Wildebeest Guides

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!

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 The Food

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. Use a kibble storage bag and a travel bowl to easily keep and dispense food and water on-the-go.

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 season of summer is rife with high expectations. Between school break, big vacations, and songs and movies memorializing this time of year, the pressure to have an action-packed summer can feel intense.

Luckily, with beest by your side, it’s easy to find an activity you’ll both love! Celebrate summer with some of our favorite warm-weather activities:

Sign Up For a Class

With the sun setting later, there’s more time to take advantage of the day! Utilize the extra daylight by signing up for a class with your pup—local shelters and training groups offer everything from basic obedience to agility, so grab some treats

Plan a Camping Trip

Taking your pup camping is a fantastic way to bond with them and appreciate the great outdoors. A site like BringFido is a great resource to discover dog-friendly sites for backpacking, car camping, and more in your area. A marshmallow roast for the humans and a squirrel-sniffing session for the pups will remind your entire group what you love about nature.

Make Homemade Treats

The best way to beat the heat is with some extra tasty frozen snacks. These homemade frozen dog treats are sure to be a pup pleaser, and they’re good for them, too! Whip ‘em up and get those tails wagging.

Take a Hike

Your dog loves daily dog walks, but mixing it up with a hiking trip will get them even more excited. Prepare your pup for hiking and use a site like AllTrails to find a dog-friendly route in your area to make some memories in the wilderness. Just be sure to keep an eye on the heat index and pack the gear to keep them hydrated!

Hit the Beach (or Lake, or Kiddie Pool)

While those of us in San Francisco are lucky to have the beach in our backyard, being landlocked need not put a damper on summer fun! Pack a waterproof leash and find a lake or creek near you, or even repurpose a kiddie pool to be a pup play area when the sun is scorching.

With your pup in tow, any summer adventure can be a blast! We hope this inspires you to get out there and soak up the sun, teach ‘em a new skill, and explore while the days are longer.

If you’re used to having your pockets filled with the scent of hot dogs and kibble, it doesn’t have to be that way! Whether you’re casually working on your pup’s manners or doing serious training sessions, sticky pockets shouldn’t be a way of life. That’s why we’re here to tell you all about treat pouches, what their benefits are, and how you can find one that’s right for you!

Why use a treat pouch?

Treat pouches are helpful for many situations, whether you’re training, competing, or just working on your pup’s manners out in the world. When using positive reinforcement training, it’s all about rewarding beest for the behaviors you’d like to see. Having their reward in an easy-to-access treat pouch ensures you’re rewarding ‘em at the right time, every time.

Some of the most common use-cases for treat pouches are dogs in obedience or agility training, puppies who are potty training, or dogs who need a little extra attention for loose-leash walks. Treat pouches are also useful to help train off-leash hiking or practice recall in a variety of situations.

What makes a good treat pouch?

“Good” can be subjective, but in our opinion, there are a few must-haves to keep an eye out for. Most importantly, it should hold treats well and they should be easy to access. It should also be designed without bulk so it’s not getting in the way, and be a breeze to clean, too.

What’s special about the Alamo Treat Pouch?

Our Alamo Treat Pouch is designed with all the must-have features in mind, plus some nice-to-haves, too.

• Easy-open, magnetic compartment: makes reaching for beest’s treats quick and simple and keeps curious noses out
• Smaller secondary compartment: keep keys, poopbags, or secondary treats on hand (our favorite review calls it the perfect dog mom purse, and we have to agree!)
• Heavy-duty clip and included waist strap: your training shouldn’t be dependent on your outfit!
• Food-safe and machine washable: treat grease no more

All of those features, plus it's backed by our Wild4life Warranty. There might not ever be a perfect treat pouch, but we think this one is pretty darn close.

In honor of Earth Day, we’ve been giving a lot of consideration about what we can do as pet owners to make more eco-friendly choices. Beests add a lot of good to the world, but between waste and food and pet gear, the greenhouse gases emitted just by providing for our furry friends can be significant.

