your dog a full bath after a walk because of rain or snow. (Trust me, your dog agrees!) Dog booties are always a nice option if your furry friend likes them for protecting the paws, or if they don’t, I like to use jackets to protect most of Rue’s body fur and just do paw baths if needed. Our jacket options range a little based on rain or snow and how covered I need to be, but our absolute go-to is Wildebeest’s All Weather Jacket. It stretches perfectly down Rue’s back to the top of her tail and down the sides of her belly for full body coverage. The handy hood folds nicely at the neck to keep it tucked back when I it’s not needed or it can be expanded when it is.

5. Paw Wipes (for after the walk): Something we started in 2020, was wiping my paws every time we came in from outside. I don’t know why we weren’t doing this sooner given how much of a clean freak I am, but now there’s no turning back after seeing those dirty wipes after a walk. I recommend Earth Rated’s grooming wipes and if you don’t have any allergies, go for the lavender scent.

If you’re looking to add to your dog walking essentials or refresh your current accessories, shop some of my favorites below or via the links throughout this post.

Shop Dog Walking Essentials for the Dogs

Are there any other items you would consider essential for a dog walk? Drop them in the comments.