Wildebeest Guides

Start the year off on the right paw by implementing healthy habits for you & your dog! Most of us humans like to reset and welcome the New Year with new goals, healthy habits, and striving to achieve something new or different. We think that the same should go for our pup’s, so we put together some tips to help get your Beest excited and ready for the New Year too!

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1. Set A Training Plan + Goals

One of the most rewarding experiences as a dog parent is watching your Beest learn, grow, and improve. Research fun and effective techniques or tricks to teach your dog that you have been pushing off or think might be too challenging for your dog. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our blog posts 5 Training Goals or Training Tips to get you going.

Training not only provides mental stimulation for your pup, but it also strengthens the bond between you both. Start with incorporating 10-15 minute training sessions into your daily routine, and focus on basics first – sit, stay, down, come command, etc. and reward with positive reinforcement. After you feel confident in the basics, move on to something a bit more challenging and repeat until they are ready for the next challenge. Consistency is key, so make it a plan to train regularly and to train in different environments, along with making sure you block out time in your day / week to work on these skills to get your pup to where you want them to be.

It’s also important to determine your end goal and set mini goals to get you there. Whether it’s to build your dog’s confidence, work on reactivity, or learn how to open the fridge, if you don’t set a goal it will be hard to stay motivated and consistent.

2. Refresh Your Pup’s Closet

What can be more motivating than putting that new gear to use?! A refresh in dog gear will make you and your beest feel good and will want to get you out of the house just to put it to good use. Go through your dog’s wardrobe or gear bins and keep it up to date, checking for any items that are worn out, no longer fit properly, or are no longer suitable for your dog's needs. Hand them down to a friend or make a donation to your local shelter, and then make a list of what needs to be replaced or added. Treating your pup to high-quality dog gear will make them excited to head out anywhere that’s not home and it will also keep you accountable and keep your pup safe & secure.

3. Implement Healthy Eating

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for your dog's happiness and physical and mental well-being, and can contribute to their longevity. A well-rounded food plan can include plenty of protein with high-quality meat sources such as muscle tissue, fruits & vegetables, healthy fats, and supplements. Some easy steps you can take are feeding healthy treats with single ingredients, no preservatives, or fresh foods instead of processed. Try adding meal toppers and healthy supplements like fish oil or coconut oil for pup's coat, joints and immunity. Your local pet store can be a great resource for recommendations on a range of nutritious foods and treats.

If your pup has any sensitive dietary needs, consult with your veterinarian to find the foods that work best. They can provide personalized advice and create a diet plan that takes into consideration your dog's age, breed, and specific health conditions such as allergies.

4. Take On A New Exercise Routine

Creating a new exercise routine for your dog is great for their physical health and mental well-being. Dogs thrive on routine and live for structured activities, whether it’s a walk around the block or trying to find treats hidden around the house, having a physical activity planned regularly can keep your dog happy and healthy.

Take your dog’s age and breed into consideration when brainstorming activities. For example, if you want to get your senior dog who's slowed down to get moving a little, perhaps you can try swimming which is relatively low impact and helps mobilize their joints. Or if you have a working breed who needs lots of exercise but your ability to be active with them is limited, try engaging in physical + mental activities such as interactive puzzle toys, indoor fetch sessions and training exercises with them. Here are some more exercise ideas to help you get started, and get your pup in shape this year. 

5. Explore New Places & Socialize

Make the most out of the year by exploring new places with your dog and making some fur-friends too. Dogs are social animals and love the companionship of both humans and fellow dogs. Take them to new places and allow them to interact with others if possible, it can also be a great way to work on their reactivity / socialization if they struggle with socializing or have low confidence when interacting with other dogs. Play dates and pack walks can be some great ways to work on socializing -- just be sure to plan for your dog's needs accordingly and be in a safe and controlled environment.

One way to plan fun adventures for your dog is by finding dog-friendly locations in your area. To name a few typical dog-friendly locations: parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Remember that new adventures are enjoyable experiences and can make the most out of the year and create lasting memories with your beloved canine companion.

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Resetting your New Year for your dog doesn't have to be difficult. By simply implementing healthy habits that you would for yourself, like a balanced diet, goals to get to their training needs, and exercising regularly, are small and easy changes that you can start at any time. Something to keep in mind as a pet parent is that your dog relies on you for their physical and mental health, so it's crucial to make the effort in keeping them around for a long time at their healthiest & happiest.

