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!

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones, including our furry friends. As the festivities approach, it's essential to make the right preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for you + Beest. Whether you’ll be spending the holidays at home / someone else’s home, leaving your beest behind, or traveling with them, here’s a guide that will help you plan and prepare.

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Celebrating At Home

If you’re planning on spending the holidays at home or with family / friends, you may think that preparing your pup might be a bit silly, but keep in mind that dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Having something out of the ordinary from their regular routine can cause an over or under-stimulated dog, which can make them anxious and stressed.

Here are some tips to help:

• Make sure to create a cozy space or room for your pup to relax in during the festivities, away from the hustle and bustle and include their bed, crate, or blanket.
• Stock up on their favorite toys and treats to keep them entertained and occupied throughout the day / night. Consider a highly engaging toy or treat such as a frozen lick mat / Kong or a buffalo horn. This will eventually tire and help stimulate their brains to keep your dog calm, anxious-free and less likely to act out.
• Establish boundaries and educate guests on how to interact with your dog, especially if they are not used to being around pets. If you’re bringing your dog to someone’s home, discuss beforehand on what boundaries they want to implement and try to bring them over before party day to get them familiar with the new place.
• Be mindful of the holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees and ornaments, which can pose potential hazards.
• Know what foods your pup can and can’t have and make sure everyone knows what you're okay with feeding them or if you will allow any feeding other than treats / dog food. See our Holiday Food Safety Guide for a printable flier that’s easy to stick on the fridge or save to your phone.
• Take your dog on a long walk before your guests start to arrive to get out any extra energy they’ll have.

Traveling With Beest

Traveling with your dog during the holiday season can get a bit stressful for them and yourself. Whether it’s your very first time traveling together, flying on a plane or road tripping it, doing early research on what you’ll need will prepare you for a successful journey. Here are some tips to help prepare you both for travel:

• Make sure your beest is up-to-date on their vaccinations, flea and tick preventatives, has had a recent health check-up, and has no medical issues / concerns that may prevent them from travel.
• Invest in a sturdy comfortable travel crate or carrier that is appropriate for your dog's size and breed, if you're flying make sure to check your airlines requirements on pet carrier size. Familiarize your pup with the crate / carrier before the trip, remember to make it a positive and comfortable space for them.
• Pack all the necessary supplies in a bag to keep close by, if you’ll be flying with them in the cabin, make sure you have the appropriate supplies in your carry on bag. If you’re road tripping, have an easy to reach bag with just your pet’s essentials, including some food, treats or chews, a portable water bowl + water, a favorite toy, and medications they may need.
• Bring a familiar blanket or item that smells like home to provide comfort during travel and place it in their carrier or pet bed.
• Plan your travel itinerary with your dog's needs in mind, including regular potty breaks, exercise opportunities, and rest stops.
• For anxious dog travelers, consider bringing CBD treats or calming chews to help ease some of their stress. Make sure to consult your vet to figure out what works best for your dog.

More on how to prepare for your trip, head to our Traveling With Your Dog Guide.

Away Without Beest

If you're leaving your dog behind or not traveling with them during the holiday season, there are still steps you can take to ensure their well-being while you’re away. Keep in mind that it will probably be harder on your pup if they aren’t used to not having you around for a few days. Set them and their caretaker up for success whether you're leaving them somewhere familiar or new. With an array of options from dog boarding apps, hotels / facilities, or a recommendation from a friend or family member, it’s important to research and find the option that best suits your pup’s needs. Here are some tips to help prepare:

• Find a trusted and reliable pet sitter or boarding facility to care for your pup while you're away. Make sure to provide detailed instructions on your dog's routine, feeding schedule, behaviors, medications or allergies, and rules to implement.
• Leave them with familiar items, such as their bed or blanket, to provide comfort while you’re away. Also consider leaving a piece of clothing with your scent to help ease any separation anxiety they may experience.
• Plan a trial stay a few weeks before with your sitter to see how your pet does before actually leaving.
• Stay in communication with your sitter through video calls or messages to check on your dog’s well-being and to help keep your mind at peace.
• Have a back-up plan in case an emergency occurs whether it be your sitter or your dog. Provide a secondary person to contact that is local and can step in while you’re away. Also provide your dog’s vet or hospital phone number and address.
• Before leaving your dog, ensure their bag is packed with not only their daily essentials but also proper identification, vaccine documents, a list of emergency contacts, and properly functioning gear (leash, collar, harness) to help ensure their safety.

