BY FRAN JEWELL
No! It’s not a carry-along poop bag, although having poop bags is a very good idea. A “Go Bag” for your dog is a bag that you can put all of your dog-related training and first-aid equipment in. It should be monitored regularly to be sure you have what you need so you are never anxiously looking for something AFTER you have left the house.
I have “Go Bags” for different types of training. I have a general obedience bag that many of you have seen when I do lessons that includes different leashes, collars, chewing objects, and a muzzle. I have another that just has tracking equipment. I have one that has all the Canine Good Citizen goodies I need to do evaluations. And, I have another that stays in the car all the time with some very general first-aid items.
You might consider a “Go Bag” for water sports if you take your dog with you when you go to the lake or river. Items in that bag might include: 1) a life vest that has a handle on it; 2) a long line that is at least 15 to 20 feet and a short leash about 6 feet long so your dog can remain in control on a public beach requiring a leash; 3) a towel to dry off a wet or dirty dog before getting back in the car or a boat; 4) dog sun block if you have a white dog with pink skin. Some come in sprays or lotion and may require re-application if your dog swims; 5) a Swiss bell for your dog’s collar that should be worn by any dog that may be in a wooded or wilderness area to help you find your dog and to keep other animals away from your dog; 6) POOP BAGS!
If you hike with your dog regularly, you might have just a general bag, which could even be a doggie backpack that stays in your vehicle. That bag should have: 1) a long leash or retractable leash, especially if you have a small dog, to keep him close and safe from overhead predators such as eagles and some hawks. Even if you have a big dog, a 6-foot leash is high on my recommendation list and required in national forests during the summer. 2) First-aid items such as an ACE bandage, cotton gauze pads and vet wrap to hold it on, Benadryl in the event of a sting or allergic reaction (ask your vet about dosage), a gentle pain reliever such as T-Relief, which is a homeopathic, and Rescue Remedy for stress or trauma. Ask your veterinarian for other items that would be helpful to carry; 3) Carry training treats and maybe a sample of unopened dog food in the event you are unable to get home on time. I take dry treats or kibble that can last a while in your pack; 4) a Swiss Bell for your dog’s collar; 5) Keep a selection of collars that work best for your hiking; and 5) POOP BAGS! Be courteous and RESPONSIBLE. There is nothing more repelling and disgusting than to see dog poop everywhere you hike. Don’t be a part of the disgust for someone else.
Just as you would prepare for yourself for your hikes or outings, prepare for your dog, too. Having a Go Bag is truly essential to having a great outdoor experience or training event!
Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit www.positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.