The Ten Essentials for Dog Outings

Growing up as a Boy Scout and an outdoor enthusiast, I internalized the motto: “Be Prepared.” Whether embarking on a short afternoon hike or a weeklong backcountry expedition, I approached every outing with a checklist of essentials. At the heart of this preparedness philosophy lies “The Ten Essentials”—a collection of gear categories that can be lifesaving in unexpected situations.

The original Ten Essentials list was curated by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers. It was also a go-to page in my Boy Scout Handbook. Over the years, this list has evolved into a systems-based approach, emphasizing essential categories rather than specific items. If you’re curious, you can see the current list and the methodology behind it here.

Applying the Ten Essentials to Dog Adventures

Just as we prepare for our own outdoor escapades, we should extend the same readiness to our dogs. Even if it’s a short neighborhood walk, having the right gear means a successful outcome is more likely, and instills us with confidence in each stride. Here are our essentials for dog outings:

Identification: if you get separated, you’ll want to be sure your dog has ID tags and a microchip.
Harness or collar: a well-fitting harness or collar is essential for comfort and safety, and practicing walking comfortably with it is important too.
Leash (or Lead): to keep your dog under control and adhere to leash regulations.
Poop Bags and Wipes: responsible pet ownership means always cleaning up after your dog - bags are essential, and wipes can be handy on (hopefully rare) messy occasions.
Treats, snack for long outing: reward good behavior and reinforce training; treats also provide comfort during outings, and a snack is always great on longer excursions.
Bandana or Towel: this is handy for wiping muddy paws or cleaning up messes, and staying (and looking) cool too.
Water bottle and bowl: hydration is crucial for staying cool, especially in warm weather - with a collapsible bowl, you can share your own water with your dog.
Fetch and play toys: bring on the fun! that’s why we do this, right?
Dog first aid kit: basic items for managing cuts and stings can be helpful to have along, along with a more complete kit ready at home or in the car. We list out items for a more complete kit in its own list.
Gear for extreme conditions: make sure you stay warm when it’s cold, shady and cool when it’s hot, and well-lit when it’s dark. This one is worthy of its own list with specifics for each condition, and tailor it to your dog’s preferences.

I don’t bring each of these items on every outing, but I do consider them. If we’re heading to the backyard to play, I’ll skip the harness and water bowl, but load up on toys! And if we’re driving to a trail to walk, we’ll bring chew toys for the car ride but leave them during the walk. I’m also not great about carrying a first aid kit, but I’m working on bring the minimum here (like benadryl).

Conclusion

Outdoor activities enrich our lives and deepen our bond with our dogs. Having the right gear makes it more likely to have a successful - fun, safe and responsible - outing, especially if things go sideways. And, it instills confidence that we’re ready for what’s ahead, so we can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the present moment.

By ensuring we have the right gear and mindset, we can confidently embark on adventures, create lasting memories, and strengthen our connection with our four-legged companions. So grab your Puzette, load up your essentials, and enjoy every opportunity to get out and have a good time with your dog!