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Doing a lot of dog walking now of an ex racing greyhound for an elderly neighbor. Current jacket is now stained everywhere from treats and stinks, both from the treats and lifting him into cars/over fences and small streams ( he will not tolerate water above his knees! Bit of a diva I think) Pockets are knackered with trying to stuff his lead into when he is off a gallop. Had a few poo bags leak too as I forget they are there and I crush them when playing with him.
Anyway my jacket has taken a hammering. The country folks must meet these issues all the time? So I'm thinking a waxed cotton jacket should stand up to a thrashing?
What do you wear for dog walking and is waxed cotton a good choice? If so is Barbour the default brand?
Our dog wore a Barbour. It seemed to handle the excess of rain and mud as well as the cocker spaniel underneath.
The owner tended to wear more modern Berghaus or a fabric Barbour. I found waxed cotton hard work to maintain well.
I carried dog stuff in a bag.
You're describing a set of problems - dirt, smells, shit ... and suggesting the answer is a coat you can't put in a washing machine.
🙂
Seems obvious when you say it, a bag would make sense. Hadn't considered that option. Would be easier than stuffing my pockets.
I have a dedicated dog bag I sling over my shoulder. Built in bag Despenser, mesh pocket for carrying the full ones. Space inside for ball, treats, lead and a small bottle of sanitiser.
the answer is a coat you can’t put in a washing machine.
Yup. Just soak an old towel in soapy water and rub the jacket down on a hanger to remove the mud and stains, or at least the worst of them. The beauty of good waxed cotton is it’s more or less thorn resistant and pretty easy to mend if it gets snagged. Unlike a £300 Goretex or down jacket. And maintenance is also pretty easy, you can buy tubs of Renapur wax, which you apply with a small sponge, and which is also excellent for using on leather boots, shoes, jackets, and upholstery. I’ve used it on a couple of leather bike jackets, a Barbour Stockman coat, and a variety of boots, etc. Done once a year, it’s all that’s needed.
Also, waxed cotton can be patched, and it just looks better as it wears in, plus it’s something you could use to sit on if the ground’s a bit damp and muddy, and it won’t matter a damn, just wipe off with the towel.
I got a Barbour 15 years ago specifically for dog walking. It took another 10 years before I got a dog to go with it! I still have the jacket and love it but it really is terrible for any sort of activewear and I rarely ever wear it for dog walking. It is too hot in the summer, not warm at all in the winter. It isn't very breathable and not great in rain either.
Barbour jackets are like Land Rover Defenders, very occasionally when conditions are just so, they are awesome. But, the other 99% of the time, they are pretty terrible things. But, like a Defender, there is something quite special about them.
I use a Paramo Cascada, its great and isn't waxy / sticky like a barbour. Its got a great hood too and big pockets. Been using it for the last 3 years for dog walking and can be stitched up without affecting its weather proofing. Can go in washing machine but waterproof treatment regime may put you off. Go for black and you'll be fine, I have a dark red one and the pockets / cuffs have dirt stains that don't come out but its a utilitarian jacket so doesn't really matter
The beauty of waxed cotton is (when you don't buy the fashion rip the arse out it brands like Barbour) they are cheap as shit at your local country store and hard wearing.
They largely stink because folk "wipe them with a towel" instead of washing them
Butlike defenders they have their die hard fans.
Defender comment spot on - fantastic for 1% of the time when you want to push through a load of thorny undergrowth and it’s just flicking on to rain. Not proper rain mind you, or wet undergrowth either. Or particularly warm. Or cold.
In short, they stink, they’re heavy, they aren’t very breathable, aren’t very waterproof, the cotton liner holds moisture so you chill really quickly after exertion, and are either too hot or too cold!
From someone who grew up in the north east, folks used to sell them (so far have had plenty in my time) and has a strong affinity with the brand...
BTW - if you do anything other than wipe them, you remove the wax and they become even less waterproof. Which is why people wipe them. And they stink...
Which is why people wipe them. And they stink…
Indeed which is why you now find them more often on trendies in town than on a bonefide farmer. -
Decent goretex coat and useful bag for dog bits, I highly recommend barking bags
After ten+ years of dog ownership, I can heartily recommend cheap and cheerful 'functional' clothes for dog walking rather than looking for the holy grail. That goes for jackets, trousers, boots and wellies!