We wish all your pet parents a Happy and Healthy New Year with your Beests!

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

Seattle is a lively city in the Pacific North West that offers amazing dog-friendly places and off-leash parks for you & pup. If you're visiting for the first time it can be a tad overwhelming finding which parks and restaurants to see, and for locals who may want to find something fun or spontaneous to do with your beest, we put together a list of activities from brunch, to parks, to sightseeing that are must-do’s in Seattle.

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Cafes & Restaurants

1. Ampersand Café

Located at a waterfront, this cafe offers a dog-friendly patio and a perfect view of the Puget Sound. It has a great assortment of coffee, pastries, and food and is a great place to grab a bite after a walk on Alki Beach with your pup. Ampersand Café

2. Watershed Pub & Kitchen

A dog-friendly bar and restaurant that offers patio seating, this place is great for a lunch / dinner date with your pooch. They offer fresh wholesome comfort food along with specialized craft beverages (beer, cider, wine, cocktails) and offer your pup their own water bowl. Watershedl Pub & Kitchen

3. Bark! Espresso

This coffee house has a special patio just for the doggos but welcomes anyone even if you don’t come with your pup. Human food and drinks are deliciously made to impress and you can also spoil your pup at the dog service window for treats and a “pooch latte”. Bark! Espresso

4. The White Swan Public House

Located right on Lake Union, The White Swan offers delicious seafood, fresh oysters and crafted cocktails. Outdoor tables are available and the staff is dog obsessed and eager to hand your pup unlimited treats. The White Swan Public House

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Parks

5. Westcrest Park

This 8.4 acre park features everything for the perfect park day with your Beest. There is plenty of open space for your pup to run off-leash and also a separated little dog area accessible on the southwest side. Restrooms, dog drinking stations, play areas and picnic areas are all available at Westcrest. Westcrest Park

6. Denny Park

Located in Seattle’s central business district, Denny Park is the city’s oldest park with a large enclosed off-leash area for pups to safely play and socialize. Check out the vibrant farmers’ market with fresh produce and street foods every Saturday! Denny Park

7. Schmitz Preserve Park

Schmitz Preserve Park is a 53.1 acre park in West Seattle with walking paths and nature watching among old growth forest. It is dog & kid-friendly and easy to access, perfectly suited for day-hiking with your pup. Schmitz Preserve Park

8. Dogwood Play Park

This is an indoor and outdoor park & bar that allows off-leash dogs. There is a fee required upon entry or monthly memberships are also available for locals. Dogwood is great for dog socialization and has play structures like tunnels and giant tires and also a bar area for pet parents to socialize as well. Dogwood Play Park

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Social Hangouts

9. Norm’s Eatery and Ale House

This bar is named after a golden retriever and goes by the motto “sit and stay”. It’s a great place for beer lovers with a variety of brews and wines. This ale house also offers a dog menu for those who plan to dine with their beest. Norm’s Eatery and Ale House

10. Chuck’s Hop Shop 

A super dog friendly beer bar that offers outdoor patio seating and a variety of craft beers (literally about a thousand) and rotating food trucks are available after 5pm. Make sure to have your pup leashed when planning to attend. Chuck’s Hop Shop

11. Fiddler’s Inn

This is known as the pizza-slinging neighborhood tavern in Wedgwood and offers 11 craft beers on tap, pizza, specialty sandwiches and local live music. They have a dog-friendly patio (leashing up your pup is recommended) and are known as Seattle’s best beer garden to visit. Fiddler’s Inn

12. Dog Yard

Dog Yard is known as Seattle’s finest indoor / outdoor off-leash bar. This is the place to hang out with your fellow dog parent community where treats, drinks, and socialization are available for you and your dog. First time visitors are required to register and provide paperwork of vaccination records and once you’re registered you can start the paw-ty! Dog Yard

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Sightseeing

13. Kenmore Air

Ready to see some flightseeing with your pup? Kenmore Air offers pet-friendly tours for you and your dog. Cost depends on the size of your pup and each flight is limited to one pet per flight. Kenmore Air

14. Seattle Water Tours Ice Cream Cruise

This cruise is a popular and dog-friendly cruise around Lake Union. Pups need to be well-behaved and leashed. Complementary ice cream is offered as you enjoy the view of the city on this 45 minute ride on the water. Seattle Water Tours Ice Cream Cruise

15. Seward Park

This is a recreation attraction space that is dog friendly and is 300 acres. There is a paved waterfront trail, forested areas, a plant garden, tennis courts and lots more. Dogs must be leashed while visiting the park. Seward Park

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Local Feature

Seattle native and dog mom, Adaiah loves to adventure throughout Washington with her pup Marnie. She's recommended a couple of her favorite spots in and around Seattle that are dog friendly and fun for both you and beast to view together.