The good news is, we’ve been digging into the research and we’ve found lots of ways we can lessen the environmental strain of having pets. By making small choices every day, we can make a big impact on the world we live in. Here are the most useful tips we’ve found for being an eco-friendly pet parent:

Scoop That Poop

It’s about more than just being considerate of your neighbors! Dog poop can be toxic to other animals, water supplies, and even humans. Because of the legions of bacteria it contains, the EPA actually classifies dog poop in the same pollutant category as oil spills. And if it’s left outside during a rain shower, it can infect the water supply with diseases icky for humans and dogs; E. Coli, Roundworms, and Salmonella, just to name a few. Because of its hefty environmental impact, keeping outdoor spaces poop-free is one of the best ways to be an eco-friendly pet parent. Don’t forget your poopbag dispenser next time you head out for a walk!

DIY Doggie Treats

The environmental impact of producing, packing, and shipping storebought treats can add up — a great way to cut down on this is by making your own dog treats out of tasty ingredients you already have around the house. This cuts down on packaging waste and ensures your beest is only eating healthy, natural treats, too.

Consider Their Chow

While some dogs have dietary restrictions that prevent them from eating certain proteins, if your dog doesn’t have protein allergies, swapping their beef consumption for chicken or pork can have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Beef production emits almost five times’ the greenhouse gases of chicken or pork, so that’s a simple switch that adds up fast!

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to buying gear for beest, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. However, making a choice with longevity in mind can have a big impact on the environment. Textile manufacturing is one of the world’s biggest sources of pollution, so fast fashion — for humans and dogs — has a big impact. When deciding what to buy, consider brands that will last a lifetime instead of a season, and inquire about their repair and warranty policies to know you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Go Green With Grooming

When deciding what cleaning products to use on your beest, consider using shampoos, conditioners, and sprays that are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals. Not only will this help keep your beest’s skin and coat healthier, but it will also keep our waterways clean and clear.

These choices may seem small, but if every pet owner keeps them in mind as they go about their routine, they can add up to a large positive change! As a company, we do what we’re able to decrease our environmental impact, such as choosing local manufacturing, repairing in lieu of replacing, and donating used-but-usable gear so it can be enjoyed ‘til the end of its life cycle. Learn more about our Wild4Life Guarantee here, and let us know your favorite earth-friendly tip! Happy Earth Day!

Riddle: What has two loops, three D-Rings, and no a buckle in sight?

Answer: A martingale collar, of course! While martingales have been around for a while, their newfound popularity in the dog community has some folks confused about what they’re for and how to use them (we were too, until we did a ton of research to make our own!). Whether you know nothing about them or are deciding if one is right for your beest, you’re in the right place to get the low down on the newest training craze. Plus, there’s a video down below if you’d like to see it in action!

What is a martingale collar?

Originally designed for sighthounds due to the group’s slender head and neck, the martingale’s two loops allow for a collar that’s both relaxed in fit but firm in securing your pooch. The main loop of a martingale collar is similar to a standard collar, but the D-Ring leash attachment is on a second loop that moves dynamically with your dog. This allows the gentle cinch that martingale collars are known for. While sighthounds could practically slip out of a standard collar sitting still, this gentle correction opens up a new world of functionality for training that has taken the martingale mainstream!

Why use a martingale collar?

The unique design of the martingale collar might seem odd, but that’s exactly what makes it so functional for training. The collar’s double-loop system means that resistance put on the leash signals your dog that they’re straying too far ahead or behind. This correction is more gentle than a slip or prong collar, as the materials are more comfortable and the tightening range is limited by the double-loop design. And because of the tightening action, there’s the added security of knowing your dog won’t be able to wiggle themselves away even when they really want to sniff that tree a little longer.

How do you size a martingale collar?

Glad you asked, because that can be one of the trickiest parts! Sizing a martingale collar is similar to sizing a regular collar, with a few extra things to keep in mind. Because of the buckle-free design, the collar should be able to slip comfortably over your dog’s ears and lie loosely on their neck. From there, cinch the D-Ring loop and adjust the collar using the two-finger rule as you go. As long as you’re able to 1) easily slip it on and off your dog, and 2) get two fingers under the collar when it’s cinched, you’re all clear. Boom, perfect fit!

Whether you call it a hands-free leash, euro lead, or multi-purpose leash, this extra-long, multi-ended tool might be one of the most versatile and confusing products that pet parents can buy. But don’t fret, because once you learn about all the possibilities with a hands-free leash, you’ll be walkin’ the dog like a pro in no time.

What is a hands-free leash?