I get some walking trousers and the most comfortable jacket i can find, usually from go outdoors or mountain warehouse. Lost count of the times I'd knacker a decent jacket either fetching a ball out of a bush, or rip good trousers climbing over a fence.
All the accoutrements of dog walking either get stuffed in a pocket or I've re-purposed an old hydration pack for longer walks. Space for poo bags (empty inside, webbing pouch for full outside), toys, water and treats.
I had no idea that dog walking would throw up so many conundrums. You want to see my car. I take him to the beach a gallop, it seems now half the beach is in my car despite wiping him down before getting in. I'm thinking I have to take a bag now. Hang it in the garage, grab and go.
My jacket rips easily as well because he bounds up to you and wants to "box" with you. Inevitability his claws have caught me, so a cheap and cheerful jacket is perhaps preferable. Having a full time dog must be expensive!
I'd be looking for a cheapish softshell from a discounter like sportpursuit
... and teach the bugger to either jump the stream or get left behind
My dog walking clothes are just my outdoorsy clothes. Don't use anything special but already have good kit. Dog stuff tends to go in a pocket, although I use a waist mounted lead
Will be heading out again soon and will be wearing shoes, t shirt and shorts with a buffalo shirt over the top. If it was pure mud/filth I'd switch shoes for boots or wellies
20 year old waxed jacket "a bit like a Barbour", but a lot cheaper, used for dog walking and gardening. Still works fine for me.
I’m doing it wrong. Poo bags in one pocket, ball in the other, treats in a pouch which clips to belt and lead worn bandolier stylie.
Clothes are normal outdoors stuff ME Gore-Tex jacket and Fjallraven trousers.
Saying that my wife uses a small bumbag thing!
Why are you trying to take a greyhound through a river anyway?
… and teach the bugger to either jump the stream or get left behind
Why are you trying to take a greyhound through a river anyway?
Kinda where we live. Not exactly rivers but I thought he would jump a stream as I stike off up the hill. No. He just runs up and down regardless if I think he can see me or not. I naively thought he would follow me regardless. No. He would rather be dry? Same at beach, you know 'rivers' that meander across the sand? Won't cross them, less than knee deep. He is small. 4 years old. I originally thought he was a whippet. Anyway I digress, a bag makes a lot of sense of now. I'm enjoying helping the neighbour and getting a lot of benefits from it now. Smashing companion, although he needs to grow a set. 😂
Greyhounds and whippets really feel the cold. Thin skin, short coats, no fat.
They are not known for their love of water even in warmer months either.
Maybe buy, or get the owner to buy, him a coat.
I put supplied coat on him when we return. It is wool and supplied by the shelter. Out and about, he seems fine. No requirement of a 'hap'. Happy to hear otherwise though. When he returns though I think he is used as a hot water bottle. Old boy doesn't heat the house much. They suit each other and I'm happy to do the leg work and let this side of the relationship blossom.
Had a few poo bags leak too as I forget they are there and I crush them when playing with him.
Oh. My. God.
Don't put full poo bags in your pockets! Especially if they leak when you've forgotten about them.
Buffalo Smock is my default winter dog walking coat, predominantly for the hand warming front pocket, that doubles as a stash for balls, leads etc.
Don’t put full poo bags in your pockets! Especially if they leak when you’ve forgotten about them.
I know that now. Life is experience.
Buffalo is looking appealable.
Good quality walking tackle, in layers, big pockets, trousers from Trespass, also with big pockets. Waxed cotton? Spent my formative years riding motorcycles in that. Smelly, ineffective. Don’t worry about the poo bags in pockets, you realise eventually! Enjoy the dog.
Dog walking (7+ miles per day) gear for me is either Montane Hydrogen jacket (same idea as Buffalo but lighter weight) or Fjallraven jacket with Fjallraven or ex-military goretex pants. Haix boots.
Hardcore dog that can't go offlead much so end up tabbing/fast stomping with him.
Dedicated dog bag and a decent waterproof with layers under. I use either my walking jacket or a sailing jacket for a bit more heft and winter weather proofing.
A filled poo bag never, ever goes in a pocket!
Treats in small plastic bag or tub inside the dog bag thing or trouser pocket.
