I think anyone with dogs and a small yard understands the fear involved in a late-night walk - total minefield for your shoes when you're trying to avoid the "used spots" in the dark. The Glo Leash helps you navigate with a super-bright LED on the handle so your path is illuminated. The leash itself also glows in the dark, so you and your dog are more easily visible to passing cars. The Glo Leash is $29.99 from petgadgets.

My second dogwalking fear involves walking my dogs near busy city streets. I live off one of the main retail streets in my neighborhood and there are always cars speeding by. I had a scare when I tripped over a pothole (but with preternatural grace and aplomb managed not to fall in it) and when I started to fall, I dropped my dog's leash. She, being the nervous type (where does she get it?), tried to run ahead home and I just barely managed to grab the leash before she darted off. The FreeLeash handsfree leash prevents such accidents by attaching a retractable leash to a bungee system that you wear around your waist. The FreeLeash not only frees your hands for carrying bags, but the padded waist belt absorbs shock and reduces stress on the lower back. It would be great for people with wrist injuries or arthritis. Or are clumsy. The FreeLeash is $24.99.