For a more detailed guide on this topic, check out our Guide to Pet Boarding & Sitting.

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Celebrating the holidays with your dog requires careful planning and consideration but remember, the holiday season is about making new and special memories with your loved ones. Whether you plan to stay home or travel with or without your pup, taking the time to make thoughtful preparations will ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for both you + beest + those celebrating with you.

For more holiday content like our Holiday Gift Guide or DIY Holiday Dog Treat Recipes, check out our Holiday Blog Series linked here !

Happy Holidays, Beesties!

 

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!

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to implement some new healthier habits, not just for you but also for our pups. If we’re being honest, we’re all a little guilty of letting life, whether it be work, school, social, or family, come before other things we say we’re going to do, but never get around to… such as training our dogs. Luckily, it’s never too late to start getting into a routine and adding some easy 5-10 minute training to your day to not only help improve your dogs manners & skills but also make that bond between you and Beest stronger. Here are a few goals we recommend to start off the Year right with your pups!

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1. Walking Etiquette

Whether you're just starting out with a new puppy or simply wanting to improve your dog’s walking manners, walking etiquette can always be improved and is one of the most common things dog owners struggle with. Start by taking a look at your gear… do we have the proper tools for a pleasant walk? Do you use a collar or a harness? Do you have the right leash for city walking or do you need one with more length for outdoorsy adventures? Is your pup comfy and well-fitted in their gear? Finding the right type, size and fit of gear for YOUR pup can make a huge difference in how your Beest walks, check out our harnesses or leashes to help get you started. Once you have the right gear, research some techniques to incorporate on what you want to work on to improve your walks, and don’t forget to bring treats along. If you don’t know where to start, here are some things you can work on to become a better canine citizen: pulling, eating food off the ground, lunging/barking at people or other dogs, biting the leash.

2. Working on Reactivity

Many dogs are or become reactive because of a trigger or traumatic situation that they have encountered. This can be a big source of stress for not only the pups, but also their humans. The best way to work on reactivity is to grab your treat pouch, fill it with a high value reward that your dog loves (such as cheese, meat, your dog’s favorite treat) to grab their attention and break their focus on that trigger. If your dog isn’t food motivated, try a toy or another reward that is high value and don’t forget to praise them plenty when they succeed to complete your positive-reinforcement training. Overcoming reactivity is not easy and may take a long time but it is definitely possible with patience and consistent training!

3. Going on Outdoor Adventures

Make it a goal to get outdoors more with your pup. Find parks or trails in your local area that you have yet to explore and go adventure with your Beest. We’re all a little guilty of wanting to rest on our free days and sticking to our same routine with our pups, but getting out and exploring a new place is a great way to bond and create memories together. Don’t forget to bring a portable bowl to keep your Beestie hydrated and pack all your essentials for the day!

4. Easing Separation Anxiety / Crate Training / Being Home Alone

Now that most of us are heading back to the office for work or attending more social events / gatherings, our pandemic pups can have some separation anxiety with you gone. Overcoming separation anxiety is a great goal to work on as it can cause other negative behaviors and big stress for your pup (and you too!). Crate training can be a helpful method for your beest to feel safe and comfortable. Try crating your pup for short periods of time, gradually increasing the time frames and working towards you not being with them for longer periods of time. Little bits of daily training on this can show big improvements and most importantly help reduce stress for your pup. For more tips on this, check out our guide for Post Pandemic Dog Tips.

5. Learning New Tricks

New Pups or not, it’s never too late to teach your dog’s something new. The amazing thing about our furry friends is that they love to learn and are very capable of being taught anything when you stay consistent and are patient with them. Refresh them with the basics: Sit, Stay, Down. And then break down the trick you want to accomplish in steps. Your dog will have those tricks down in no time and then you can implement newer tricks.

