How to Carry Dog Poop Gracefully

BY LEAH HOWARD, DNRT LAND STEWARD
Who hates picking up dog poop? I know I do. It’s smelly and gross. Carrying it around on your walk is a pain. Although it is troublesome, I still pick it up because dog poop contains harmful bacteria and nutrients. The bacteria in dog poop can make both you and your dog sick. It also is the same bacteria that closes down beaches and shell fishing spots. Dog poop contains nitrogen, a nutrient that is harmful to Buzzards Bay. Anyone who owns a dog and cares for their community and environment must pick up their dog’s poop and properly dispose of it.

Leah's dog, Ashe

Leah’s dog, Ashe

What do I mean by properly dispose of it? Take a plastic bag, either a used grocery bag or a purchased dog poop bag, and pick up the poop with it. Tie the bag off and throw it away in the trash. Do not throw it in the woods or leave it on a trail. Yes, this means you must carry that smelly bag with you. Those “biodegradable” poop bags do not actually decompose unless they are in a high heat composting facility. The best thing to do is throw it away in the trash.

What if I can tell you that you can bag your dog’s poop and not have to carry it in your hands during the duration of your walk? Yes, it is possible and it is amazing! There is a canvas bag called the Turdlebag, which can store your smelly dog poop and you can continue on with your walk gracefully. You can buy it on Amazon for $20.

How does it work? The Turdlebag has two openings, one to hold unused dog poop bags and another to hold used poop bags. The second opening can carry three large poop bags. Believe me, I own a German Shepherd and also walk another large mutt that both produce large poops. You can attach the Turdlebag to your leash or to the belt loop on your pants. My favorite way to carry it is to attach it to my backpack. The turdlebag captures the smell well, so I am saved from both holding the poop-filled bag in my hands and the awful smell.

Help protect your community and environment by picking up your dog’s poop and properly disposing of it, all done gracefully with the help from the Turdlebag. Happy walking!