It goes by many names, but at its core, a hands-free leash is one you can wear instead of hold. You can use it as a normal lead too (we’ll get to that in a sec!), but the primary draw is that it can be worn cross-body or around the waist. Hands-free leashes are typically 7-10 feet in length, with at least two clips and sometimes a slider, too. Because they present so many options overwhelm is common, but that’s what we’re here for!

How many ways can I use a hands-free leash?

It’s cliche to say the possibilities are endless, but we will say there are a lot of ways to use this leash. Because it has a lobster clasp on each end and a sliding ring in the middle, it’s quite customizable to whatever you need. Some of our customer favorite uses are below:

• Hands-free, of course! Loop the nylon portion around your body and clip the lobster claw to the adjustable ring (sort of how you’d wear a cross-body bag). Attach the other end to beest and you’re ready for hands-free adventures.
• Around the waist. Popular for runners and hikers, around the waist is similar to the above method, just with a smaller loop on the human end.
• An extra-long lead. If you want beest to have extra room to explore, just fashion the nylon loop to traditional leash size. This gives your dog ~6 feet to roam.
• A quick tie system. If you’re on a restaurant patio or want to keep beest by your side at the park, the handle can turn into a quick tie-out system to keep ‘em secure while you chow down.
• A short lead. Either clip both ends to beest’s collar or harness (~3.5 feet) or clip the human end of the leash where the webbing meets the biothane (~5 feet) for closer control.

Why the mixed materials?

Most hands-free leashes on the market are either fully biothane or fully nylon, but we decided to bring them together for the best of both worlds. The nylon upper makes it seriously lightweight while the bottom biothane portion is perfect for dragging, dirtying, or whatever else pup gets into. And the whole thing is machine washable so you can clean up after your day of play!

Whether you’re bringing a new puppy home soon or are ready to brush up on your older dog’s skills, training can feel like a big undertaking. Implementing a training regimen is a great way to bond with your beest and promote good behaviors for the rest of their lives, but it’s hard to get going if you don’t know where to start! With a little bit of patience, some quick tips, and a lot of treats, you’ll have beest behaving in no time.

Start with small steps

You can’t run before you can walk, and you definitely can’t teach roll over before you teach down! Instead of jumping into a new trick all at once, break it up into increments to guide your pup to the behavior you’re looking for. By doing this, you’re breaking complex tricks into bite-sized pieces that pup can more easily understand — and you’ll be able to hone in on the behavior you’re looking for without accidentally reinforcing something you’re not!

Work at your dog’s pace

Every doggo is different — some prefer doing longer training sessions while others will work better with frequent, quick bursts. Do a few sessions of varying length and frequency to determine what works best for your unique beest, so you can get in a routine that works for you both.

Try a variety of treats

While most pups are grateful for anything that they can get their noses on, treats that they consider more enticing can help motivate them in the right direction. Mixing it up with a variety of treats from the pet store, dog-safe human food, and their regular kibble will keep them extra excited for what they’ll get to snack on next.

Consider a clicker

While your pup will be over-the-moon to get a “good dog” out of you, clicker training provides an even more targeted approach. When you first start out, your dog learns to associate the clicker with a reward — eventually making the clicker a reward on its own! This provides a sound that’s distinct to doing the right thing, allowing them to know exactly why they’re receiving reinforcement.

Begin with a lure

When trying to communicate what you want from beest, starting with a lure is a great way to point them in the right direction — especially for tricks that require a lot of movement! This is how the pawrents behind the IG-famous @kiba.aussie taught Kiba to weave through their legs:

“First, start with a lure and use your clicker every time they do what you ask (in the case of ‘weave’, moving through the legs). Then, we move to using our fingers as the lure so Kiba will touch our hand. From there we get in position and maybe start with one finger lure so he can put it all together! Over time and with lots of practice, it will click.”

Stay consistent

When it comes to helping your pup learn, consistency and repetition will strengthen the behaviors you’re asking for. Whether you make it a routine to have a quick training session first thing in the morning, before meals, or both, keeping a consistent schedule will get pup in the working mindset and help reinforce their fun new tricks! 

Reward often and quickly

When it comes to training, positive reinforcement keeps your pup motivated and excited to learn, but it’s important to reward them for the right actions at the right times. Using a clicker or verbal reward paired with keeping treats close by will help you catch and reward those perfect moments right when they happen (our Alamo Treat Pouch is perfect for this!).

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 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 dog eyes, 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 by all the rambunctious wrestling. 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.

