Wildebeest Guides

We know that a big part of bonding with your pup is taking them out for walks, but when it comes to picking the right equipment, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Between flat collars, Martingale collars, and back- or front-clip harnesses, how do you know what’s best for Beest?

Considering things such as your pup's leash behavior, what training skills you’d like to work on, and any breed considerations that might point you toward certain equipment is a great place to start. From there, learn as much about each product as you can! To help with your research, we’ve put together an overview of the four basic styles, so you can start your next adventure knowing you’re prepared:

Traditional Collar

The traditional collar is what most dog owners choose, and it’s the most convenient of the bunch. They’re comfortable enough for everyday wear and an easy place for Pet ID Tags. However, because many pups quickly find that they have more leash freedom while wearing a collar, for some dogs it’s not the best method for encouraging proper manners. Additionally, if your dog’s breed is predisposed to respiratory issues, the pressure of a collar can lead to coughing fits or health risks as your pup ages.

For most pups that are already established in their leash manners and owners who want a no-fuss solution, the collar is a great mainstay for dog gear. As long as you choose a model with a secure buckle and smooth design so pup stays safe and comfortable, the collar can be a great, convenient option!

Martingale Collar

Originally designed for sighthounds due to the group’s slender head and neck, the Martingale collar has grown in popularity across many breeds both for training and functionality. While the bulk of the collar is the same as a traditional design, the D-Ring attachment is on a second loop to provide tightening action when the leash is taut.

Martingale collars are a great training solution for dogs that can easily back out of collars or who need subtle correction on adventures. They provide the ideal blend between a comfortable, relaxed fit while still being a no-choke training solution to help hone in on getting the right kind of leash behavior on walks.

Back-Clip Harness

Back-clip harnesses have been growing steadily in popularity, both for small and large breeds alike. The back-clip design evenly distributes the leash pressure, so while the design isn’t recommended for strong pullers it can assist in other types of leash manners such as responsiveness.

A back-clip harness also alleviates pressure around the throat, making it a safer solution for dogs with slender necks or breeds prone to respiratory issues. While stiff nylon designs aren’t the most comfortable for all-day wear, the wide selection of supportive + comfortable models on the market are crafted to secure your pup in comfort all day long.

Front-Clip Harness

Front Clip Harnesses go by many names: no-pull harness, chest harness, and training harness are just a few. Due to their unique design, front clip harnesses are typically preferred for training exercises and obedience work. Because the leash attaches at the chest, the front ring reorients the dog when they begin to tug, discouraging them from putting pressure on the leash. For heavy pullers or dogs that tend to greet others with a jump, they’re an extremely helpful tool.

While a front-clip harness isn’t necessary for leash training, they are an effective solution to hone in on manners and obedience in a safe way. This is why they’re popular for a variety of dogs, from puppies just learning leash skills to grown dogs that are advancing their training.  

While there’s no concrete answer to what walking method is best for YOUR Beest, learning about the pros and cons of each will hopefully help you make the decision! As you and your pup’s needs and activities change, being open to different options and trying new things will help you both be comfortable and safe wherever your adventures take you.

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 dog days of summer are no joke. As the thermostat climbs, sometimes a cold treat is exactly what you need to cool off — and the same goes for beest, too!

In addition to taking water wherever you go, making your own frozen treats will ensure you always have something cool on hand for pup. We've selected four recipes that are delicious, dog-approved, and nutritious. Happy warm-weather adventuring!

Strawberry Smoothie Treats

This recipe is so delicious, it could be a smoothie for you or a treat for pup. Blend all of the ingredients together and pop in the freezer for a fruit-filled snack — we won't tell if you lick the bowl.

Watermelon Pup-sicles

Did you know that seedless watermelon is a safe, dog-approved snack? Treat them to a slice next time you cut one open, and if it’s a hit, these pup-sicles are the way to go. By simply mixing watermelon and greek yogurt, you get a bright pink treat perfect for post-dog park relaxing.

Frozen Coconut Blueberry Treats

Coconut oil is all over the place, mainly because it offers so many benefits for your pup. These frozen coconut blueberry dog treats keeps it in a solid state, making it easy to serve up all the benefits it offers.

Puppy Pumpkin + Goat Milk Ice Pops:

Four dog-approved ingredients + your blender = a frozen healthy treat your dog will love. These would work as regular treats, but we love the idea of using small bones as popsicle sticks for an extra touch!

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.

So you’re going to be a dog parent — congratulations! The time between making the decision to get a pup and actually bringing your new beest home might feel like forever, but it will give you plenty of time to get your place prepared.

Introducing a dog of any age to a new environment can be stressful for both of you, but by planning ahead and readying the household in advance you’ll be able to relax to enjoy their company when they arrive. Here are our tips for starting off on the right paw when bringing beest home:

Research Nearby Vets

Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or picking a pup from a breeder, routine shots and checkups are a must to keep ‘em healthy. Finding the perfect vet to answer all your new pawrent questions and make your pup comfortable will make a big difference. Take the time to research out online reviews and ask other animal lovers for recommendations so you know your pup will be getting the best care possible. Once you decide on a vet, ask about their operating hours and emergency line. If they don’t provide a 24-hour service, be sure to find an after-hours pet hospital just in case!