Lead tends to go in a pocket when he's not on it and I always arrange it so the dog end is hanging out a bit for any prompt lead attachment (e.g. other misbehaving dogs or any sign of scavenging miscreancy from ours).
Leads get strapped round you. Unless it's an extendable in which case it goes in the bin, they have no business near long dogs (they can break their necks if they bolt after something). He should probably be on a lead at all times as well, you may have noticed the general belligerence and/or lack of recall? That can end badly if he can get out of wherever he's being walked.
… and teach the bugger to either jump the stream or get left behind
Bless, you've never had a greyhound have you? They're stubborn buggers and I just about gave myself another hernia trying to lift ours into the car after he decided he didn't like it any more.
I put supplied coat on him when we return. It is wool and supplied by the shelter. Out and about, he seems fine.
He will seem fine, they're very stoic creatures but I can guarantee the poor bugger will be freezing! He needs a waterproof fleecy coat, I can supply a Facebook link for a guy who does custom Cordura ones for less than thirty quid.
As for your jacket, nothing wrong with a waxed cotton jacket, you'll need decent layers underneath and you'll need to maintain it or it will be a cold and damp experience. They don't leak unless they've not been waxed, same as a Carradice pack. Hoggs of Fife are cheap and found in agri stores, I have a cap to match my drizabone. Ri be honest I've not worn it in a while as its a tad small with a decent top but the layering issue is no worse than the Trespass jacket I have now (packs down smaller though). Just be warned they are greasy and will make a mess of your car if you sit in it.
Don't have a dog..... But my buffalo smock would be my choice especially next to a waxed cotton bin liner.
It will snag it's not as touch but clear gorilla tape will see you right. Your dog won't care
Full Poo bags in your pocket. Errrghhh.
I use an old repurposed decathlon bum bag (with a plastic bag) to carry the poo bags.
What's happened to the quality of waxed cotton?
It was the choice for anything but truly mental weather. I used to wear my Belstaff motorbike jacket on the motorbike and it was ok in UK rain even at main road speeds, so equivalent to 60mph+ wind driven rain.
It wasn't the sort of thing you could wear as fashion though, because indoors it would mark whatever it rubbed against.
All that was a long time ago though.
I can’t think of anything worse to walk in than a Barbour jacket. I just buy a cheap & cheerful walking jackets, 3 layer type not a single layer goretex/event, from the likes of decathlon & buy a Dog poo bag carrier
It was the choice for anything but truly mental weather. I used to wear my Belstaff motorbike jacket on the motorbike and it was ok in UK rain even at main road speeds, so equivalent to 60mph+ wind driven rain.
There was a distinct lack of anything better back the though.....
Seems I've not got this dog walking tied down at all. His routine seems to be 3 mahoosive dumps on the morning walk, almost always within the first 10 minutes of a one hour walk so I shove them in pockets as I just don't like carrying them, feels awkward especially as the other hand has the lead. Evening walk one dump again within the first 10 minutes. A bag really does seem like a good idea. What do other people do with the poo? I look at other people and they either don't appear to be carrying the full bags or they are? I can't say I've ever noticed people with rucsacs on. We live in the country and the walks I use takes me near no bins.
Willing to bet most folk on your walks go with the " it's long grass can't see it" method....
Which if your truely in the country can be ok
But largely folks manage to apply it in truely inappropriate places.
Thanks for the link to the dog walking bag thread.
I feel so silly for not having considered this option. You just don't see people walking dogs with rucsacs though.
Now I'm thinking a nice warm jacket for the dog on a walk, with pockets so he can carry his own poo, and I don't need to buy a waxed cotton jacket as they seem like a bad idea going with the feedback.
No worries, I wasn’t aware, my partner is the sensible one who finds this stuff..
So dog poop.. Imo anywhere near the start of a walk that dog walkers regularly use, you should bag/bin it, any where like commons (or parks) where children are likely to play, it should be collected. Once out in the proper country side, stick & flick, or train you pup to poop in the brush. Stick & flick (or use an empty poo bag to grab & throw, without throwing the bag), is the forestry commissions preferred choice, to stop the ****s creating dog poo bag mountains or dog poo bag trees (ffs). I’m all for putting camera up & publicly shaming these arseholes
Imo anywhere near the start of a walk that dog walkers regularly use, you should bin it (collect it), any where like commons (or parks) where children are likely to play, it should be collecte
Yup this. I had a neighbour who thought the verge next to my house was an appropriate place to stick and flick even when asked not to.
