Essential Gear for Hiking with Dogs/Products Dogs Go Hiking Staff Love for our Fur Babies
With the holiday season upon us, there’s no better time to spoil our dogs with the essentials that make every day feel special! At Dogs Go Hiking, we’re passionate about finding the best, most reliable gear to keep your pup comfortable and stylish—because we know that your dog is more than just a pet; they’re family. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 2024 must-have items, featuring some of our staff’s absolute favorite picks, from durable collars and leashes to spill-proof bowls and eco-friendly waste bags. These essentials are handpicked to add ease, safety, and a little extra joy to every outing. Treat your furry friends to the best because they deserve nothing less!
Herm Sprenger prong collars- When it comes to prong collars, Herm Sprenger is the gold standard. Made in Germany with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, Herm Sprenger collars are trusted by professionals worldwide for their durability, design, and effectiveness. Unlike many prong collars found in big pet store chains, which may be cheaply made and prone to breaking or malfunctioning, Herm Sprenger collars are built to last and designed to distribute pressure evenly, making them safer and more comfortable for dogs when used correctly. Don’t be fooled by mass-produced options that lack durability and precision—Herm Sprenger collars are an investment in quality that you and your dog can rely on for safe, effective training. Amazon link for this product.
The prong collar allows the handler to sufficiently motivate the dog when needed while exerting far less physical force on the dog's body. They are designed to reduce the amount of pressure on the dog’s trachea. Unlike a standard flat collar or a martingale, there is no flat surface that can cut off the dog’s supply of air, or the two major veins on the side of the neck which supply blood to the brain. If a dog is going to pull on any type of collar, harness, or head halter, the prong collar is by far the safest option.
With GPS tracking, you can monitor your dog's location in real-time, giving you peace of mind whether they’re exploring a new trail or wandering around the neighborhood. The collar’s Virtual Fence feature allows you to set safe boundaries, alerting you instantly if your dog ventures beyond them. But Tractive goes beyond tracking—its Health Alerts monitor changes in your dog's sleep and activity, acting as an early-warning system for potential issues, like discomfort or pain. Plus, the collar’s Activity Monitoring keeps you informed about your dog’s rest and exercise, helping you set fitness goals and track walks to ensure they’re living their happiest, healthiest life. Dogs Go Walking Founder and Owner Amity Noble is a brand ambassador and is able to provide a discount code for orders. Contact Amity for further details.
Made from a unique, coated material, Biothane leashes are waterproof and won’t absorb moisture, meaning they stay dry and odor-free even after a rainy hike or a romp in the snow. Unlike traditional leashes that can get heavy, soggy, or develop unpleasant smells over time, Biothane leashes remain lightweight, flexible, and easy to clean. Just wipe them down, and they’re as good as new! With the strength and durability to withstand even the most enthusiastic pups, Biothane leashes are perfect for active dogs and their owners who want a leash that lasts. There are lots of options available on Etsy.
Designed to improve visibility, these collars and harnesses use bright LED lights to make sure your dog stands out on evening or early morning walks, increasing safety for both of you. Whether you’re walking along dimly lit streets or on trails where visibility is low, an LED collar or harness makes it easy for passing cars, cyclists, and other walkers to see your dog from a distance. Many LED collars and harnesses are rechargeable, come with multiple light modes (like steady, flashing, or pulsing), and are available in a variety of colors, letting you choose one that suits your dog’s personality. They’re a simple, effective way to keep your dog safe and visible during the dark months.
Biodegradable poop bags - Biodegradable poop bags are an eco-friendly choice for conscientious dog owners who want to reduce their environmental impact. Unlike traditional plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable bags are made from materials designed to decompose more quickly, minimizing the waste left behind in landfills. These bags are just as strong and convenient as regular bags, ensuring that they hold up during use without tearing or leaking. With biodegradable poop bags, you can keep parks, sidewalks, and trails clean while knowing you're making a sustainable choice for the planet. Many brands also offer packaging made from recycled materials, so every part of your clean-up routine can be a little greener.
Featuring a no-drip design, this bowl is crafted with an innovative floating disk that controls the water flow, allowing your dog to drink comfortably without creating a mess. This design not only keeps your floors dry but also prevents excess water from getting on your dog’s fur, making it ideal for long-eared or messy drinkers. The Upsky Bowl is also a great option for car travel, as it reduces water sloshing even on bumpy rides. With a sleek, easy-to-clean design, the Upsky water bowl is a practical, mess-free way to keep your dog hydrated at home or on the go. Bowls can be purchased from a number of retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
No matter the occasion, these thoughtful and practical gifts will make your dog’s daily life more comfortable, fun, and safe. Whether you're upgrading their gear or adding some new essentials to their collection, your fur baby will love the extra care and attention. At Dogs Go Hiking, we believe every pup deserves the best, and we’re excited to help you find the perfect gift for your loyal companion!
Dogs Go Hiking has provided canine enrichment via off-road hikes and walks since 1996. We enthusiastically offer dogs the chance to stay active, build social skills, and engage their minds. Our expert pup guides are located on the South Shore serving the communities of Scituate, Cohasset, Norwell, and Hingham, and some parts of Marshfield. We also have a North Shore team serving pups in the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Groveland, Georgetown, Rowley, Amesbury, and Salisbury. Sign up for a pack hike today.