Puppy Proof

Though you and your pup will probably be inseparable for the first few days, for dogs of any age it’s advised to do a thorough puppy proofing to keep them out of trouble! Things like cables, rugs, and curtains may not seem like appealing chew toys, but dogs in new environments tend to have a knack for breaking the rules. Remember to think from their perspective, as things can look different (and much more chewable!) from four legs. Whether your bringing home a young pup or an adult dog, establishing boundaries before introducing temptations will help you keep your beest and belongings safe.

Gather Your Supplies

Don’t bring your pup home empty handed! Get as many supplies as you can in advance to keep them entertained and safe from the moment they come home. A food bowl and a bed are essentials for the home, as well as toys and treats to keep them busy. A collar, leash, and poop bags are the very basics for keeping them secure on the go and let you start house training right away. Purchase these items separately or as part of a dog starter kit so you can be sure you have everything you need!

You may also consider getting a no-pull harness and/or a solid treat pouch to start your leash training together which is one of the best ways for you & your new pup to start building that special bond. :)

Keep in mind, Wildebeest offers a limited lifetime warranty on all products and will offer a 25% discount on replacing your gear that's outgrown, chewed or has general wear & tear.

Start With Small Spaces

Whether your pup is from the shelter or a breeder, they’ve likely never had open access to an entire house before! That’s why it’s recommended to start them off with small spaces before you let them run free. Partitioning off space with baby gates or crates will help cut down on the new space overwhelm, and help prevent accidents in your home. By starting small and gradually adding more square feet, your pup will come to recognize the entire home as their safe haven instead of an open range area to cause mischief.

Being a new pup parent can be stressful, but by preparing beforehand you’ll be able to relax in the company of your new best friend right away. Life is more colorful with your beest, and you’ll be going on all kinds of exciting adventures (hiking, exercising, travels...) in no time. Congratulations on your new pup — we know you’ll have a blast!

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.

Between wagging tails, park distractions, and having to constantly restock on treats, there’s no doubt that dog photography isn’t easy. We’re always amazed at the pups we see on Instagram, and more amazed at the pawrents’ dedication to their craft.

In order to learn more about the dog photography process, we decided to consult with the humans behind our Ambassadog accounts. We asked them about everything from training to equipment to how in the world they get their pups to stay still. Read on to learn their dog photography tricks & treats!

On managing dog personalities & keeping pups patient

“Dog parks are nice because the dogs are off-leash and can act more natural. A squeaky tennis ball almost always works to get the attention of a dog the first time they hear it. For those who do not respond to the squeaker, a quick up and down hand motion or a food incentive is helpful.” — @seattledoggos

“I used to hold one of [Otis’} tennis balls in my free hand that wasn’t holding the camera and keep the ball right next to the lens to get him to focus. Otis, like most dogs, like to work to receive a reward or praise. Another tip is to try using freeze-dried liver treats as motivation during photo shoots. I’ve never, and I truly mean never, met a dog who doesn’t love those!” — @otisbarkington

On maintaining focus & getting the perfect pose

“There are definitely times where our surroundings are a little too distracting so sometimes, I let [Delilah] get some curiosity out and try again in a little bit or sometimes if I get in her face with a treat, she’ll refocus. I’ll be honest, sometimes I can really get a good reaction from her when I say “Do you want to go to the park?” But I swear I’m not lying to her!” — @heytheredelilahthedog

“[Otis] was definitely food motivated in the beginning. A few good beef liver treats and constant encouragement was the key! Otis has always had a great engaging connection with us, so eventually, when I ran out of treats during a photo session, he kept his eyes on me and held his poses with no problem. He’s pretty talented!” — @otisbarkington

On deciding on equipment & editing

“My DSLR is faster than my iPhone, thus more reliable when taking pictures of wild and energetic dogs. I only use my iPhone when I am out and about and happen to run into a cute dog. That being said, recent iPhone models (and the equivalent smartphone) take very high-quality images, so they are good for someone who happens to have one and is experimenting with photography.  Although I am looking to upgrade, I am currently photographing with my dad’s 12-year-old Nikon which can still produce decent images. They lack the impressive specifications, but older DSLRs are also significantly cheaper than recent camera and iPhone models, making them another option for a beginner.” — @seattledoggos

“The aesthetic of Delilah’s Instagram is something that I work really hard to keep consistent. I use primarily gpresets (https://www.gpresets.com) for Lightroom and occasionally will bring a photo into Photoshop if it needs some extra attention. Maintaining the color palette has been very difficult to achieve even when using the same presets. I’ve learned that my photos often have to be taken during similar parts of the day where the light is soft because my editing reacts differently to harsh light versus soft light.” — @heytheredelilahthedog 