I just bagged them and left them on her door step for a while. Stopped that nonsense
We are "in the country" in most folks eyes but right out side my house on grass I cut with a strimmer is not a cool place to let your dog shit daily.
I bury my dog's poo if I can. I use a fallen small branch from a tree, dig a decent hole and flick it into there. We live in a very wet part of the country so the ground is soft enough to do it.
She's raw fed so only does on average one poo a day.
And it's inoffensive for a dog poo.
If I do have to pick it up though, I just carry it.
In your case, I'd buy a small cheap rucksack, put a plastic bag in there or some newspaper that you can change regularly and stick it in there.
Sounds like the dog's diet needs looking at but as it's not your dog, I don't suppose you can do much about that.
Just seen your last post. Not sure i'd make him carry it. What if he rolls? Or plays with another dog. I think a rucksack for you seems like a better option. Great that you're thinking of a coat though. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. Just a tip, put a t shirt on him before you buy one. Some dogs hate things going over their heads. If he is one of them, you'd be best to buy a coat that fastens at the front.
Sounds like the dog’s diet needs looking at but as it’s not your dog,
It does sound like he might be being over fed, as 4 large poops seems a hell of a lot, but I’m no expert & he sound well cared for. I’m just surprised the dog walks for an hour, as grey hounds are notoriously lazy. I’ve only really come across ex-racers, who seem to need to be dragged out to the park, might have a short very fast burst, then die for the day. This is why there recommend as great companion dogs for older ppl
Btw good on you for helping out your neighbour
Yeah I don't know what he eats to be honest. The owner gives me his treats to take on the walks with me. Like small red biscuits that strain everything and smell bad. Especially if they get wet. The owner says as a treat after a big walk with me he has a whole rabbit, fur and all! I think he must surely be joking?
I have no issues walking him far. Done quite a few Munros now and the longest I've walked with him is 27 miles. Owner says this is fine, I'm sure he would tell me to stop if it wasn't and the dog comes willingly enough. Being an ex racer I would expect some degree of base fitness there.
Through unfortunate circumstances I've turned into the primary walker, I think dog sharing is good. I get the benefits of a companion on a walk, but none of the cost, having to make space in our house for him etc. Even when the weather is grotty I'm out, where as previously I may have just stayed in and not exercised, so I'm benefiting too. Garmin says I'm averaging nearly 7 miles a day.
Talked to the owner this morning regards flicking the poo into the forest where we live/walk. He said no as other dogs use the area so considers it a bad idea. I've personally never heard that advice so happy to continue bagging and bringing back.
A whole rabbit won't do him any harm, I'm presuming it's not cooked, but those biscuits sound pretty dreadful.
I second the good on you for helping out your neighbour but I'd be careful walking him that much. Dogs live in the moment and don't think of the long term consequences of over exercising. Sounds obvious I know, but when they seem to enjoy walks so much, it's hard not to see that long walks are anything other than positive.
I did the same with my little terrier. Not 27 miles but I unwittingly walked her too much because she loved it. She ended up with pretty bad arthritis. I look back now and wonder how I could have been so stupid. Just something to think about. I don't doubt you've got the dog's best interests at heart.
Have a Barbour Steve Mc Queen coyt, far to warm for anything, even sat/stood on a sleeting febuary terrace watching my team getting stuffed, its too warm for me, just looking at it hung up gets me sweating cobs.Horrid thing.
Scabby old bike softshell for dawg walks,usually return same way on walks so full bags get stashed and picked up on way home or most time poo flicked into undergrowth,Have a fruit loop collie/whippet, not interested in treats or toys on walks, unless its another dog of its lead/jogger or cyclist in the next county
+1 for whatever your local farm store has in
https://www.tfmsuperstore.co.uk/products/wax-jacket-olive-l-2/
OP, I was hoping somebody else would pick up on the amount of walking you are doing with the dog because I'm beginning to feel like a busybody dog warden!