Training is one of the most rewarding activities you and your dog can engage in together and it only helps strengthen your bond! We recommend setting some training goals that are specific to your dog and doing research or seeking help from a professional trainer to help achieve those specific goals. Keep in mind that behavioral changes don’t always happen overnight so remember to stay patient, positive and consistent, and implement your training into a daily routine to get the best results. For more training tips + tricks, check out our other blog posts including the Guide to Successful Dog Training.

Happy Training!

 

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!

Holiday shopping for the special pup in your life but not sure what would make the paw-fect gift? Don’t sweat it, Wildebeest’s got you covered with gift ideas to make any pup feel the magic of the holidays.

Stocking Stuffers Under $30

Don’t want to break the bank for a few more gifts to stuff up your loved one’s stocking? These items are a sweet deal yet still stylish and high quality enough for anyone on your list! >>> SHOP UNDER $30

• Funston Baggie
• Biodegradable Poop Bags
• Funston Collar
• Montara Pop-Up Bowl
• Bernal Pop-Up Bowl
• Funston Leash

One Size Fits All

No measuring required, these items come in one perfect size that serves all Beesties big and small – p.s. they are compact enough to fluff any stocking! >>> SHOP ONE SIZE FITS ALL

• Funston Baggie
• Biodegradable Poop Bags
• Alamo Treat Pouch
• Farallon Field Day Bag
• Ashbury Hands-Free Leash System
• Bernal Pop-Up Bowl

New Pup Essentials

Welcoming a new member to the family this holiday season? These everyday essentials are perfect for a new Beestie + Pup-parent to be, or those who are just looking to refresh their gear closet with quality items! >>> SHOP NEW PUP ESSENTIALS

• Funston Starter Kit
• Custom ID Tag
• Linden No Pull Harness
• Sutro Snug Fit Harness
• Alamo Treat Pouch
• All Weather Jacket

For Proud Paw-rents

Alamo Treat Pouch is great for any Dog Mom or Dog Dad looking to train and treat on the go. With a magnetic closure that secures treats and some extra room for a few personal items, it makes for a great tool for any dog parent. If you're looking for more room, Farallon Field Day Bag is not only stylish but also is a versatile day bag for any adventure with or without pup. And if you’re needing something to hold every and anything, our Bernal Go Bag is versatile enough for any occasion. If you happen to know their preferred color choice, don’t forget to browse our gear by color or if you simply have no idea at all, you can never go wrong with a gift card and send it to them virtually anytime! >>> SHOP DOG PARENT GIFTS

• Alamo Treat Pouch
• Farallon Field Day Bag
• Bernal Go Bag
• Shop By Color – Black, Olive, Navy, Turquoise, Fuchsia, Red
• Gift Card

Beestie's Best Sellers

Our fan faves that are sure-fire crowd pleasers! >>> SHOP BEST SELLERS

• Alamo Treat Pouch
• Linden No Pull Harness
• Funston Leash + Baggie
• All Weather Jacket 

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!

Temps are falling, days are shortening, & the spookiest day of the year is right around the corner! While a sharp All Weather Jacket is the essential fall staple, it wouldn’t be Halloween without doggie costumes.

Whether you’re going to a puppy Halloween party or just taking an extra long walk around the block, these DIY costumes are easy to make, comfortable for pup, & sure to get the neighborhood talking.

1. Ghost Dog

Heather Handmade

A classic costume that's also perfect if your short on time. But what if you want to take your boo-thang to the next level. Transform your pup into one of the cutest and iconic ghost dogs of all time.

2. Pup Witch / Wizard

Another good old classic you can never go wrong with: a Witches & Wizards! The main item is of course the hat, and you can get creative with the rest - a cape, dress or just a piece of tulle scarf around the neck will get you in the spooky mood!