• Marymoor Park (Redmond) -- biggest dog park to roam, very popular!
• Luther Burbank (Mercer Island) -- there’s water access here and it’s a small but nice park to visit.
• Magnuson -- All time favorite Seattle dog park!!
• University Village -- outdoor shopping mall that is very dog friendly with a Mud Bay nearby to stock up on dog treats 😋
• General Porpoise (Capitol Hill) -- favorite dog friendly cafe
• Washington Park Arboretum (Lake Washington)
• Discovery Park -- facing the Puget Sound
• Lincoln Park (West Seattle)

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Plan your next outing in Seattle and make some fun memories with your beest. There is an endless amount of dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and social gatherings to visit. And if you wish to get away from the city hustle-n-bustle, there are so many amazing islands and historic port towns around the Puget Sound that are just a ferry-ride or short drive away that are also worth checking out.

Traveling to San Francisco next? Check out our guide on 25 Dog Friendly Places in San Francisco to see and stay tuned for more dog friendly city guides to come!

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

San Francisco is one of the most dog friendly cities in the country. If you’re not local to the Bay Area, you might assume that you can bring your dog anywhere in San Francisco, which is not entirely true. While most places love to see your four-legged fur friends or welcome them in with a dog water bowl or tasty treats at the entrance, not all businesses / environments allow pets in their establishment, unless they are a service animal. As locals, we thought it would be helpful to put together a list of places that are guaranteed to welcome your Beest with belly rubs and treats.

Whether you’re visiting the city, wanting to explore new spots, or training your pup for social interactions, we’ve got a place for everyone’s taste!

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Cafes & Restaurants

1. Park Chalet

This spacious and dog friendly restaurant is located at the end of Golden Gate Park, near Ocean beach. This spot makes for a great place for brunch or to grab a quick drink after walking your beest on the beach. Park Chalet offers indoor and outdoor seating and recommends your dog to be on leash. Park Chalet

2. Stable Cafe

Stable Cafe, our go-to, is in the heart of the Mission District. This is the perfect place to sit out on the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch with your pup on a sunny day. Patio seating at Stable is beautiful and covered in greenery, and they welcome any big or small four-legged fur baby. Stable Cafe

3. Zazie

Zazie’s is a French bistro in Cole Valley that is popular and well known for their delicious brunch plates and cocktails. They offer patio seating and insist you to bring your dog along especially on Monday’s as they host “Dog Night” and offer $10 off on a bottle of wine for the humans and unlimited treats for the pups. Zazie

4. Novy

Novy is located in Noe Valley and is a woman and family operating restaurant. They are Mediterranean influenced and are known for their great food and customer service, Pups are welcomed in their outdoor patio everyday of the week! Novy

5. The Ramp

Located in Mission Bay, The Ramp offers spacious tables, outdoor seating with a great bayfront view for you and your beest, and live music / entertainment. Great for brunch! The Ramp

6. Wildseed

Wildseed is a restaurant located in Cow Hollow known for their superb cocktails and seasonal vegan cuisine. They offer various outdoor seating options and are often packed, so make sure to book a reservation ahead of time so you don’t wait too long with your dog. Wildseed

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Beaches

7. Crissy Fields

With the Golden Gate Bridge as its backdrop, Crissy Fields is a beautiful place for a walk or to take your pup for a swim. Certain parts, such as the East Beach, are off-leash approved but can get pretty packed with tourists and other dog owners so be sure to plan accordingly. It also tends to get pretty windy so bring a jacket to stay cozy as you stroll along the shore. Crissy Fields

8. Baker Beach

Known to be one of San Francisco’s best beaches that’s dog friendly with a superb view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash but not recommended to swim as the waves can get unpredictable. Baker Beach

9. Lands End / Mile Rock Beach

This beach is part of Land’s End trail and is not a widely popular dog beach as it’s a long walk down (0.5-1 mile) with a steep trail to the beach but is great for more adventurous Beesties. Dogs are allowed to be off leash. For an epic view of the Golden Gate Bridge make sure to hike to Land’s End Lookout Point, which is definitely worth the walk. Mile Rock Beach