Just to say, I don't know any dog that could happily do 27miles in one walk, maybe a husky, but it's far far too much for a greyhound.
They are built for speed not stamina.
In bike terms, you're trying to do a road race on a DH bike or DH on a gravel bike. Somebody is going to get hurt and in this case, it's going to be the dog.
I'm quite sure you're walking him so far for all the right reasons but you risk doing him permanent and irreversible damage if you keep taking him on long walks.
I know it might seem like he needs them but he really doesn't. It also may seem like he enjoys them and he probably does but exercise for dogs is like alcohol for people - good in moderation. Obviously different breeds have different requirements but greyhounds need a quick zoom around a couple of times a day, not long walks. He may well be stressed. He may be struggling with adapting to becoming a pet after being a racer. It's a pretty different life. I am guessing your neighbour couldn't walk him regularly or much so he'll be super excited at going out for a walk. But what he needs is a routine so he knows when his next walk is coming. Think about it, he goes on these massive long walks, gets wet, then comes back to a cold house so his muscles don't even recover properly.
Greyhounds are often matched with older people as their exercise requirements are similar. I'm guessing that was one reason the rescue centre rehomed him to your neighbour.
I'm not an authority on dogs at all and hopefully someone else will come along and say something similar but if they don't, it might be a good idea to have a chat with the centre and see what they think. Or just do a bit of research online.
This is a good starting point:
https://www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk/home-a-greyhound/all-about-greyhounds
I know dogs are great motivators to get outside, especially when the weather is bad, but often they won't want to go out any more than you do. And while they are great companions on walks, you should always walk to their requirements, not yours.
Not trying to be holier than thou. I was told by a vet (a new vet when we moved house) that my super zippy little terrier was in pain with arthritis and it was clear I'd been walking her too much. I had real trouble understanding it as she loved her walks and always wanted more. She had to have all sorts of supplements, treatments and pain relief for it and much of it was unavoidable. I only wish someone had explained it to me at the time.
Anyway, you asked about jackets :). Something cheap with lots of pockets or Paramo if it rains a lot.
I'll give the greyhound trust a phone and explain the amount of walking I'm doing, see what they say. Don't want to hurt the poor chap.
Nice one!
Let us know what they say too. It wouldn't be the first time I've been caught talking absolute nonsense! Seriously, be interested to know what they say.
Ask them about coats as well, but I'm very surprised he doesn't already have one for winter walks.
My whippet needs his for a lot of autumn and spring ones too.
And also really doesn't like going near streams.
I've got a Hogg's of Fife padded waxed coat (from a farm supplies shop) for winter dog walking duties. Different layers underneath for different temperature days. I'm only out for an hour or two, though.
For warmer wet looking walks, an RAF Goretex coat does me.
Army surplus goretex jacket, cheap washable, and work compared to a wax jacket.
I love my Barbour but they are shite for dog walking , never deel warm enough in the Scottish winters , Just worn my Napapjiri skidoo for the first time in a few years to go and see a mate. Now thats a jacket depsite the Yoof hijacking the brand a few years back.
I have a wax Barbour and like it very much but don't use it for dog walks. For that I use my waterproof Berghaus or North Face it replaced.
Turd wise our Lab usually has a big one and a small one per day. She has favoured spots and we walk her in the same places most days so just carry them in bags and put them in the nearest bins.
27 miles is insane! Ours does 2 miles max and he's only just about to hit 3. Seemingly you can get them into longer walks but it's very much a long term thing.
As for poops ours (35kg) is a roughly a 4 a day guy. First thing, afternoon, then 2 at night (or he'll save an extra one for morning). Used to stink to high heaven but moved him from Gain onto Millies Wolfheart (costs a bit more but is full of meat rather than grain) and now rarely farts and is nice and solid. Has a weird habit of shitting on trees though.
But again, well done for doing the right thing, sounds like you've both got a good pal.
Just the echo thepilot, it's superb what you're doing, but a 30-45min walk twice per day is more than enough for a greyhound.
One of their nicknames is they're a 30mph couch potato. They will sprint around for a while then walk to heel for the rest of the walk. Then sleep for however long it is before their next walk. It's almost like owning a cat in some respects.
Ours even loved boxes the doofus.
