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The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
A few key accessories can make your next dog walk safer, more convenient, and more fun. Many useful dog accessories attach directly to your leash, providing you access to doggy poop bags, snacks, and more.
We researched leash accessories for the best combination of utility, clever design, portability, and useful features. We looked especially for those products that serve multiple functions or enhance your and your dog's visibility while you're out on a walk. Then, throughout multiple dog walks and real-world conditions, we tried out several of the picks on this list for further insights.
Our favorite leash accessory is the Kurgo Duty Bag Dog Poop Bag Dispenser, which is low profile and machine-washable and has become an indispensable part of our dog-walking routines.
Below you'll find the best leash accessories for your next walk.
Best Bag Dispenser
Kurgo Duty Bag Dog Poop Bag Dispenser
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Amazon
Attaches to any flat or rope leash
Machine-washable
Has extra hook for used poop bags
Velcro straps can stick to some clothes
Last bags on a roll can come out at once
Can fit thinner leashes a little loosely
So many bag dispensers are hard plastic containers that you snap onto the leash (or stuff in your pocket). They can dangle awkwardly and get in the way. This Kurgo option is very low profile—it slides on to the leash with a hook at the top and small Velcro straps. It's thoughtfully designed to attach to any leash. The only downside to the Kurgo Duty Bag is that it can hang a little loosely on thinner leashes, but attaching it to the handle loop prevented it from shimmying down the leash in our tests.
You can fit a roll of bags inside the zippered pouch or stuff in a handful of loose ones. It even comes with a roll of 15, ready to go. Thoughtful extras, like the metal hook for hanging used poop bags, has made the Kurgo our go-to poop bag dispenser. It's even machine-washable.
Best for Treats
Ruffwear Treat Trader Dog Treat Bag
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Amazon
Clips to waistband or enclosed belt
One-handed magnetic snap
Waterproof lining
Outside pocket could be bigger
You can’t leave for a walk without some treats in this pet supply essential. This bag hooks onto your waistband, or you can snap it on with the enclosed nylon strap belt. The Ruffwear Treat Trader Dog Treat Bag has a roomy main compartment with a waterproof liner. It snaps open and shut with a sturdy magnetic closure and can be operated easily with one hand. There’s a small outside pocket where you can store a training clicker or spare poop bags.
Although this dog training supply bag can be washed by hand, you may still want to put particularly smelly or wet treats into a disposable bag to make cleanup easier.
Best for Carrying Waste
Dooloop The Dooloop
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Amazon
Easy to use one-handed
Made in Maine of recycled plastic
Comes in several colors
Beaded chain isn’t very secure
This simple gadget makes it easy and mess-free to tote along a full poop bag on your walk, without having to juggle it with the leash handle, treats, and other items. Just attach it to your leash and slip the soiled bag into the Dooloop's slot after scooping up your dog’s feces. The narrow slot catches the knot on the tied bag, so it stays on the Dooloop Dog Poop Holder securely, dangling in place until you get home.
The Dooloop is made in Maine of recycled plastic. It’s lightweight and comes in several colors. One tip: Replace (or supplement) the flimsy metal chain connector with a Velcro strap or a zip tie for more security.
Best Light
Nite Ize Spotlit Rechargeable Collar Light Disc-O Tech
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Amazon
Rechargeable
Four color choices
Weather-resistant case
Too big for tiny dogs
When you’re out walking your dog in the evenings or before the sun comes up, this bright collar light helps people spot you and your pup. You can choose from four colors (red, green, blue, or white) or opt to let the beacon cycle through all four. You can also choose between solid and flashing with a push of the button.
The Nite Ize Spotlit Rechargeable Collar Light connects to a collar or harness using a metal carabiner. Its battery life is around five hours, with charging done via micro USB cable (which isn’t included). At about 1.5 inches in diameter for the light and 2 inches in total length, the Nite Ize collar light may be too large for tiny dogs.
There's also a larger option, the SpotLit XL, for even bigger dogs.
Best Leash Message
Max and Neo Leash Sleeves
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Amazon
Large text and bright colors
Eight messages
Easy to attach
Can be too wide for very narrow leashes
Sometimes people come racing up to dogs on a walk, wanting to pet and snuggle them. You can slip a sleeve onto your dog’s leash to communicate some info about your pet like “In Training,” “Friendly,” or “Do Not Pet.” The padded sleeves attach securely with Velcro to most leashes.
