How To Pick Up Dog Poop? Complete Guide

It’s a part of dog ownership no one raves about, but it’s still one of the most important things we do for our pets – and everyone else who shares the pavement. 

Whether you’re scooping in the park or braving a soggy garden, doing it right makes a difference. 

We’ll walk through how to pick up dog poop properly: tools, techniques, disposal, and what to do when things get tricky.

Tools You’ll Need To Pick Up Dog Poop

Dog Poop Bags

Start with the right bag. Size matters here – a small bag won’t do much for a Great Dane. 

Look for:

• Size: Roughly 12 x 7 inches for small dogs, up to 14 x 9 inches for larger breeds.

• Thickness: Around 20 microns is ideal. Thinner bags are prone to tearing (especially with soft stool or frozen waste).

• Material: recycled plastic poop bags are better than virgin plastics. Compostable or biodegradable bags break down over time but may not fully degrade in landfill or compost bins. 

Dispensers & Carriers

It sounds simple, but a good dispenser changes the game. Attaching one to your leash or bag means you’re never caught off-guard. No digging through pockets, no forgetting a bag. 

Look for:

• One-handed access

• Compatibility with bag rolls

• Lightweight design

• Odour control (bonus)

Pooper Scoopers & Tools

At home, especially if you have a garden, a scooper can save your back (and your shoes). 

Rake-and-bin sets or claw-style scoopers are great for daily cleanup, especially if you’ve got multiple dogs or soft ground.

Step-by-Step: How To Pick Up Dog Poop Properly

On Walks

1. Slip your hand into the bag like a glove

2. Scoop the poop using your bag-covered hand

3. Flip the bag inside-out so the waste is sealed inside and your hand stays clean

4. Twist the bag and tie it tightly to avoid leaks or smells

5. Dispose of it properly

If you’re on a long walk and expecting multiple pickups, bring extra bags or use one bag per deposit, loosely tying it before the next.

At Home

• Use scoopers for larger areas

• Clean up daily to avoid build-up

• Check corners and under shrubs where poop can go unnoticed

Tricky Situations & How To Handle Them

Soft or Runny Stool

We’ve all been there. Try:

• Laying the bag over the stool and gently lifting

• Adding dirt, leaves, or toilet paper for structure

• Doubling up on bags

Persistent soft stool might signal a diet issue – worth a chat with your vet.

Frozen Waste

• Use a small shovel or metal rake

• Spray rake tines with non-stick spray

• Scoop during midday thaw if possible

Bag Breaks Mid-Pickup

• Carefully contain the mess

• Slide everything into a second bag if available

• Always carry backups

• Wash hands or sanitise straight away

Where To Dispose Of Dog Waste (UK Guidance)

Public Spaces

• Use designated dog waste bins

• If unavailable, general litter bins are fine

At Home

• Dispose of in general waste bins (black/grey bins)

• Do NOT flush it, compost it without special setup, or toss in recycling, food, or garden waste bins

• Never burn or bury it – both are illegal and harmful

Can You Compost Dog Waste?

Yes, but only with care. 

Use a specialised compost system that reaches high heat (around 60°C) to kill pathogens. Only use finished compost on non-edible plants – never on veggies or fruit trees.

Most home compost heaps aren’t hot enough to safely break down dog waste. And compostable bags? Many don’t break down properly at home either. 

If you’re composting, remove the bag and wear gloves.

How To Make It Easier (Pro Tips)

• Keep bags pre-opened and ready before leaving home

• Double-bag if needed, especially for soft poo

• Store dispensers on the lead, not in pockets

• Scoop daily in gardens to avoid build-up

• Consider professional cleanup services if time is tight or you’ve got a large yard

• Pick up fresh, before rain spreads bacteria or it freezes in place

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use supermarket carrier bags to pick up dog poop?

You can, but it's not ideal. Most supermarket bags aren’t designed for handling waste and may tear or leak. Purpose-made poop bags are more hygienic, thicker, and easier to seal.

What should I do if my dog poops in someone’s garden?

Pick it up immediately and dispose of it properly. Even if the area looks wild or unmaintained, leaving waste behind is still inconsiderate and could lead to complaints or fines.

Is it illegal to not carry poop bags when walking my dog?

In many UK councils, yes. Under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), you can be fined even if your dog hasn’t yet fouled, simply for not having bags on hand.

Do dog poop bags expire or go bad?

Yes, especially compostable ones. Over time they can become brittle or break down. Store them in a cool, dry place and use them within the manufacturer’s recommended period (usually 12–18 months).

Conclusion

Knowing how to pick up dog poop properly goes beyond the basics. It means being prepared with the right bags and tools, handling messier situations with confidence, and knowing where to dispose of it all safely. 

It also means doing your bit to keep parks cleaner, pavements safer, and water supplies free from contamination. 

Our recycled plastic poop bags and practical dispensers are designed to help you do it all with less hassle, fewer leaks, and a lighter environmental footprint. They’re strong, thoughtfully made, and easy to carry – whether it’s a morning walk or a muddy adventure.