Good advice in here, nothing to add on that front
@Lotto - fair play to you mate. You’re taking all the advice on the chin and at face value, could easily have got narcy, full credit to you on that front
Talked to the owner this morning when I collected 'Billy' for his walk. He had the pack that he came with and in it was contact numbers you could use to reach out for advice. I called a very helpful lady and it turned out she is a local foster parent for doing the initial assessments on the dogs that are handed in and was familiar with Billy. She kindly offered to meet us for a socially distanced local walk.
Her initial impression was that we had him back racing again as he is so muscley, I noticed a distinct difference in the structure to the dog she brought along.
I explained the amount of walking he is doing and from his condition she was confident his diet is good. Owner says he is fed raw. I have no idea what this means but it must suit Billy.
My two one hour walks daily totalling around 7 miles is the upper of what would be recommended for a greyhound and could certainly be cut back. It is thought he is 4 years old and not long out of racing, so fortunately was able to cope and should have no lasting ill effects.
Of more concern to her was the change in routine. She explained greyhounds particularly enjoy structure, especially ex racers. Cut a long story short the owner is expected to be walking him again by spring/summer and a routine should be followed that the dog is familiar with. It is likely that the dog will be walked 15/20mins, 3 or 4 times a day leaded and muzzled.
We are to try and get Billy into this structure. This is the bind. I can only walk him twice a day as I work. We are going to try and sort something out where I drop his walks to 20mins and see how that goes. Maybe now and again get him somewhere remote to let him off and stretch his legs to compensate for not being able to get him out the 3 or 4 times he is expected to be out. He may be fine with the 40 minutes though, play it by ear.
As for doing the Munros, she was surprised a greyhound would even entertain it, but if he did it must have enjoyed it, but recommended no more walks like that for him.
As for the coat, he has one that he wears in the house, the owner never wore it outside as it would get wet , smell and not dry in the house, as he was walking outside it was thought he would be warm enough as he was exercising.
It was explained this was unsatisfactory, and the shelter are going to provide a hap to be worn outside. I'll collect it in the next few days. I should probably make a donation in Billy's name for the kindness shown.
Overall if I'm honest I feel pretty sad. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong and looking at the condition of him then he is very well looked after. I admit to not being experienced in dog keeping so willing to listen to the trusts advice and advice here . I can't help but feel that he is an Olympic athlete and is now playing at a local level if that makes sense. But it is not about me, it is about Billy and his owner, I'm only helping out.
Anyways thanks for the recommendations on the waxed cotton jacket, the bag was the idea I fancied there most, for 20 minute walks I'll just suck it up with a cheap jacket, no need of anything else.
Lotto, you're doing an incredible thing here and have absolutely no reason the feel sad at all. If only all pet owners did the research you're doing there would be less animals in need of loving homes.
Chapeau my friend!
Oh, and RAW is essentially just raw, whole foods, no processed food. Some think it's the best diet for dogs.
Lotto, I completely understand why you are feeling sad. It sounds like you've had some wonderful adventures together. And I don't think you did anything wrong, I think you made a mistake. And it's really easy to do. We're brought up to think dogs love walks, and they do, and there's nothing nicer than taking a dog who's clearly having a great time for a walk. Most dogs don't get walked enough so if you've got the time, then go for it, is the way both you and I thought with our respective dogs I'd guess.
Seriously, I felt like the fun police when I had to cut my dog's walks right down and you'll likely feel the same. But the important thing is you're doing it because you know that is what is right for Billy.
I think he'll absolutely love going off somewhere remote for a zoom around btw. I think you could do that pretty regularly so long as it wasn't for too long. Not sure what the greyhound woman said about it?
It sounds like you enjoy spending time with him as well as walking him. Could you take him to your house and do some enrichment activities with him? There are loads of toys you can buy but you can just get a cardboard box, some ripped up newspaper and hide a toy or a treat in it and let/help him find it. He would probably love that and it would tire out his brain rather than his body. There's loads of info on enrichment activities online.
As for his 'output', you'll probably find there's much less as his exercise gets cut and you'll have less to pick up.
Doesn't sound like it's the right time for you now but I'll bet you're going to make a fantastic dog owner in the future 🙂
Yep, thumbs up Lotto. Good work.
Do get a pic of Billy for us if you can.