10. Ocean Beach / Great Walkway

If you're looking for a huge beach with lots of walking room and sand to dig for you and your pup, Ocean Beach is the perfect place. Dogs are required to be on leash all year round. Also, in 2022 San Francisco voted to keep the Great Highway by the beach car-free and bike and family friendly on the weekends for the next 3 years. So be sure to experience the coastal promenade the next time you & pup are visiting Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach

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Parks

11. Fort Funston

A local and well-known park in the city that is filled with various trails and places to explore with your pup. During the spring season there are coyote alerts, so be mindful of keeping your dog on leash, but off leash dogs are welcome throughout the park. Fort Funston

12. Upper Douglass Dog Play Area

This is a recreational play area, great for all sized dogs and can be off leash.Your dog must be up-to-date on their vaccinations and non-destructive. Cleaning up after your pet is highly encouraged to maintain the park. This park is enclosed yet large enough to get a good amount of exercise, make sure to bring along a ball or frisbee. Upper Douglass Dog Play Area

13. Alamo Square

Alamo Square has one of the most iconic views with the infamous “Painted Ladies”. Dog mom and content creator, Dianna, and her pup Raylan love this park and is one of their go-to spots for play dates or a nice stroll. “The views are my favorite part, I’m a big fan of Full House so I love seeing the Painted Ladies!” Alamo Square

14. Golden Gate Park

Looking for a massive park to get lost in? Golden Gate Park has so many paths to explore and is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco. Filled with large grassy fields, trails, meadows, and picnic areas, you’ll never run out of places to explore. Golden Gate Park

15. Glen Canyon

This 66.6 acre recreational area includes scenic hiking trails and large open areas for you and your dog to explore together. Glen Canyon Park is one of San Francisco’s significant natural resource areas filled with important plant species. Dogs are required to be on leash. Glen Canyon

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Social Hangouts

16. Tornado Pub

This local pub is located in the Haight and offers an assortment of craft beers. This is a great place to hang out with friends and pups are welcome if they are on leash. Tornado Pub

17. El Rio

A queer neighborhood bar located in the Mission District, that offers a backyard patio along with dancing and live music, all are welcome, including your beest. It can get pretty packed on special event nights, so be sure to plan accordingly if you plan to bring your pup. El Rio

18. Palm House SF

A colorful hangout spot with a tropical theme perfect for meeting friends and family for happy hour. Located on Union Street, this bar welcomes pup’s with their very own lei and lots of treats. Palm House was voted to be one of the Bay’s “most dog-friendly restaurants”. Palm House SF

19. Barebottle Brewing

In the mode for a good craft beer? Barebottle has various amounts of craft beers and food trucks. They have 2 locations, one in Bernal Heights and the other at Salesforce Park. They are very dog friendly and offer outdoor seating! Barebottle Brewing

20. Spark Social SF

Located in Mission Bay, Spark Social has something for everyone. Filled with food trucks, games, and lots of outdoor seating, this is a great and dog friendly place to hangout at. There are a number of food vendors and even a dog vending machine. Spark Social SF

21. Zeitgeist

A long time Mission District institution, Zeitgeist is a bar and beer garden known for its huge craft beer selection (64 on tap), bloody marys and outdoor patio with picnic tables. Pups are welcome to hang with you in their back yard but remember it can get crowded especially on those warmer days! Zeitgeist

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Sightseeing

22. Cable Car

Take your dog on a sightseeing tour of the city on the cable car. 1 pet per car is welcome to ride during non-peak hours (5-9am and 3-7pm on weekdays). Pups must be leashed and on their parent's lap or sitting right next to them. Cable Car

23. Bay Cruise

A 60-minute tour of the bay on the Blue & Gold Fleet with your pup. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39 and much more. Dogs must be leashed or in a carrier and well behaved in order to board. Bay Cruise

24. Hotel Kabuki

Located in Japantown, this hotel is a great place and location to stay if you're planning on traveling with your dog. Bay Area local + doodle mom Melanie and pup Ruby, visited Hotel Kabuki and enjoyed their experience. “We felt safe walking at night and didn’t experience any boundaries. We were able to take Ruby almost anywhere in the hotel (not the gym or attached restaurant). It’s walking distance to a lot of dog-friendly things and close to grass…” Hotel Kabuki

25. Coit Tower

An iconic San Francisco landmark that is a must see if you haven’t yet. Bring your dog along for a scenic hike up to the top of the tower to get a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline view. Pup’s are recommended to be on leash and able to walk up and down a few flights of stairs. Coit Tower

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Plan your next trip to the busy city and don’t feel guilty for not being able to bring your pup along. With restaurants, trails, parks and social gatherings, there's plenty to keep yourself and Beest engaged and making new memories together. Traveling to a different city? Stay tuned for more dog friendly city guides to come!

