The Ultimate Guide to Spring Walks with Your Dog (And Why Gear Matters)

Bloomsbury Edition from the Greenwich Yarn range

The Ultimate Guide to Spring Walks with Your Dog (And Why Gear Matters)

Quick answer

Spring is the best time to check your dog's gear after winter. Look for: collar hardware that has corroded, rope leads that have become stiff or smelly, and any fit changes after the dog's winter coat settles. Then upgrade what needs upgrading before the long walks season starts.

Spring is finally here! The days are getting longer, the sun’s showing its face (occasionally, it’s the UK, after all), and Boris the Blade is insisting we take even longer walks. And honestly? I’m not complaining. This is hands-down my favourite time of year. It's the perfect season to get outside, go exploring, and enjoy some quality time with your dog and breathe some fresh Spring air of course.

But before you clip on the dog lead and head out the door, it’s worth taking a moment to check if your dog’s gear is up for the job. Whether it’s time for an upgrade or you’re just curious about the difference a well-made, hands free dog lead & custom collar for dogs can make, this guide is for you.

Why Spring Walks Are the Best Walks

After months of dark mornings, wet afternoons & a cold studio, spring feels like a fresh start. The air’s warmer, the fields are greener, and both Boris and I are happier to stay out longer and get those extra steps in - Garmin goals suddenly become a lot more natural, haha.

Longer walks mean more fun for your dog, and let’s be honest, for us too. But it’s also a great time to think about refreshing your dog’s walking gear. Muddy winter walks take their toll on even the best dog lead, so why not make spring your reason to upgrade?

For inspiration on great dog-friendly walks this spring, check out Countryfile’s Best Dog Walks in the UK.

Why You Should Check Your Dog’s Gear This Spring

Over winter, collars and leads get soaked, stretched, and generally battered. Trust me, I see it all the time and you can't expect something used so frequently to always look brand new unless you have indoor and outdoor accessories! Now’s the time to swap out tired gear for something better.

Here’s what to look out for:

  • Frayed stitching on your dog lead
  • Collars that are too tight or too loose
  • Metal hardware that’s rusty, weakened or worn
  • Leads that have lost their shape (especially if you use a dog lead figure of 8 for training)

Why a Custom, Handmade Dog Collar Is Worth It

At Green Dog, I make every handmade dog collar myself, right here in Oxfordshire. When you design your own collar, it’s not just about looks (although Boris says looking sharp is a bonus). It’s about fit, comfort, and durability - ultimately getting exactly what you want and not what fast fashion tells you "you need."

I use premium, sustainable materials, and each collar is made to order, whether you want a British dog collar and dog lead that oozes timeless charm, or a bright, bold style that turns heads at the park.

And the best bit? You get to choose everything:
🎨 The colours
🔩 The hardware
📏 The size
All delivered across the UK in 1-3 working days & Worldwide in 5-10 working days (not bad if I do say so myself) Amazon I'm coming for you!

The Benefits of a Hands Free Dog Lead This Spring

Spring walks mean freedom, and nothing says freedom like a hands free dog lead.
Whether you’re hiking, jogging, or just need one hand free for your coffee (highly recommend), hands-free leads give you more flexibility.

I use mine with Boris when we’re exploring Shotover Country Park. It keeps him close while I can focus on where we’re going, or on not spilling my flat white.

Dog Lead Figure of 8: Is It Right for Your Walks?

If you’ve got a dog that pulls, a dog lead figure of 8 can be a game changer or start with a regular slip lead.
It gives you better control on spring adventures and makes walking more enjoyable for you both. I hand make these with soft, thin 6mm or thick 10mm, yet incredibly strong climbing rope, designed to be gentle on your dog but effective when you need it most.

For more on why a figure of 8 lead is great for training, check out my blog here.

Spring Essentials for Dog Walks (Green Dog Edition)

Here’s my go-to kit for spring walks:

And if you’re not in the mood to design your own? No worries. Check out the Green Dog Sale Collection for one-off, pre-made pieces, ready to ship same day - again Amazon, I AM COMING FOR YOU, haha.

Boris’ Favourite Spring Walks

When he’s not supervising me in the workshop, Boris loves:

  • Shotover Country Park, For sniffing, scampering and ultimately densly populated with squirrels
  • Port Meadow, Open spaces, great views, say hello to the odd Cow or Horse wondering the Meadow
  • Uni Parks, The people-watching is top tier (for both of us), lots of other friendly dogs and get a sense that you are becoming more educated sitting in a park so close to Oxford University.

Why Green Dog Gear is Different

You won’t find mass-produced collars and leads here. Every item at Green Dog is designed by you and made by me (with Boris’ approval, obviously).
From custom collars for dogs to hands free dog leads, it’s about crafting something that fits your dog’s personality and your lifestyle.

And with fast UK delivery (1-3 days), your spring walks can start sooner rather than later.

Start Designing Your Spring Set

Ready to upgrade your walks?
👉 Design Your Custom Set Now
👉 Shop Our Sale Collection

Useful Links for Fellow Dog Lovers:

Final Thought

Spring’s about new starts, longer days, and walks that last a little longer. Make sure your dog’s gear can keep up. I’m here to help you design something that fits your dog, your life, and the season, just pop me an email, hello@greendog.pet.

See you out there (and if you spot Boris, give him a wave and come say Hi).


Get spring-ready

Frequently asked questions

What gear do I need for spring dog walks?

For spring: a waterproof collar or lead for muddy fields (BioThane®), a hands-free lead for longer walks, and a slip lead or figure of 8 if you are working on loose-lead walking. Check your existing gear for winter wear, corroded hardware, stiff rope, or incorrect fit after coat changes are all common in spring.

Should I replace my dog's collar in spring?

Check the fit first, dogs' necks change with seasonal coat thickness. A collar that fitted correctly in winter may be slightly loose as the coat lightens. Also check hardware for corrosion or stiffness after wet winter use. If the clasp does not open cleanly or the D-ring shows deformation, it is worth replacing.

What is the best dog lead for spring country walks?

For spring country walks: a hands-free rope lead for long-distance comfort, a BioThane® lead for muddy terrain, and a slip lead or figure of 8 for any training work. The Green Dog adjustable rope hands-free lead adjusts between waist and crossbody positions and handles varying terrain well.

Are hands-free dog leads good for hiking?

Yes, particularly for longer hikes where arm fatigue from a standard lead becomes noticeable. A waist-worn hands-free lead keeps the attachment at your centre of gravity, improving posture and reducing fatigue. It also leaves your hands free for poles, maps or camera. Best used with dogs that walk reliably on lead.

What waterproof dog gear do I need for spring walks?

A BioThane® collar and lead combination is the most practical waterproof setup, fully waterproof, wipes clean in seconds, and does not absorb the smell of mud or wet dog. The BioThane® Fixie collar and matching lead are the most popular waterproof options at Green Dog.

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.