The Poop Dilemma

I’ll just come right out and say it – dealing with dog poop is the bane of my existence. As a proud pug parent, I’ve had my fair share of struggles when it comes to the dreaded doo-doo duty. Mishti, my furry companion, loves nothing more than sniffing out and exploring every fresh pile she encounters on our daily walks. But as her devoted servant (err, I mean owner), I know I can’t let her indulge in this unsavory habit.

You see, Mishti’s penchant for poop-eating doesn’t just gross me out – it also poses serious health risks. Those little nuggets of canine waste can harbor all sorts of nasty parasites that can infect both dogs and humans. I’ve had to put poor Mishti through the wringer with deworming meds more times than I can count, and the last thing I want is for her (or me) to end up with a nasty case of roundworm or giardia.

So, I’m on a mission to keep Mishti and our neighborhood free of errant excrement. But let me tell you, it’s no easy feat. Between dodging distractions, training Mishti to “wait” and “stay” while I scoop, and finding the right dog poop bag holder for the job, it’s a constant battle. That’s why I’m here to share my hard-won wisdom on the tried and true dog poop bag holders that actually work.

Poop Bag Holders: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

When it comes to dog poop bag holders, the options are endless. You’ve got your basic bone-shaped clip-ons, your fashionable sloganed pouches, your high-tech retractable leash attachments – the list goes on. But not all of these poop-wrangling accessories are created equal.

I’ve personally tested a wide range of dog poop bag holders, and let me tell you, some of them have been real duds. Take the Toozey Biodegradable Bags I tried, for example. Sure, they were eco-friendly, but the thin material had a nasty habit of tearing at the most inopportune moments. And don’t even get me started on the Earth Rated bags – those things were so tough to open, I felt like I was trying to defuse a bomb with my bare hands, especially in the dead of winter.

But it’s not all bad news! I’ve also discovered some real winners in the dog poop bag holder department. The Jroyseter Dispenser with its built-in flashlight has been a game-changer for our nighttime walks, and the OneTigris Eureka K9 Backpack is a total multi-tasking marvel, serving as a poop bag holder, backpack, and harness all in one.

And of course, who could forget the iconic 💩 holder – a true fashion statement for the discerning poop-scooping pooch parent. Shout out to the glow-in-the-dark version for those spooky after-dark strolls, too.

The Art of Poop Pickup

But having the right poop bag holder is only half the battle. The other crucial piece of the puzzle is training your pup to be a well-behaved, poop-picking-up pro.

When Mishti and I first started our dog walking adventures, I was a complete newbie when it came to the whole “wait” and “stay” thing. I thought they were the same command, but boy was I wrong. “Stay” means Mishti needs to hold her position until I return and release her, while “wait” is just a temporary pause until I give her the next cue.

It’s been a bit of a journey, but Mishti has become a master of the “stay” command, even in the face of major distractions like squirrels, bikers, and cars zooming by. And that’s key, because I need her to hold her position while I bend down, bag in hand, to scoop up her smelly deposits.

I’ve found Zak George’s training videos to be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to perfecting the “stay” and “wait” commands. His three D’s – duration, distance, and distractions – have been crucial for getting Mishti ready for the chaos of the city streets. And let me tell you, that high-value treat reward system is the only thing that’s kept her from trying to chase after every squirrel that dares to cross our path.

Finding the Perfect Poop Bag Holder

Now, with Mishti’s poop-picking-up skills honed to perfection, it’s time to talk about the final piece of the puzzle: the actual poop bag holder.

As I mentioned, I’ve tried a whole slew of these handy accessories, and I’ve gotta say, my personal favorites are the ones that are not only functional, but also a little bit fun. I mean, who says picking up dog poop can’t be a stylish affair?

The 💩 holder, for instance, is a hilarious way to show the world that I’m totally unafraid to scoop up Mishti’s most unsavory deposits. And the glow-in-the-dark version? That’s pure genius for our nighttime walks when visibility is low.

But practicality is just as important as personality when it comes to these poop-wrangling tools. That’s why I’m also a big fan of the Jroyseter Dispenser, with its built-in flashlight for illuminating those dark, poop-filled corners, and the Flexi Retractable Lead Accessory, which gives me the freedom to roam while keeping Mishti close.

And let’s not forget the eco-friendly options, like the Flush Doggy flushable bags and the Give A Sh!t Compostable bags. Not only are these better for the environment, but they also give me the peace of mind that I’m doing my part to keep our streets and parks clean.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, dealing with dog poop is never going to be a walk in the park (pun intended). But with the right poop bag holder and a well-trained pup, it doesn’t have to be a constant source of stress and frustration.

I may not be able to wave a magic wand and make the poop fairy appear, but I can certainly make the process of picking it up a whole lot easier. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll even find a way to turn it into a fun, fashionable activity. After all, anything’s possible when you’ve got the right tools and a furry partner-in-crime by your side.

So, if you’re a fellow dog parent struggling with the poop problem, take heart. With a little trial and error, and maybe a few laughs along the way, you too can become a master of the dog poop bag holder. And hey, maybe we’ll even start a new trend – the Poop Pickup Parade, anyone?