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

Have you ever been to or even heard of a Pack Walk? For those who may not know, a pack walk is getting your own pack (you + your pups) together with another pack(s) (someone else + their pups) and taking a walk or a hike together. As of recently, pack walks have been popular as it can help with confidence building and socialization in your dog and are great for all types of dogs in any stage of training.

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Pack Mentality

The definition of the word PACK is “a group of wild animals, especially wolves, living and hunting together” (according to Google) and with dogs being direct descendants of wolves, they are pack animals by nature. In every pack there is always an alpha who is considered the leader and protector of the pack, which is what your dog probably sees you as since the day you brought them home. As you’ve fed, trained, and given them access to your home and control many aspects of their lives, you as their human are considered their alpha or pack leader. This type of dynamic and structure help create a healthy pack mentality in your Beest and it’s no secret that they thrive when given direction and purpose. Pack walks are a great way to practice this dynamic in a collective way.

Organizing A Pack Walk

Whether you're wanting to have some quality time with your circle of friends or connect with other dog lovers in your community, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide to help you get started on organizing your own pack walk!

1. Decide on a date.
2. Pick a dog friendly location and consider how difficult or accessible the walk or hike will be for you and others joining the pack walk.
3. Share your pack walk details 2-3 weeks before the actual date and confirm with everyone who will be attending.
4. Designate a meet up spot and make sure everyone who is joining has a map or knows the trail / walking route.
5. A couple days before the pack walk: send out a reminder to those who've confirmed, including rules, meet-up location, time and weather updates.
6. Day of the walk: bring your list of participants, check everyone in and take a head count of your pack. Providing name tags for dogs + humans is a nice touch!

Go well-equipped for your pack walk:

• Leash: 4ft length is great for keeping Beestie close especially if you have a big pack or are going on a tight trail. 6ft length is fine if you have room to spread out.
• Comfortable and secure harness or collar
• Poop Bags, to leave the trail how you found it
• Treats for you & Beest + Treat Pouch for carrying ‘em!
• Water bottle + portable bowl
• Proper attire for the trail and weather conditions, e.g. hiking shoes, windbreaker, backpack, etc.
• Portable charger, just in case!

Some pack walk etiquettes to remember:

• Dogs attending the walk should always be leashed and well distanced from others
• No nose-to-nose or butt sniffing during the walk so your pup knows that it isn’t playtime
• Reactive or dogs who are vocal should walk towards the back of the pack
• Have FUN! It's hard work hosting a pack walk, but so worth it. Remember the goal is to help train, exercise, socialize and have lots of fun!

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Our friends, dog mom Lauren + her Lab mix, Boomi @boomibringsthings hosted Wildebeest’s very first pack walk in the Bay Area and shared why they loved putting one together so much,

The best thing about organizing a pack walk is meeting so many new people in your area that you may not have. It's so different talking to people online vs real life. I always leave a pack walk feeling so high from having a great walk and meeting amazing dog parents in the community. For first time organizers, try to at least say hi to everyone who is there. Introduce yourself, and thank them for coming!

@boomibringsthings

Finding A Pack Walk Near You

If you're looking to join a pack walk instead of hosting one, a good place to start is searching and joining some Facebook groups in your city and neighborhood. Social media and neighborhood apps are a great way to find out what’s happening in your community and hashtags can be useful in broadening your search too. Sometimes local brands or businesses in the pet space are hosting pack walks – we did! – and will post event updates on their social media. You could always ask other pet parents, dog trainers or walkers who may have knowledge in pack walks happening in your community as well.

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Now You Know How!

Pack walks can be such a positive and supportive community activity for both pups and humans. What’s better than to be outside exploring new surroundings with your Beestie and sharing the experience with other like-minded packs? We highly recommend pack walks for all dog parents… especially if you’ve never done one before. It just might help you become a tighter, better pack as you build more confidence and bond with your Beest.

Happy Walking!

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!