Created by dog owners for dog owners

Supplier: Paws 4 Design
Reviewed by: Melissa Frewin

Description: This rucksack-like bag is specially designed for dog owners. It holds everything you will need while out and about with your dog.

Main Features

• Dog poop bin that is hygienic, replaceable and washable

• Scented poop bag dispenser

• Handy wipe pocket

• Compartment for toys and treats

• Compartment for your personal items

• Lead clip for when your dog is allowed to roam

Best features: At last a really useful product for you and your dog! I purchased my bag at the Kennel Club Festival so I had a full demo. Not sure if you purchase online if it comes with any instructions. However the gentleman who designed the bag was extremely helpful and answered all our questions.

Stylish and practical. Dual purpose – i.e. we use it for dog walking and for agility training/shows.

The bag is quite comfortable to carry. My husband is also happy to carry it as it’s not 'too girly' and he uses it when walking the dogs as well. The bag does come in pink, for those of you who like things 'girly'!

If you are on your own at a show, it also means you can take everything you need to the ring in one easy to carry bag and leave at ringside as you run, providing there are no valuables in it of course. Also, its ideal for grabbing at the last minute, as they call to the end of your class.

The side pocket for humans - typically tiny in comparison to the dog’s compartments! - is just right for phone and keys, so no risk of them falling out of your pocket half way round your walk.

The removable, washable, waterproof compartments are one of the plus points; as they are really useful for slobbery balls, wet collapsible bowls etc. The bag is also big enough to carry a small water bottle and a spray bottle on those rare hot days.

The one shoulder strap allows you easy access to all the compartments; 'poo-bags' etc. without have to take the bag off your back.

Could be improved: I think access to the bottom compartment is quite small, so larger treat pots need to be placed in the top compartment.

While on the other hand, the ‘poo-bags’ supplied with the Doggy Bag are designed for elephants! The poo-bags supplied are on a roll. I’m unsure how easier it is to source them on a roll. However, the rucksack comes with 40 free poo bag and you can buy refills from the same company.

I have yet to test the concept of carrying your used 'poo-bags' in the suggested compartment. This has little to do with the product itself and more to do with my pre-conceived ideas! The compartment does come with a toggle tie, so there should be no reason for any unexpected surprises when putting your hand into the bag!

The lead clip is a little awkward, and I would prefer it on the other side of the bag as the leads do slap around the back of your legs, if you don’t hitch them up. I may well replace the lead clip supplied with a slightly larger one, to accommodate two wide leads more easily.

I would have perhaps liked a secure zip pocket inside for a purse, mobile or other valuables.

Design: The idea and design are brilliant. The design is innovative and it looks stylish, too. Comes in three colours: beige/light grey, blue/dark grey and pink/grey. It is extremely well made - durable, washable and waterproof.

Price: £26.99 (including 40 poo bag)

Value for Money I think this product represents good value for money. The bag alone is very high quality and well made, so with all the added ‘doggie’ extras, I think it’s well worth it.

Overall rating: 8/10. This is a really innovative product and if, like me, you have a dog that requires a multitude of toys, treats etc wherever she goes, then this is ideal for making sure you have everything you need within easy reach. Would also make a good present for a friend or member of the family.

About the Supplier...
Paws4designs is a family run business, who two years ago started work on a design for a dog owners bag because of the lack of such a thing on the market. It was never intended to become a business, but even the early prototypes were drawing attention from other dog owners. After two years of testing and four prototypes later, the product was presented to the world.

About the Reviewer...
Melissa Frewin has been competing at Agility for four years with Woody, a 5 ½ year old chocolate Labrador. The bug bit and in 2005 she found myself with Halle, a rescue WSD.

Woody is her 'Steady Eddie.' He is never going to set the agility world on fire, but he really is the light of her life and a dream dog. Halle and Melissa  have spent their first year and a half together, with dog teaching handler more about what owning and working a WSD is all about, than the other way round.  Everyone says that Halle has masses of potential, but for now Melissa is learning to relax and have fun with a dog who does everything at 90mph.

She lives in Dorset with her husband. By day, Melissa trains humans and by night she trains her dogs... and, she confides, the dogs are much, much easier!

First published  11/09/07

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