It was 6:40 on a freezing morning, and my dog had just done his business on the neighbour’s perfect lawn. I patted my pockets. Keys, phone, half a biscuit. No bags. I ended up using a crisp packet I found in my coat. Never again. That was the day I started making my own DIY dog poop bag holder, and I’ve tried more versions than I’d like to admit.
The Problem With Most Store-Bought Holders
Shop holders are fine. But they’re often bulky, ugly, or they snap off the leash at the worst possible moment. Some only fit one roll, so you’re swapping it constantly. Others cost more than a bag of dog food.
Making your own fixes that. You choose the size, the look, and where it lives. Most of these take about ten minutes and use things already sitting in your house. Here are nine ideas, from no-sew to slightly crafty.
9 DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder Ideas, Step by Step
1. The Mint Tin. Grab an empty tin and sand any rough edge with a nail file. Fold a few bags flat inside. It slips into a coat pocket and holds about ten. No crafting required.
2. The Pill Bottle Dispenser. Clean out an empty plastic pill bottle and peel off the label. Cut a small slit in the lid with a craft knife, thread the first bag from a small roll through it, and screw the lid on. Tear off one at a time. Cover the cut edges with tape so nothing scratches your hands.
3. The Drawstring Pouch. If you can sew a straight line, you can make this. Cut a rectangle of sturdy cotton, fold it, stitch the sides, and thread a cord through the top. Toss in a roll plus a spare. It’s washable, which matters more than you’d think.
4. The No-Sew Felt Pouch. Same idea, no needle. Cut two felt rectangles and glue the edges with strong fabric glue, leaving the top open. Add a ribbon loop so it hangs from your bag. Felt doesn’t fray, so it’s very forgiving.
5. The Old Jeans Pocket. Cut the back pocket off worn-out jeans, leaving a half-inch border. Glue or hem the edges and add a small loop at the top. Tough, free, and weirdly stylish.
6. The Paracord Wrap. Wrap paracord around a small clean canister, knotting as you go, then finish with a keyring and carabiner clip. It takes an evening in front of the telly. Looks properly outdoorsy.
7. The Hair Tie Hack. Loop a sturdy hair tie through the center of a roll and around your leash handle. Embarrassingly simple. I’ve used this for three years.
8. The Mason Jar Station. Pop a roll in a jar by the front door and cut a slit in the lid. It’s where spares live, so you never leave without. Paint the lid if you’re feeling fancy.
9. The Wipes Tub Refill. Keep an empty travel wipes tub and fill it with folded bags. It opens with one hand, which helps when you’re juggling a leash and a coffee. It lives in my car.
Which One Should You Make First?
Start with whatever matches your routine. Short pocket walks? The mint tin. Hiking and long days out? Paracord or the jeans pocket. Forgetful household? The jar by the door, because you’ll see it every time you grab the lead.
Don’t overthink it. You can always make another. I own four now, and nobody has stopped me.
The Tip Nobody Mentions
Keep a spare in three places: your coat, your car, and your leash. Sounds like overkill. But think about it. You’ll only forget bags on the one day you really need them. And a tiny spare folded into your phone case, or tucked behind a pocket flap, has rescued me more than once.
Picture a muddy Sunday. You’re twenty minutes from home, your dog has done something spectacular, and your pockets are empty. Three spares fix that.
A Real Example From My Hallway
Last winter my sister borrowed my dog for the weekend. She found the jar by the door with a roll and a spare inside, a hair-tie roll on the leash, and a mint tin in the coat. She texted me: “Why do you have seven versions of the same thing?” I told her I’d never been caught short since. She now owns two of her own.
Mistakes and Warnings Worth Knowing
A few things I learned the hard way.
Don’t clip a heavy holder to your dog’s collar. It bangs against their neck, and it can catch on things. Attach it to the leash handle, your belt, or your bag instead.
Smooth every edge. Tin lids, cut plastic, and sliced bottles can be sharp. A bit of tape or a quick sanding makes a big difference.
Skip glue near the opening. Sticky holders make bags tear, and you don’t want a surprise at the worst moment.
Choose your bags carefully, too. Many dog owners like biodegradable ones, though disposal rules vary by area, so check what your local bins accept. And never leave a full bag on the path or hang it from a tree to collect later. Take it with you to the nearest bin. Your neighbours will thank you.
Finally, wash fabric holders and wipe plastic ones regularly. They live near mud and worse.
Ready to Make Your DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder?
You don’t need to try all nine. Pick one, grab the supplies, and have it done before your next walk. A good DIY dog poop bag holder is cheap, personal, and ready exactly when you need it. Keep a spare nearby and never get caught short again.
Want to pack the rest of your walking kit smartly? Have a look at my post on what to carry on every dog walk. And tell me: have you ever used a crisp packet in an emergency, or is that just me?