The text is large and the colors are bright so people can see your message from far away and know how to react when they come close to your pet. Plus you’re giving back with each purchase: For every item sold, Max and Neo donates an item to an animal rescue.
Best Way to Go Hands-Free
Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash
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Amazon
Dog can walk on either side easily
Has two handles and bungee connector
Comes in many colors
No storage in waist belt
If you’re a runner or hiker and have a dog with great leash manners, a hands-free leash can make life easier on the trails. Features on various styles include bungees, handles, and padding. This one from Tuff Mutt has a shock-absorbing bungee to absorb the action if your dog pulls or you stop suddenly, without putting pressure on your dog's collar. Plus it offers an extra foot of wiggle room.
The Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash uses a clip that glides along the waist belt as your furry friend moves from one side to the other. Should you need to take control of your pet quickly, two handles are available along the length of the leash.
The Bungee Leash comes in more than a dozen colors and includes reflective stitching for added safety during those early morning or late-night outings. Its adjustable belt can fit waists up to 42 inches.
Best Hand Sanitizer Holder
Bow Wow Pet Wear Dog Sanitizer Holder Keychain
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Etsy
Comes in many styles
Clips onto a leash, purse, or backpack
Holds most 1-ounce bottles
Clip might not be big enough for wide leashes
When you’re scooping poop and exploring the great outdoors, you might want to stop occasionally and disinfect. This hand sanitizer holder looks like a smiling puppy and holds most 1-ounce bottles. You can clip it onto a leash, belt loop, or backpack.
Bow Wow Pet Wear Dog Sanitizer Holders are also available in several other styles, including specific dog breeds, other animals, and hobby-themed keychains. The holders are made of easy-to-clean vinyl.
Best Leash Bungee
Jerk-Ease Bungee Dog Leash Extension
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Vanex Industries, LLC
Available in four sizes and three colors
Works with any leash and collar combination
Durable materials
No replacement for proper leash training
The Jerk-Ease Bungee Dog Leash Extension is designed to attach between your leash and your dog's collar, where it absorbs jerking motions that might otherwise tug uncomfortably on your arm or your dog's neck. The stiff bungee cord adds approximately 9.5 inches to the length of your leash and can stretch to 16 inches when pulled on. This stretching eases the sharp shocks that might otherwise occur, making it an especially good pick for elderly, young, and petite people who may struggle with a large dog.
The Jerk-Ease still creates tension on your dog's collar when they tug, so it shouldn't be too much of an impediment to proper leash training—though it will not fix behavior that is better addressed through proper training. While we recommend against retractable leashes for most dog owners because the variable length makes it impossible to teach your dog proper leash behavior, the Jerk-Ease is especially useful for situations where your dog can't accurately gauge when they're going to be roughly jerked by a leash's limit.
The Jerk-Ease is available in four different sizes, for dogs up to 110 pounds.
Two of our favorite products are both bags. The Kurgo Duty Bag Dog Poop Bag Dispenser is a low-profile, machine-washable bag dispenser that attaches flat to your leash. The Ruffwear Treat Trader is a waterproof waist-worn treat pouch that has an easy-to-use magnetic snap and is simple to keep clean.
What to Look for in Leash Accessories
Convenience and added features
The whole point of these accessories is to make your walk easier, safer, or just plain better. But sometimes gadgets can be difficult to use or weigh you down. When choosing an item, look for convenience features, like the ability to use one-handed or hands-free. Products that serve several functions, such as providing extra storage, like the Kurgo Duty Bag, can be especially helpful.
Visibility
Being spotted when you’re out with your dog is an essential safety feature, and the whole purpose of a collar light is after-dark safety. Look for leash accessories that have reflective tape or stitching or bright designs that keep you and your pet safe when out on an adventure.
Durability
Choose accessories for the great outdoors that are made of rugged fabrics or materials, have strong attachments or closures, and seem built to last.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
Mary Jo DiLonardo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than three dozen dogs and puppies. Pet health and safety is important to Mary Jo, and she’s always researching the latest products to keep the dogs in her care healthy and safe.
For this roundup, we looked at gadgets for convenience, durability, and added features. We received some samples and purchased others, then tested them for this story.
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