3. Squid Gamer

Who hasn't watched the Netflix series "Squid Games" Yet? This show's been wildly popular since it came out this Fall (2021) and has been trending all over social media and is sure to be a hot new Halloween costume option this year. Why not dress up your pup as a player or worker -- they'll definitely be the talk of the block!

4. Dinosaur / Dragon Dog

Dinosaur or dragon? Either way, it’s adorable. Combining a small hoodie with felt scales makes for pups that are festive and cozy as you trick or treat into the evening.

5. Sushi Roll

This tasty looking costume just uses velcro and felt, so it's inexpensive and easy to create. It's the perfect costume for any size doggo and is great if you need costumes for multiple pups in your pack... the more the sushi the better!

6. S’more Treats, Please

You already know your pup is the sweetest, so why not show them off? This s’mores costume comes together easily with some basics and will harken the cozy memories of autumn nights around the fire.

7. Pup-kin Latte

What could be cuter? Your dog dressed up as your favorite sweet treat! This is a fun creative costume that requires minimal supplies to put together and can be customized to your favorite coffee shop.

8. Mummy Dog

Possibly the most simple costume you can throw together last minute. But a solid option nonetheless! Prepare ample about of rolled gauze or bandage (some elasticity may help keep it on pup) to cover your pup sufficiently. Stay clear of their face / snout and private parts so they can breath + go potty conveniently. If you want to spookify this costume even more, add some fake blood to the bandage!

Whatever you end up dressing up as, be safe out there this Halloween and most importantly -- HAVE FUN, Beesties!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.

The holidays are all about spending time together with your extended family. So why not make some time for your furry and four legged loved ones as well? We thought that spending time in the kitchen with your immediate family or maybe virtually with friends & family who can’t be physically with you, while cooking and baking some treats for your pups, would be a great way to bring you + your family + Beest, close and bonded for the holidays!!

We listed some fun holiday AND non-holiday homemade treat ideas for you to make for your pups this season.

Sweet Potato Jerky

• 1 sweet potato.
• Preheat oven to 250.
• Wash sweet potato and cut lengthwise - think french fries.
• Place on cookie sheet in single layer.
• Bake for at 250 for 3 hours or until chewy

Cranberry Dog Treats

• 1 cup fresh Cranberries
• 1 cup Apple Sauce
• 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Milk
• Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet
• Puree cranberries and mix with apple sauce, combine milk, cinnamon and whole wheat flour until dough is well mixed.
• Knead dough into ball and roll onto a heavily floured surface 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutter of your choice.
• Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned at the edges.
• Cool and refrigerate.

Chicken & Rice Bites

• 1 cup diced chicken (or substitute other meat)
• ½ cup rice (cooked & mashed)
• 3 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 egg
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix ingredients together and put into silicone molds.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep refrigerated.

Cheesy Biscuits

• 2 cups brown rice flour
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Preheat oven to 250.
• Combine flour and cheese then add water and oil to make a stiff dough.
• Roll on floured surface to ⅜” thick. Stamp with your favorite cookie cutter and place on cookie sheet.
• Bake for 2-2 ½ hours until golden brown.  

Gingerbread Dog Cookies

• 1 cup molasses
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger or one tsp. of dried powder ginger
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine the molasses, honey, water, and oil in the medium bowl. In the large bowl mix the flour, the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. 
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
• Divide this dough in four balls, wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 - 5 hours, or you can freeze them for 1 - 2 hours (just don't let them get solid).
• Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out into about 1/4" thickness, cut the dough out into fun shapes, such as Gingerbread men, with a cookie cutter. 
• Bake for 20 - 25 Minutes, until the cookies start to get brown.

Peppermint Pinwheel Dog Treat

• 1 medium overripe banana
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp. honey
• 3 tbsp. liquid coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp peppermint flavoring
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1 /2 + 1/4 c. oat flour
• 1/4 c. roast carob powder
• Optional: Natural red food colour
• Preheat oven to 350.
• In a medium bowl, mash the banana. Beat together with eggs, coconut oil, honey, cinnamon & baking powder. Stir in 1 1/2 c. oat flour.
• Divide dough into 2 portions, approx. 1 cup each. Add 1/4 carob powder to one portion and 1/4 c. oat flour to the other.
• Roll out each dough separately to approx 3/8" thick, stack dough layers on top of one another. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Wrap in plastic wrap. 
• Place on cookie sheet. These will not spread much, so they can be placed fairly close together. Bake for 13 - 17 minutes.

