This crappy dog-walking trend needs to stop — yes, we mean all the poop bags

Don't want to schlep your dog's doo-doo around? Make them carry it themselves! Trust me, they won't even notice. My dog has been toting her water bottles, poop bags and collapsible bowls on hikes for years and not once has she complained.

I would say about 95% of the time I am using my hands-free leash, I actually keep it in my hand. I feel more in control than when I just let it hang. That said, when I need to pick up poop, tie my shoe or take a photo of my gorgeous four-legged sidekick on top of a mountain (it happens more than you think), it's nice to have the waistband option as a backup.

I also like the stretch that this leash has: not so much that you can't control your dog (the reason I hate those retractable leashes) but enough so that your hound won't heave you off your feet when they take off after a squirrel or a rabbit. 

For years I wouldn't realize until I got to the trailhead that I'd left my bags at home ... where, you know, they're not very useful. Attach one of these to your leash and erase that particular item from your mental to-do list forever. 

Does the lavender scent of these poop bags completely mask the smell of what is inside? Of course not, but it does mask it a bit. Perhaps more important: These bags are durable. I recently went through a box of cheaper bags that had a tendency to tear easily. Not great when you're miles away from a good place to wash your hands.

Still smelling Fido's stink? First, check your shoes. Second, double-bag it with one of these. The same seal that keeps your food fresh in the fridge will keep that stench from escaping. 

Summer is quickly approaching, which means those temps are about to soar. Bringing along water on a walk for not only yourself but for your fur-covered loved on is a necessity. Unfortunately, dogs aren't the greatest at drinking from a water bottle. That's where a collapsible bowl like this comes in handy, and it even has a clip to attach it to your leash or your dog's backpack, which you just bought a couple minutes ago. Right???