You’re standing there fumbling with a poop bag that refuses to open while your dog stares at you like you’ve never done this before. It happens every single time, and it’s maddening.
Cold weather, humidity, sweaty hands, brand new bags that stick together like they were glued shut at the factory. The struggle is universal and completely unnecessary because there’s a dead-simple trick that experienced dog walkers have been using for years to open poop bags instantly every single time. It requires nothing you don’t already own, takes about two minutes to set up, and works in every weather condition without fail. Once you know it, you’ll wonder why this isn’t printed on every box of bags ever sold.
In this article, you’ll discover the exact steps that end poop bag frustration forever. It’s the method I use to pick up my dog, Henry’s, poo, and I’m so glad for it. Your walks are about to get a lot less annoying.
Budget Tip: This is such a great DIY hack. It makes life easier and, at least for me, it was free. Hacks that are free and make life easier are priceless in my book. Henry is happy he can continue on he walks quicker too.
In this article, I describe how to successfully pack your dog (including poop bags) for travel.
Here’s are the supplies you’ll need for this doggie doo bag hack
- Cupboard/drawer lining
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Hole punch (optional)
- Doggie poo bag holder (optional if you have one, great, if not that’s okay too)

These are the eco-friendly poop bags I currently use.
Most of us have our cupboards lined with a plastic gripper. This stuff is amazing! I didn’t know how useful it is until I began looking for a way to solve the problem of opening my dog’s poop bags.
You may even have extra cupboard lining stored away in your utility room or on the side of one of your cupboards or drawers. You won’t need much.
This stuff is made to hold your plates and glassware in place, so it’s great for gripping things.
Instructions for creating your own dog waste bag opener
Step 1.
Cut a stripe of cupboard lining about 5”x 2” (It can be larger or smaller if you like. This is just the size I decided worked for me.)


Step 2.
Punch or cut a hole in one of the short ends

Attach the cut lining to the loop of your doggie poo bag container through the punched hole. (This is just for ease of use and finding it, but it’s completely optional. You can put your doggie poo opener wherever you like.)
Step 3.
DONE!

These are great eco-friendly dog poop bags. I currently use them.
How to use your newly constructed doggie poo bag opener:
- Pull out a doggie doo bag
- Fold your lining around the opening end of the bag and rub a couple of times
- DONE! Your bag should have opened easily.

TIP: Although I didn’t use it, the rubber jar opener seems to work just as well. It’s also made to grip things. So, if you have an extra one of those around or have received one as a promo from someone, you could use it for your doggie poo bag opener in place of cupboard lining.
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UPDATE: This dog waste bag opener is also great for opening produce bags or any bag that tends to be difficult to open. I’ve made a second one for produce bags and other clingy things. I put my second one on my keychain.
Related articles:
- 6 Dog Park Etiquette and Unwritten Rules
- Best Dog Travel Checklist – FREE Download!
- Tips To Bring Your Dog To Work Daily
- 20 Steps For Dog Overnight Visits
- Happy Dog Hiking Trails Without Back Pain
An amazingly easy hack that lets you open dog poo bags effortlessly
If you have ever stood in the howling wind trying to open a doggie poo waste bag, I’m certain you’ve thought there must be a better way. Thankfully, there is and it’s easy, quick, and free. All you need is a bit of cupboard lining, a ruler, scissors, and maybe a hole punch. I’m so glad that headache could be solved so easily.

