Wildebeest Guides

1. Cleaning & Organizing

With more free time on our hands now than ever, we’re often finding ourselves feeling bored or just plain lost. Here’s a few simple cleaning routines to keep us busy and our live/work/play spaces tidy and sanitary while we practice Stay-At-Home with our beests.

• Wash out pup’s food bowls and wipe down any mess around their feeding area (daily)
  
  
• Sweep / vacuum around the kitchen floor to keep any food scraps away from pup (daily)
  
  
• Vacuum / mop the floors & rugs for fur & dust (daily or weekly)
  
  
• Tidy up pup’s lounge area, keep their nest fresh and comfy (daily or weekly)
  
  
• Organize pup’s pantry - make sure all foods & treats are sealed for freshness, labeled clearly and out of nose’s reach (weekly)
  
  
• Reorganize pup’s belongings - hang up their walking gear, tidy their bandanas and outfits(!), go through old toys and reintroduce or purge (monthly)
  
  
• Wash / wipe down / shake put pup’s gear - leash, collar, harness, treat pouch, blankets and bed / duvet, etc. (monthly or bi-monthly?)
  
  
• Provide safe & sanitary access to other spaces of your abode for beest - keep clean the porch, stoop, back yard (lucky you!), garage, car, etc. (monthly)
  

2. Beauty + Grooming

Anyone else noticing your Beests looking a little extra FLOOFY lately…. Shelter in Place has been tough especially when it comes to grooming the pups. Sharing a couple simple DO’s and DON’TS if you plan on giving Beest their at home self care day.

• Hair / fur - DO have patience and take your time. Trim with a dry and clean pup. Make sure to have proper grooming shear / clippers (No. 10 clipping blade is recommended).
  
  
• Nail - DO choose a place that is well lit to see properly. If your pup has white nails clip until you see pink (quick) if your pup has black nails, clip a little at a time until you see a solid black dot on the tip.

• Tooth brushing - DON’T use human toothpaste. Use pet-safe tooth paste and a soft bristle brush or a child’s toothbrush. Give your pup small samples of toothpaste to introduce the taste. Don’t forget to reward them with positive behavior with treats, play time, or petting.
  
  
• Paws - DO use moist wipes that are pet safe after each walk. Gently wipe in between toes and pads. If paws are too messy consider washing pups paws with a soapy washcloth and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

3. Exercising & Activity

Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean we have to give up our activities. For us dog people, our beests are a good reason to stay active outdoors as well as indoors. Here are some easy exercise & activity ideas to keep us healthy in the body and mind.

• Walking / jogging around the neighborhood together. Go a different way to keep it fresh & stimulating. Don’t forget to bring your mask!
  
  
• Stairs - find some flights of stairs around your house, building, neighborhood and walk or jog ‘em up & down... get some cardio in (& butt lift yeah!) with pup in tow.
  
  
• Squats & Lunges - cradle that beest in your arms like a baby and go about your squat and lunge reps. 3 or 4 sets of 10? Use your discretion for larger/heavier dogs!
  
  
• Tug & Fetch (AKA good ol’ endless fun for beest!) - you all know this one and it’s still a good indoor activity for engaging and bonding with your pup.
  
  
• Nosework - hide pup’s favorite treat or toy in a box and have them “find it”. Praise them! Make it more challenging by hiding one or more treats in multiple boxes. A fun way to repurpose all those cardboard boxes or paper bags you’ve accumulated this month!
  
  
• Hide and seek - dare you to get this silly! Literally go hide when pup’s not looking and call them or give that squeaky toy a good squeeze. Give treats and praises when they find you.
  
  
• New tricks - why not use this time to teach pup that trick you always wanted to. Don't forget to bring your Alamo Treat Pouch to your training session! :)

4. Meditations

Shelter in place has got us going a little stir-crazy, so we can only imagine how your pup is doing with all this indoor time. Meditation is a great way for not only you but also for Beestie to relax and spend some quality time together. A few tips on how you can incorporate a simple 10 minute meditation to your daily routine:

• Find a cozy calming spot in the house and sit down with Beest. You can even lay out a yoga mat for you and Beest to share.
  
  
• Focus on your Breath, this is the key to meditation. Try to align your breath with your pup’s. Focusing on their inhale and exhale and do your best to sync them together.
  
  
• Put on some dog meditation music to help set the mood. Remember the most important step is making your pup feel comfortable and relaxed.
  
  
• Know that there will be times where you pup won’t want to meditate, that's okay you can do other forms of meditation together like on your morning walk
  
  
• Stay patient, this will take some time for you and pup to learn. Know your pup’s body language to know when is a good time to do a meditation moment
  
  
• Practice Practice Practice. Start with meditating for a couple minutes then slowly progress the time once your pup starts to get the hang of things.

5. Homemade Treats

We’ve been seeing a lot of home cooking and baking going on these days which we think is PAWSOME and encourage you to carry on FUREVER! When it comes to dog treats, home cooking is THE way to ensure the ingredients are healthy and catered to any dietary restrictions, and of course budget-friendly. Ok, here are some EASY delicious treat ideas to keep beest happy & healthy.

6. Homemade Toys

For those of you feeling up for some no-frills crafting, here’s a couple of homemade toy ideas to make out of scrap materials that'll keep pup entertained while social distancing! 

• Braided tug toy: cut three 3” wide by 12” long strips from an old T-shirt. Make a knot with the strips on one end, braid them and make another knot to finish. Add your own touch by using different colors or braiding techniques, letting the loose strips of fabric hang long on one side or attaching a tennis ball.
  
  
• Tennis ball treat dispenser: cut a slit in a tennis ball that will fit your pup's favorite treat. Make it challenging enough for pup to figure out how to get their favorite treats out!