Whether your spending this holiday seaon with family, friends, or just you + your beest, remember that it's about making memories and having fun. We wish you & beesties a happy, healthy, warm holiday!

Wildebeest is committed to creating quality everyday products that keep you & your beest happy and ready for all your adventures. Show us how you enjoy our gear — tag us on @wildebeest_co or use #mywildebeest!

 

@bmocorgi

Holiday season is quickly approaching and most of us didn’t expect to be spending this year’s holidays in a pandemic. Our yearly festivities this time around might look a little different, like staying home this year instead of traveling or celebrating locally with your small immediate family. So we thought of some fun indoor and outdoor activities to help you and your pup stay active and positive during the holidays.

• Walking / jogging around the neighborhood together. Try a different route to keep it fresh & take a stroll in an area you’ve never seen before.
  Gear to support you: Linden Harness / Funston Leash & Baggie)
• At home workout. Make a unique workout routine that works for you and your pup. Do some leg and foot work or some cardio going up and down the stairs, incorporate your beest by using their added weight for strength building.
• Nosework inside the house. Hide your pup’s favorite treat / toy around the house for them to “find it”. We suggest trying natural raw treats like Barkley’s Bag, they are perfect size for your beest’s to sniff out and delicious enough to make your pups drool over. Don’t forget to praise them! Make it more challenging by hiding one or more treats in multiple areas. Get creative with this one, try using old boxes, bags, or shoes to make it more challenging for them.
  Gear to support you: Alamo Treat Pouch
• Tug & Fetch. A classic that can be done inside or out and with your pups favorite ball or toy. If you plan on having family or friends around this is a plus to get them involved and bonding / interactive with your pup. Not to mention it will tire them out, keeping them calm and less likely to get into trouble.
• Doga. Lay out a mat and do some morning stretches with your Beest. You can do this in your living room or take it outside and get some fresh air together. This will start both of your day’s off positively and calm… ready for whatever comes your way.
• Holiday Sightseeing. Get into the spirit and walk around your neighborhood or take a trip to your favorite spot to gaze upon some lights and decorations. That always cheers us up :) You’ll get to enjoy some holiday festivities while taking beest on a nice long walk where you’ll both get some good exercise.
  Gear to support you: Montara Pop-Up Bowl / All Weather Jacket (for those wet or chilly days)

We hope you found these tips helpful and encourage everyone, whether you’re staying home or heading out of town this season, to try these activities and get you & your pack moving. Let’s face it, with all the holiday foods, snacks, treats. and desserts… keeping active will be a great way to balance it out.

Happy Holidays and if you plan on seeing family and friends make sure to continue to social distance and wear a face covering.

Wildebeest is committed to creating quality everyday products that keep you & your beest ready for all your adventures. Show us how you enjoy our gear — tag us on @wildebeest_co or use #mywildebeest!

Dogs are part of our family, so it makes sense that we’d like to include them on the family vacations, too! While many pups love getting to travel with their people, taking preparations is essential to ensuring safe and smooth travel ahead. Whether you’re taking them on the ultimate road trip or a quick overnighter, these tips are essential to keeping your pup comfortable and happy through the miles!

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Pack Their Favorite Things

When you take your pup on a trip they’ll be put into a new place with a lot of unfamiliar smells, so packing familiar things is key to keeping them calm. Bringing their prized blanket and favorite toys will allow you to create a “safe area” once you get where you’re staying, making their home-away-from-home that much more comfortable.

Always Check IDs

If you’ll be on the move, make sure your pup is easily identifiable just in case they were to get loose. Double-check that their microchip and tag information is up to date, and consider using a no-dangle ID tag to prevent it from getting snagged or lost.

