By Fran Jewell
NO! It’s not a carry-along poop bag, although having poop bags is a MUST! 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. I always bring extra water—more than I would need to drink.
You might consider one for “water sports” if you take your dog with you when you go to the lake, on the boat or to the 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 on 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; 7) a dog power bar for extra energy; and 8) a collapsible water bowl. These can be found in many places.
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 the 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 Traumeel ,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; 6) doggie power bars for a nutritious snack; 7) A glow stick that can be attached to your dog’s pack in the event your hike gets later than expected; 8) POOP BAGS; and 9) a collapsible water bowl. Be courteous and RESPSONBLE. There is nothing more repelling and disgusting than to see dog poop everywhere you hike! It’s unhealthy for wildlife, too.
A good doggie backpack doesn’t hold too much because weight in the pack should always be considered. It has plenty of ways to adjust size, good padding and snaps to attach a glow stick. There are so many great ones on the market that are well built and will last the life of your dog.
Just as you would prepare 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 IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.