• Crackly sock toy: only god knows where those socks disappear to from the laundry, but at least we can make a dog toy with what’s left. Put an extra crackly water bottle in an old sock and tie a knot at the opening. Crunchy crackly fun for hours!

7. Movies for Dog lovers

Let’s be honest here… a lot of us are spending more time on Netflix and Hulu than anything else these days (totally acceptable in times like this), so we wanted to share some all time favorite dog movies to watch for any dog lover / those who want to have a movie night with Beest.

• “Lady and The Tramp” - a Disney classic filled with romance and spaghetti.

• “Best In Show” - get ready for the obsession. This is US!

• “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” - trust us and bring a box of tissues.
  
  
• “Marley & Me” - perfect for the whole fam, filled with lots of laughs and relatable “getting your first dog” moments.

• “101 Dalmations” - Mom & Dad to the rescue from the infamous Cruella De Vil.
  
  
• “Beethoven” - a rambunctious St. Bernard wins the heart of his new family, slobbers and all.
  
  
• “Frankenweenie” - a Tim Burton stop motion animation brings a quirky fantastical story of a boy and his dog.
  
  
• “Turner & Hooch” - young Tom Hanks & slobbery Hooch the dogue on a quest for love.
  
  
• “A Dog’s Purpose” followed with the sequel “A Dog’s Journey” - if you need a good cry, these won't let you down. :)

• “Isle of Dogs” - stop-motion animation of Japanese dogs on a trash island, with a touch of Wes Anderson quirk and humor.

Stay home and stay healthy everyone!

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!

Do you worry that your pup isn’t getting enough exercise? Because a dog’s energy threshold is determined by many things such as breed, age, and overall demeanor, it can be hard to know for sure whether or not they’re getting the physical exertion that’s optimal for their lifestyle.

While every dog is unique, there are some general guidelines for life stages to keep in mind. Small indicators such as behavioral problems or excessive destruction are a good sign that the pup might need some more activity — conversely, if they’re sleeping as much as your housecat, you’re probably doing something right!

If you’re unsure about how much energy your dog needs to burn off each day, check out these life-stage guidelines so you can ensure you’re doing enough of (and the right kind of!) exercising with your pup:

Puppies

Puppies are undoubtedly adorable, but they’re also full of playful energy they need to use up. Giving them plenty of opportunity for exercise will keep them well-behaved, help with potty training, and ensure they’re staying at an optimum weight as they grow into adulthood. A good rule of thumb is to do 5 minutes of exercise per month of age twice per day until the puppy is fully grown.

Since puppies’ joints are still developing, it’s important to choose exercises that won’t cause undue strain or set them up for future issues. In the beginning, avoid activities that involve lengthy runs, stairs, or steep inclines. Instead, use this time to teach pup to use puzzle toys, schedule puppy playdates, or begin working on fetch basics. Puppyhood is the perfect time to experiment with a lot of different activities to find out what your dog enjoys — just be sure to pick things that can be done in short bursts with lots of time to rest in between.

Young Adults

Larger than puppies with about the same threshold for activity, almost-grown dogs will certainly keep you on your toes. In the “teen years” of dog ownership, young dogs are still not fully matured but can do much more than they could as a puppy. Their joints are still at risk for straining but much less so, and they’ll be better at taking a break on their own when they get tired.

This is a great time to let them start exploring the world around them in more depth. If you’re near a safe body of water, swimming is a great, no-impact activity to try (and it will wear. them. out.)! This is also a great time to take field trips to a dog park, so you can start building socialization manners and give them time to explore off-leash in a controlled environment. Make sure to provide plenty of water and let their curiosity be your guide.

Adults

Fully grown pups will start to mellow out eventually, but they still need regular exercise to keep them happy, healthy, and out of trouble! Experts recommend a guideline of about 60 minutes per day, but that number should be customized based on any health restrictions (such as Brachycephalic breeds) and each individual pup’s needs.

To get the energy out of adult dogs, you can do whatever your pup prefers! Walks, jogs, and hikes will get their nose and legs working, and honing in on their fetch skills is a low-effort activity for you. Additionally, adulthood is the perfect time to try out an organized activity if you think your pup might be interested — dogs of all breeds can thrive in sports such as barn hunts, sporting agility, or flyball.

Senior Dogs

You can definitely teach an old dog new tricks! While senior pups shouldn’t be subjected to high-impact exercises, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep them active. Take things at their pace, but short, frequent walks and play sessions are great for maintaining their health.

Additionally, there are activities you can do with your senior dog that aren’t cardiovascularly straining at all. Teaching them new tricks, playing “find the treat”, and setting them up with puzzles or snuffle mats will keep their minds and bodies engaged for a long and happy life!

Wildebeest creates adventure-ready dog gear for the modern family. All products carry a Wild4Life guarantee, so you can exercise without worry! Show us how you get your beest’s activity in — tag us on Instagram 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 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:

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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. Don't forget to bring your Beestie's favorite treats and your choice of Treat Pouch to maximize your training!

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 on-the-go!

Hit The Water -- Bear, 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.

 

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!

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.

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.

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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 these high-value treats up with a variety of other healthy treats from home or the pet store, along their regular kibble will keep them interested and excited for what they’ll get to snack on next.

Reward Often And Quickly

When it comes to training, positive reinforcement keeps your pup motivated and excited to learn, and 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. And our Alamo Treat Pouch is perfect for this!

Consider A Clicker

While your pup will be over-the-moon to get a “good dog” out of you, clicker training can provide 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.

Use A Lure

When trying to communicate what you want from beest, intruducing 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 puppy 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! 

 

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.