IT’S summertime, so you’d think dog walking would be easy. But increased outdoor time — simple and fulfilling as it is — means added stress on the feet, legs and back for the person holding the leash. Happily, a few new inventions help ensure outings with Spot don’t result in muscle soreness or bad back pain.
First, it’s important to keep your shoulders back and your chest out when walking large dogs with a tendency to pull hard and walk ahead of you; otherwise, you risk a serious shoulder injury. Luckily, there are footwear options that not only support the dog-walker’s tired “dogs,” but help maintain good posture, too.
The MBT is that funny-looking shoe with the curved sole that famously promises to tone up the wearer’s legs and rear end ($215-$270; swissmasai.com). Billed as the “anti-shoe,” MBT has inspired two other fitness footwear phenomena: Skechers Shape-Ups ($100; available at Modell’s stores) that sport a curved sole very similar to MBT, and FitFlops, a fancy flip-flop with leg- and butt-toning benefits. Considering that MBT-type footwear can feel quite hot and heavy — especially on the scorching midday walk — FitFlops, in their funky colors, may be the best seasonal alternative ($49.99-$59.99; fitflop.com).
Here’s another seasonal challenge: It’s no longer jacket weather (thankfully!), but light, summery clothing doesn’t often feature adequate pocket space for keys, cellphone, money and poop-scoop bags. Or, you’re headed to the park for a picnic with bags and maybe a folding chair, which makes leash-handling tricky business.
For the pocketless pet owner whose hands are already full, an Australian company called DOOG (Dog Owners Outdoor Gear) offers the Walkie Belt, a sleek, athletic update on the fanny pack. It comes with an iPod clip, a D-ring to clip things to, antibacterial hand wipes, plus zippered pockets to hold all necessities, including dog treats ($39.95; doog.com.au).
For those who’d rather walk their dogs completely hands-free (while still obeying New York City’s notoriously firm leash law, that is) the Alpha Pac is a harness with leash attachments for as many as four dogs. Instead of just attaching leashes at the waist, the Alpha Pac uses the wearer’s upper body and core strength, so the walker can stay in control of her pack — and her posture
($42.95; thealphapac.com).
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