Did You Just Tell Me I'm Dog Plogging and Should I Be Offended?

June 20, 2020

Do you know much about dog plogging? Many dog owners don't even know this is a thing. 

Once I learned about dog plogging, I kicked myself for not coming up with the idea myself. It was just so obvious and brilliant! Today, dog plogging is a new term circulating around in various trash cleanup groups and dog owner communities. 

More than 1,000 dog owners have turned to the internet to share their experiences with dog plogging. The activity doesn't require much extra time or effort outside of your original dog walk. All you need is a pair of gloves and a waste bag in your pocket or a stylish Colony Cleanup bag. 

Dog Plogging is an activity all pet owners can take part in, even if you're not a dog owner. The goal is to get people to take their pets out, pick up trash, and help clean up the environment. 

Dog plogging is transforming the way pet owners are approaching their dog walks and other activities. For many, it's providing new, fun, and interactive ways to engage with your dog and help save our planet. So, next time you get called a dog plogger, you can take it as a compliment.  

In this article, we'll discuss how you and your dog can get involved in this eco-friendly movement. 

What is dog plogging, and why you should get involved?

 

Dog Plogging is a term that encourages dog owners to pick up litter while walking their dogs. "Plogging" is a concept originating from Sweden. A man encouraged joggers to pick up trash on their runs; the word plogging seemed to fit the activity. It caught fire there and is spreading to many different groups around the world. 

Dog plogging has been growing among dog park regulars and some cleanup groups. Some local businesses have been incentivizing the idea with gift cards, swag, and other rewards for participants. Likewise, there are sponsorships to help spread the word that a cleaner city benefits everyone. 

If you're introducing this concept in your neighborhood, you may notice people around, staring at you. You can respond with, "I'm a dog plogger!" That alone may lead them to think you're losing your mind, but hopefully, they'll want to know more. 

The bottom line is, it's important for everyone to get involved and "leave no trace". So, get creative, how can you make dog plogging the next big thing in your neighborhood? 

 

Get more out of your dog plogging experience.

 

Many people, like artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens, are coming up with creative solutions to our trash problem. 12-year-old Nadia Sparkes, also known as "Trash Girl," has taken it upon herself to pick up trash in her community. She is making a huge difference! 

Dog plogging is one of those innovative ways to get involved in the trash cleanup movement. Now you can make your experience more than just picking up trash while out on your stroll with your dog. 

 

Here are some creative ways dog ploggers have made dog plogging a fun and interactive experience.

 

1. Train your dog to fetch trash and take pictures of your best friend doing his part too. Create a post for your favorite social media platform with the hashtag #DogPlogging. There are often contests on Instagram for posts with #DogPlogging. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next person shouting, "Winner winner chicken dinner!"

2. If you're a business owner, sponsor a dog park in your neighborhood for a day and give away free drinks or gift cards. 

3. Invite friends, family, and neighbors for group dog walks and pass out gloves and bags to everyone. Get them excited about the new activity they're about to take part in. 

Have an idea for implementing dog plogging activities in your area? Let us know in the comments below. 

 

Quarantine Dog Plogging

 

Have you been trying to find new ways to keep yourself and your kids from watching Netflix all day during the Coronavirus quarantine? If you're going a bit stir crazy—try something new. 

Here are some typical quarantine dog plogging experience takeaways you might experience. One person wrote, "Sunshine is beautiful and good for the soul. My dog's awesome. People are disgusting." Another said, "Even in a relatively clean community, more can always be done." Finally, one happily reported, "I'm getting in all my steps for the day." 

Overall, dog plogging is connecting people with their neighborhood cleanup efforts and the environment. Likewise, it's empowering to get involved in a good cause. Colony Cleanup recommends you try plogging. If for no other reason, it will help disguise your dog's poop you're carrying around. 

Oh, and as a side note - Please throw your quarantine gloves and masks in the recycle bin. Just because you call her Mother Nature doesn't mean she'll pick after you.

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