Your Guide to Being a Badass Dog Parent: Walking Edition
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What's up, dog moms & dads! JB and Sofi The Doodle from Westside Dog Gang here.
Are you looking to elevate your dog's walking game? Then you clicked on the right link. In our debut blog post, we'll explore our handpicked selection of products that will ensure your pup's safety and make your walks a breeze.
So, whether you're a new puppy parent or a professional dog mom, this guide will have something to level up your dog's walking game…and make you one badass dog parent.
Leash Game 💪
Ditch those retractable leashes and harnesses. Seriously, they suck and will teach your dog bad habits. We wish someone had told us this when Sofi The Doodle was a puppy. But don't worry; we've got your back with some awesome tips & options to level up your leash game.
1.) Opt for a tough nylon or biothane 5-6 foot leash with a traffic handle. They work great for city streets, hikes, and beach days.
🔥 Our Pick: Max and Neo Triple Handle Traffic Dog Leash Reflective
2.) Use the Gentle Leader head collar. This will improve your walks and teach good walking behavior from the very start. We can’t recommend them enough!
What's a Gentle Leader you might say?? Well, it’s a head collar that works like a horse halter, moving the point of leverage from the neck of the dog to the head. It redirects your dog’s head toward you when he pulls forward. This prevents pulling and directs his attention back to you. It's like magic 🪄
Pro tip - when starting with a gentle leader, reward your pup with his favorite treats as you put on the gentle leader. There may be an adjustment period with the collar.
🔥 Our Pick: PetSafe Gentle Leader
3.) Add a Carbinar Clip to your leash for extra convenience and functionality. Now you can secure your dog to almost anything, making weekend brunches on the patio with your pup easy breezy. We swear by it and always keep one attached to our leash handle. Trust me, it's one of our favorite dog hacks!
🔥 Our Pick: Favofit Carabiner Clips
Collar & Identification, Please 👮♂️
I’ve found many lost dogs in my day - it’s almost like my superpower - and most of the time - they were without an ID tag or Microchip. This always blew my mind 🤯 because equipping your dog with a sturdy collar, a physical ID tag, and a microchip is the quickest way to be reunited.
So, if your dog tends to be an escape artist or can't resist chasing after that taunting squirrel on your block, we've got you covered with our top picks to ensure a quick and safe return home.
1.) Sturdy and secure collar. Any collar is only as good as the fastener that keeps it together, so look for a metal fastener instead of a plastic one.
Want the perfect fit? The golden rule for any collar is to be able to fit two fingers underneath it; otherwise, it is too loose or too tight.
✨ Our Pick: Blueberry Pet Adjustable Dog Collar
2.) Easy-to-read ID tag. Here's what you should include on your dog’s ID tag:
- Dog’s name (mandatory)
- Phone number (mandatory)
- Your address (nice to have)
- Microchip number (nice to have)
- Bonus Points: A friendly or funny message
✨ Our Pick: Barkada Dog Tags (a local LA brand we love!)
3.) Microchip your dog ASAP…just don't tell your crazy MAGA uncle.
Seriously, don’t skip microchipping. It’s a very easy and safe way to identify and find your dog. Ask your vet, breeder, or rescue org to help you set this up properly. And don't forget, you will need to renew this service each year.
✨ Our Pick: HomeAgain
4.) Add an AirTag to your dog's collar for extra peace of mind. It's like having a built-in GPS for your pup so you can find them ASAP if they ever decide to go on a little adventure on their own.
✨ Our Pick: Apple AirTag + AirTag Dog Collar Holder
Walking Essentials 💩
These 3 accessories are essential in keeping you, your pup, and your neighbors happy & healthy.
1.) Always stay strapped with Poop Bags. Picking up after your dog is a law we all should live by. Seriously…don’t be the asshole that leaves poop on the block. That’s so not cool and straight-up nasty.
To make it easy, I recommend keeping some biodegradable, eco-friendly bags handy in a poop bag dispenser and attaching it to your leash while out with your dog.
🏆 Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder
2.) Keep your dog hydrated with a Doggie Water Bottle. They are a lifesaver for those hot summer days, hikes, or long walks.
3.) Reward good behavior with a treat pouch on your walks. This is an effective way to encourage good behavior and make your walks even more enjoyable for both of you.
^^ I'm not going to lie; giving a treat pouch a stylish edge can be a real challenge. But, we've found an option that just might do the trick. It's worth taking a shot, and I assure you that the slight compromise on fashion will pay off...even in Los Angeles.
Good luck on your next walk with your best friend! 🐕🚶♀️
If you have any specific questions or need a recommendation, DM us on Instagram @westside.doggang, comment below, or email us. We'd love to hear from you!
PSST - If you enjoyed reading this blog post, then share it with a fellow dog lover!
Much love & many licks ✌️
-JB & Sofi The Doodle
