A good dog walk should be relaxing for both of you, but a few small problems can spoil it quickly. You end up carrying a used bag in your hand, your dog pulls hard on the lead, or your pup gets thirsty with no water in sight. Whether you walk around the block every morning or head out on long countryside hikes, the right accessories can solve all three problems and make every outing more enjoyable.

Let’s start with the clean-up. Picking up after your dog is part of being a responsible owner, but nobody enjoys swinging a used bag around for the rest of the walk, especially when the nearest bin is a mile away. A dog poop bags holder such as the Poop Porter solves this neatly. It clips onto your lead, belt or walking bag and keeps used poo bags secure and sealed in, so your hands stay free and your walk stays fresh. It is light, easy to clean and costs only £3.99, which makes it one of the most practical little purchases a dog owner can make.

Next, think about comfort on the lead. Even a well-trained dog can suddenly launch after a squirrel, a bike or another dog, and that sharp jerk travels straight up your arm into your shoulder. Over time it can leave you sore, and it is not pleasant for your dog’s neck either. An extension lead for dogs with an anti-shock bungee is a simple fix. It attaches to any fixed-length lead you already own and absorbs the pull before it reaches you. Walks become smoother and calmer, and you feel in better control. It is especially useful for strong pullers, large breeds, excited puppies and owners with shoulder, wrist or back problems. Prices start from around £11.99.

Hydration is the third essential, and it is often forgotten until it is too late. Dogs can tire and overheat quickly on warm days, during training sessions or on long trails. Carrying a separate bowl is awkward, and spilled water in your bag is nobody’s idea of fun. That is why more owners now choose water bottles for dogs with a built-in drinking tray. Your dog can drink quickly and without mess, any leftover water goes back into the bottle, and you only have one item to carry. The Lick ‘n Flow bottles start from £14.75 and are ideal for walks, travel, park visits and days out.

Together these three accessories are inexpensive, easy to use and make a real difference to daily walks. They also make great gifts for new puppy owners or any dog lover who spends a lot of time outdoors.

UK dog owners can find all of them at Long Paws, a brand known for exceptional accessories for active dogs, including collars, harnesses, leads, ID tags and plush toys. Enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £35, and trade and reseller options are available for pet shops that want to stock these bestsellers.