It’s good to get out! Getting fresh air is a treat for pups’ senses: the sights, scents and sounds keep their mind engaged and reduce stress. Plus, it makes for great bonding time. No matter your dog’s energy level, they can benefit from the outdoors.
We tested Top Paws products, a brand exclusive to PetSmart, to help our pups — three rescues with different activity levels — get outside more. My high-energy puppy, Simba, and I tried out a leash and a harness. Nicole Hendrickson and her 10-year-old pittie, Tip, tested an outdoor bed. Lily Feinn and her blind senior, Darcy, tested a dog stroller.
Simba, who is 9 months old, is an Australian cattle dog, a herding breed that requires high levels of activity. When researching cattle dogs, the word “tireless” came up a lot. In Simba’s case, that’s been true. Since adopting him from Muddy Paws Rescue last winter, my husband and I have been amazed by Simba’s athleticism and boundless energy, and it’s been so fun keeping up with him.
Simba wants to be involved in whatever I’m doing. And that’s fine by me — I love having him around. Every day, I go out on my balcony to water my plants. Feeling left out, Simba would bark until I came inside.
Now, thanks to the multi-use leash from Top Paw, I’m able to include him in this routine. The leash can be used traditionally or converted into an adjustable cross-body or waist design. I wear the leash around my waist while tending to my flowers and vegetables. My hands are free to hold tools, and I have peace of mind knowing Simba is close, secure and enjoying bonus outdoor time with me.
The waist option has been convenient for more leisurely situations like short walks, allowing me to carry Simba’s outdoor items (his water bottle and poop bags, for instance) without feeling like I’m juggling. I’ve also used it during a picnic at the park with family. It’s comfortable to wear. I never feel overpowered or like I don’t have a handle on my pup.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend either of the hands-free configurations for more active adventures. That’s when it’s best to use the leash the traditional, hand-held way. I go with this option when we play at the park or go on hikes. The leash, when held, is longer than when worn, giving Simba a greater range of motion to explore. I feel confident with the quality of the leash’s construction. Thick and hefty, it feels built to last.
Simba and I also tried out the adjustable neoprene comfort dog harness from Top Paw. He weighs 30 pounds and wears a size medium. It was a breeze to put on. I simply slid it over Simba’s head and clicked the buckles into place. Adjusting the straps took a bit more time, but the harness fit him comfortably. I like how the fabric is a breathable mesh to keep him cool in warmer weather.
The harness is versatile in design, offering two connection points for the leash: chest or back. (Chest is usually a good option for pullers.) My favorite feature is the safety handle. I’ve used it a few times to prevent Simba from ingesting objects he picked up that most certainly should not be in his mouth.
With that said, I found this harness to be a great match for younger, more energetic dogs. It’s not bulky, yet it’s substantial enough where I feel in control during walks. Simba seems to be a fan of the harness, too. He’ll carry it to me when he wants to go on outings.
Tip, a sweet, laid-back pit bull, loves being outdoors and soaking up the sun. He enjoys laying outside so much so that his parents — who adopted him from NYC Second Chance Rescue during COVID — lovingly refer to him as their “baked potato” and joke that he’s “charging.”
Tip and his mom, Hendrickson, tested Top Paw’s outdoor bed, which offers the pup a place to indulge in his beloved pastime: sunbathing. Hendrickson found the bed easy to assemble, saying it only took a few minutes to put together. She likes how the bed is easy to move yet sturdy enough to support her 75-pound pup and recommends it for larger dogs who enjoy spending a lot of time outside with their humans.
Tip wasted no time getting acclimated to the bed. He hopped on it, making himself comfortable. “It was nice seeing him immediately treat it like his own little outdoor lounge chair,” Hendrickson said. “My favorite part has honestly been seeing him stretch out in the sun on it.”
The pup uses the bed anytime his parents are in the yard, whether they’re reading, grilling or just hanging out. “He likes having a designated spot where he can relax while still being close to us,” Hendrickson said. The bed keeps its shape, even when Tip gets on and off it. Another plus: Its elevated design allows for better airflow underneath. “I think it makes being outside more comfortable, especially on warmer days,” Hendrickson said. “Instead of laying directly on the patio, he has a cooler place to relax while still enjoying the sunshine.”
For Darcy, a 9-year-old pup who went blind about three years ago, spending time outdoors can sometimes be a challenge. She and her mom, Feinn, who adopted her from Korean K9 Rescue in 2017, tried out a dog stroller from Top Paws, which helps make it more accessible for the pup to get outside.
From the safety of her carriage, Darcy enjoys feeling the wind blow through her scruffy white fur. Whenever the pup wants to get out and walk, Feinn can hold Darcy’s leash with one hand and push the stroller with the other. They’ve taken the stroller to the vet, the groomer and the park. Of course, during these outings, the adorable pup managed to turn heads.
“She gets so much attention on the street, riding around in her stroller, sitting up proudly with her chin in the air and a smile on her face,” Feinn said. “You can tell she’s happy.”
Feinn likes how the stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver — both non-negotiables since she and Darcy live in New York City. It was also easy for her to put together. After taking it out of the box, Feinn simply unfolded the stroller and popped the front wheels in without the need for any tools.
The stroller is equipped with safety features, including a mesh canopy for added protection, a single-step locking bar and a tether you can attach to your pup’s harness. Feinn felt Darcy was secure in the carriage and the mesh cover kept her cool and comfortable. She recommends the stroller for any dog who is blind or has mobility issues.
It goes to show, pups of all abilities and energy levels can enjoy time outside. The products we’ve tested from Top Paws helped make it easier and more comfortable for our dogs to spend more outdoor time with us. And we loved being able to further incorporate them into our lives.