Plan Ahead For Dog-Friendly Accommodations

While a perfect world would welcome well-behaved pooches anywhere, places like hotel rooms, restaurants, and even some outdoor spaces have policies and codes they have to adhere to. Research the pet policy of your lodging options before booking and call any restaurants or attractions you plan to stop at along the way to confirm their policy before you arrive. This will ensure happy travels without any surprises.

Tip: Utilize sites like BringFido and GoPetFriendly in your planning — they keep a crowdsourced database of pet-friendly lodging, activities, and restaurants for dog lovers!

Prepare A Dog First Aid Kit

“It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,” said every adult ever, and the same is true for your dog’s medical supplies. Hopefully, you won’t run into any issues as you rove the open roads, but assembling your own dog first aid kit and keeping supplies on hand for potential emergencies is always the smartest way to travel.

Keep ‘Em Busy In Transit

While water and treats should be limited to rest stops, bringing along a favorite chew or toy for the car ride is a fun way to keep them busy if they’d rather not nap. Bones, chews or favorite plushy toys will keep them occupied through the miles. Also plan frequent stops so everyone can stretch their legs, potty, and get some exercise to keep ‘em calm.

Don’t Forget Food & Water

A vacation is not the time to rush to the store because you forgot the kibble, so be sure to pack as much as they need plus a little extra just in case! Keeping their food and meal schedules as close to normal as possible will prevent tummy upset from ruining your plans. Have a travel bowl and treat bag handy to easily keep and dispense food and water on-the-go.

 

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!

The holidays are right around the corner! While we know you’d bring beest along for every adventure if you could, for many of us holidays involve a lot of traveling logistics that are less than dog-friendly.

Pet parents often find themselves without a “go-to” solution for when they travel, and instead have to make the decision of whether to board their pets or hire a sitter. Every pup is different, but we’ve compiled the pros and cons of each method so you can decide what’s best for you and your beest! Leaving your furry bff behind as you travel is never fun, but with a little research, you can find the right solution that will make sure you and pup are as comfortable as possible.

Pet Boarding

While boarding a pet once invoked images of cold kennels and puppy eyes asking you not to leave them, most facilities have done away with this old-school model and now offer luxuries such as aromatherapy and doggie social hours to pamper pooch. This sounds like a fun doggie vacation, but many owners prefer boarding for the safety aspect as well. Round-the-clock monitoring means an emergency would be swiftly addressed, and pets who tend to get in trouble at home when their pawrents are away can benefit from the structure and exercise a boarding facility can provide.

However, pet boarding doesn’t work for every dog. Young, high-energy dogs can thrive in an active, stimulating environment, but if your pup is more of a couch potato they may become irritated or anxious with all the rambunctious wrestling and over stimulating environment. Additionally, if your pup suffers from separation anxiety, being taken from their home and all its familiar smells might cause excess stress and worry.

Boarding can be a great solution for many pet parents—especially if your dog already goes to daycare, staying the night in a place they associate with so much fun would seem like heaven! But if it's a new environment for them, be sure to take their temperament and comfort levels into consideration before you book.

Pet Sitting

In-home pet sitting used to be available only to those with friends or family close by, but thanks to apps and dog-sitting services this practice has become far more mainstream. The main benefit to pet sitting is that it allows your dog to stay in a familiar environment with all the toys, chews and smells they’ve grown to love. While they might not get as much exercise or undivided attention as they would in a boarding facility—especially if your sitter also has a day job—you can rest easy knowing someone is there with them in the evenings and your dog is able to stay on their regular routine.

Many pets will experience symptoms of lethargy and listlessness while their owners away and pet sitting allows them to rest in their favorite spots in peace. Additionally, for people that own a cat or another pet in addition to their pup, pet sitting can make the most sense because this solution provides care for every animal. However, it might not be the ideal solution if your dog has destructive tendencies or health issues that require more hands-on care.

Setting pup up to be comfortable while you’re away can be scary, but knowing they’re in the right place will do wonders to ease your mind as you travel for the holidays. And of course, nothing is as exciting as being reunited with your beest after a long trip away!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.