I am new to dog ownership and I am fast realising my wardrobe is completely unsuitable for all-terrain all-weather dog walking!
I need some suggestions as to where to go to find stylish dog walking clothing that is practical and gorgeous in equal measure! I have my dog with me all day - so I need something that is smart casual enough to be good for work and walking!
Also - footwear! I really don't want to have to wear Wellies. Are there any less clunky alternatives?
And any good books, websites on best places to walk?
I travel quite a bit in my work and my lovely Jack Russell will be coming with me - so
would love to have some places to look for good places to walk, dog friendly pubs etc.
Hannah Quinn, London
Get a pair of leather Scarpa (or similar) ladies walking boots - waterproof, smart-ish (if you keep them clean) and will last for years and years. Also look at places likes Hawkshead, Go Outdoors, Tog 24 etc for travel or walking trousers - they tend to be either quick dry or water resistant, designed to be worn all day comfortably, and to not crease badly.
ReplyDeleteTravel or walking shirts will likewise keep you cool while looking smart..
The dfordog forum has London members who may be able to help with places to walk, also dogfriendly.co.uk will list places in your area. Your local council should be able to tell you where you can let your dog off lead. Otherwise, just stop other dog walkers and ask them!!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Jack Russell ownership. Or rather, being owned by a JR...
Em x
Try Mandmdirect.com for discount walking boots, trousers, ski wear etc.
ReplyDeleteI got a lovely pair of Berghaus walking boots and a Helly hansen waterproof jacket from there for a fraction of the original cost.
Good luck!!
I like the book '50 Walks in London' because it gives info on how dog friendly each walk is, how much will be off lead and where dogs may not be allowed. I've walked a few of the London ones, but not many, and have found it very reliable.
ReplyDeleteIf you like walking near water - http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/walking/london-walks but I don't think there is much info about dogs, if any.
Driving with Dogs is a great website - http://www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk/ There is a small subscription charge, but well worth it.
I seem to end up covered in mud no matter what I do or wear - if I manage to avoid it myself, my JRT x will help me out by donating some. A good pair of walking boots or shoes will pay for themselves as they will last a long time - as long as you don't drive in them. I've got two pairs as I wear them most days (I'm a professional dog walker) and my Brashers are the most comfortable thing I've ever worn. If you will be mostly walking on paved areas, or parks where there is a good surface, you won't need walking boots, perhaps a good pair of trainers.
Jeans will get cold and/or wet very quickly, and stay that way. Thermal leggings underneath can help with cold but not wet. If I know I need to be smarter than usual I try to layer carefully, so the warm snuggly (but shapeless) fleece can be removed to show something more fitted and suitable.
I've found the best shopping is available in places where there are a lot of walkers - my favourite gear came from the lake district when I visted a few years ago. Looks the smartest and it's lastest longest, and of course there is so much more choice than the average high street.
Good luck!
I work outdoors a lot as a professional dog trainer but I also need to look smart for my behaviour counselling work indoors.
ReplyDeleteI wear ski trousers (the new sort, not the baggy old michelin man ones!). They are incredibly warm when you need them to be, and waterproof and are designed for active movement. They are also incredibly stylish and reasonably cheap at this time of year.
My other favourite item is the long sleeved fitted 'Activity fleece' by www.rock-the-boat.co.uk which has long sleeves with a 'thumb' hole that acts as a fingerless glove. It has a long back piece as well, is also waterproof and slim fit so very smart!
As for smart boots, I wear leather boots from Clarks which are well made and practical but still good-looking (trust me on this one) in all but the worst weather, when I don my trusty 15yr old Huntress wellies!
Welcome to the doggy world!
Like Em, I've got a pair of Italian Scarpa boots, only mine are men's ones, I think. They are plain undyed leather and I wax them regularly with that special wax you buy from camping shops and apply with a sponge. Wonderfully comfortable, and so much warmer than wellies in the winter.
ReplyDeleteWith jackets you get so warm walking, so make sure you don't get anything too thick. I wear a Barbour, which does let the rain in when there's a downpour, but at least I don't swelter. Also, I like that toned down colour. It makes me feel as though I fit in with the green landscape instead of sticking out in a blaze of colour. My dog is brown too, so we blend in well!!
Re walks, you don't say where you are in London but please do try Wimbledon Common. It's dog walking paradise - 11,000 acres of woods and grassy stretches, with several ponds for your dog to swim in, and without any roads - apart from the one leading to the Windmill, which is very short. You can park at the Windmill and walk from there and it's off-lead all the way.
At the end of your walk you can get a coffee at the Windmill cafe and sit outside with your dog, which is excellent for doggie socialisation. Actually, it's the place for socialisation because if you go there regularly your jack russell will get used to horses, cyclists, joggers, toddlers, golfers, walkers and whatever else happens to be there. Nearly all the dogs you meet are very friendly too, so there are plenty of potential friends for your JR.
Richmond Park, just over the A3, is lovely too but the snag for many dog walkers is the deer - OK if you keep a lookout for anters protruding above the bracken and put your dog on a lead in time, but sometimes it can be tricky. It also has a road running through it, so sooner or later you come to a road, but it's still much better than many London parks.
Having said that, it is quite a treat for my dog, who is used to Wimbledon, to go to Hyde Park, the ultimate urban park. It's actually very good, but again you have to watch the roads and dogs are not allowed to swim in the Serpentine, although my dog did once when no-one was looking.
Julia Lewis
PS: Sorry, I meant to say Wimbledon Common is 1,100 acres, not 11,000 !!! I always get the noughts wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe most comfortable waterproof footwear I own are my Muck Boots. I opted for a short style as I don't like 'wellie length' boots. Mine are lavender. Very cosy and pliable. Muck Boots are the trade name so they are easy to find all over the Internet. Hubby has a pair of dark green ones which he loves too.
ReplyDelete