On training for prop photography

“Always make sure to keep the priority of making your dog(s) comfortable. Never put them in a situation where they feel stressed or anxious, and always be encouraging and patient with them. Start off small! Otis used to be able to only balance my beanies on his head, then one day he worked up to balancing some of my empty lens glasses. He’ll do anything for treats and some belly rubs.” — @otisbarkington  

On managing a dog’s IG

“Something I was unprepared for was just how much time this account would take to manage...I feel like I’m running a full-time side gig. For those starting out, decide how serious you want to be about this before you get into it. I had no idea what I was doing and what this account would turn in to. If you want to make it a serious account, be prepared for how much time you will need to invest in it. I’ve been very lucky to make some awesome friends through this account, but it comes with a lot of dedication and genuine engagement. Lastly, manage the account and take the photos for you, not for the likes. I see so many people constantly worrying about how one post didn’t get as many likes and comments as another. That shouldn’t be what matters. You’re doing this because you love your pet and you want to share that with anyone who wants to see.“ — @heytheredelilahthedog

A special thanks to @heytheredelilahthedog (pawrent @briannawollard), @otisbarkington, and @seattledoggos for taking the time to talk! Curious about how your own pup could become a Wildebeest Ambassadog? We’ve got a page for that!

The chill of winter is fading away, meaning it will soon be prime hiking season for you and your beest! Whether you have a seasoned adventure pal or a young pup excited for their first spring in the wild, these tips will make sure you and your best friend are prepped and ready to enjoy your wild adventures.

1. Take the Road Less Traveled

Just like breaking in your hiking boots to keep your feet happy, your dog’s endurance level is an important factor in how comfortable you’ll be on the trails. The usual walk around the block is less stimulating to a dog’s senses than exploring the great outdoors, and walking in all-terrain environments will put a different kind of strain on their body. To help prepare your dog’s muscles (and nose!), try walking new routes around town or embarking on a few “urban adventures” before you hit the backcountry. Another great way to build endurance is by teaching your dog how play frisbee. Jumping high in the air to catch the frisbee will help build their reflexes, strength, spatial awareness, and stamina.

2. Refresh Those Manners

Depending on where you’re hiking, hitting the trails on a busy weekend might feel more like a group nature walk than a wilderness adventure—meaning your pup will be exposed to all sorts of new humans and dogs. Even if you’re going to a less populated area, your pup will still experience a plethora of smells and stimuli that might tempt them to ignore even their most familiar commands. Taking some time to refresh your pup’s memory of directives and leash manners will help their good behavior transfer seamlessly to the trail. Whether they're an off-leash pro or you plan to keep them tethered to your side, making sure their basic commands and leash etiquette are top notch will keep you both stress-free in any hectic situation.

3. Update Their ID tags

Dog tags are something all owners hope they’ll never have to rely on, but making sure they’re up to date before a big adventure never hurts. Check not only that the phone number is current and legible, but also be sure the tag is soundly secured. Brush and branches can easily snag dangling hardware as your dog romps through, so securing dangling tags or upgrading to a contoured plate will ensure they’re readily identified no matter what they get in to.

4. Pack Water for Two

It's super important to stay hydrated while you're out & about especially on warmer days. Don't forget to pack enough water for you AND pup according to your activity plans. Having an ultra-compact portable bowl on hand will keep your load light while offering peace of mind that pup won't go thirsty on the trek.

5. Keep The Right Supplies

You probably already keep a first aid kit with your hiking supplies, but adding a few tools to make it equipped for dogs and humans will keep you both safe and comfortable should an accident occur. Most of what a dog might need in the wild overlaps with a human’s first aid needs, but there are a few canine-specific supplies to bring. From itchy bites to splintered paws, knowing you’re prepared for anything is the best way to have fun without worry. If you want to put together your own hiking first aid kit for your pup, ASPCA Pro has a downloadable list to ensure your ready for hiking season.

6. Be Ready for Any Weather 

Unfortunately, even the most pleasant days can give way to showers, chill, or sweltering heat in an instant. Make sure that you and your adventure pal are prepared for any weather so you both stay comfortable and content! The proper outerwear for your pup will provide protection against damp chills, while booties provide traction in the event of slick mud. Additionally, overheating is a concern for some breeds regardless of where the thermometer lies. If this applies to your pal, pack enough water to wet down fur should they start to get too warm. For more sever situations, you can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on their paw pads, and other vet approved methods to keep your dog from overheating. When planning for your adventures, simply equipping the right gear will allow you and your Beest to tackle any weather with ease!

7. Camp much?

Are you the type of pack that's into adventures beyond day hikes? Spending the night outdoors with your pup is a whole different experience and can be so special and magical. Pitching the tent, preparing the meals, enjoying a campfire and stargazing... give you & Beest a chance to slow down, unwind and reconnect with nature together. We highly recommend a camping adventure for any Beest, but keep in mind that it does take a more in-depth preparation and packing prior to your adventure. Check out these handy tips from campingcooks.com. 

Happy Hiking & Beyond!

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!