The holidays are approaching fast, meaning festive dishes will be in abundance before we know it! Though you probably know the common household foods that aren’t safe for dogs, many holiday meals make use of ingredients that aren’t typically used year-round. While beest’s nose will be going crazy for all the new smells, these obscure dishes can lead to confusion on what scraps are okay to share with your furry family.

To keep beest safe this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of foods that are and aren’t okay for beest (and instructions on how to safely make them their own dog-friendly holiday plate!). We’ve also got a handy printable that’s sized perfectly for the side of your fridge so you can have a quick reference whenever you need it. Just right click the image above to save & print!

Unsafe Holiday Foods

Alcohol & caffeine: Caffeine and alcohol both affect dogs in the same manner as they do humans, but because dogs are more sensitive to their effects ingestion can quickly turn fatal. Excessive hyperactivity from caffeine can damage the nervous system while alcohol poisoning can affect animals after even a minuscule dose.

Chocolate & nuts: Most of us know that chocolate is unhealthy for dogs, but it’s important to remember that nuts are, too! Different nuts contain various toxins that can cause symptoms from an upset stomach to neurological problems, so don’t sneak your leftover fruitcake into the dog bowl!

Cinnamon, nutmeg, & sage: The trifecta of holiday seasonings is also the trifecta of doggie danger! While both cinnamon and nutmeg aren’t fatal in small doses, cinnamon can lead to liver failure and nutmeg is known to cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, and seizures. Fresh sage is often used safely as a supplement for dogs, but dishes cooked with dried sage can lead to too much being ingested.

Cooked bones: While research shows that some raw bones are okay for dogs to consume, cooked bones should never be used as a chew toy. Because bones weaken as the meat around them is roasted, they can easily splinter and cause internal injuries and blockage.

Cranberry sauce, grapes & raisins: Grapes in both fresh and dried forms contain a toxin that is highly dangerous for dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure. While fresh or dried cranberries are okay in moderation, cranberry sauce typically contains sugars and additives that aren’t healthy for pup.

Dairy: As they grow out of puppyhood, many dogs become lactose intolerant and will have a hard time digesting dairy goodies such as butter, sour cream, and milk. They may not experience discomfort from a cheese treat, but when it comes to creamy mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese, their upset stomach may become more pronounced.

Garlic & onions: Both garlic and onions can cause anemia for dogs and can be toxic depending on their sensitivity levels. These effects can even occur following small doses, so dishes such as Thanksgiving stuffing and gravy should be avoided.

High fat, sodium-rich foods: Foods such as ham, fried turkey and green bean casserole are all laden with fat and sodium which can lead to pancreatitis and fatal bloat for animals. A good rule of thumb is to avoid giving beest anything that would lead to high cholesterol in a human.

Poinsettias: They aren’t a food, but your dog or cat might treat them as such. The white sap poinsettias produce can cause stomach upset and sometimes vomiting if ingested by dogs, cats, and even humans.

Uncooked dough: Did you know that a dog’s stomach is the perfect environment for activating yeast? As the dough rises, it releases ethanol that is quickly absorbed into their bloodstream from the stomach lining, making uncooked loaves an extremely dangerous snack.

A Dog-Friendly Holiday Plate

While the list of things beest can’t have is quite exhaustive, the list of things they can have make up a tasty, well-balanced holiday dinner they’re sure to love.

Carrots: Raw carrots are a great substitute for a chew toy to keep beest busy while you’re working in the kitchen, and cooked carrots without sugars or seasonings are a delicious way to up their vitamin intake.

Cooked Turkey (No Skin): While the skin is often laden with sodium and spices, plain turkey meat is perfectly okay for pups to have a small amount of.

Green Beans: Raw or cooked, green beans provide a delicious crunch and are a great way to get your dog more veggies.

Plain Mashed Potatoes: Make ‘em a special serving with no salt or cream!

Pumpkin: Don’t forget dessert! While they can’t join you in enjoying a heaping slice of pumpkin pie, they can lap up some unsweetened, cooked pumpkin either fresh or from the can.

Tip: Stuff unsweetened canned pumpkin in a durable rubber chew (such as a Kong) and pop it in the freezer! It will freeze up just like peanut butter and provide a festive way to keep ‘em entertained.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes show up in dog treats often due to all the nutrients they provide. As long as they’re served without butter or sugar, they’re perfectly okay for pup.

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.