What I Use on My Own Dogs: Bridie, Kiko, and the Real Woopf Gear They Wear
In this article
<h1>What I Use on My Own Dogs: Bridie, Kiko, and the Real Woopf Gear They Wear</h1>
<p>I’m Dr. Duncan Houston—vet, founder of <a href="https://woopf.com" target="_blank">Woopf</a>, and the guy who lives with two very different Golden Retrievers: Bridie and Kiko.</p>
<p>Bridie is calm, loyal, and composed. Kiko is… not. She’s wild, sweet, energetic, and occasionally unhinged. Together, they’re the reason Woopf exists—and the ultimate testers of every product we’ve created.</p>
<p>In this article, I’ll walk you through what I actually use on my own dogs. No sponsorships. No fluff. Just the gear I trust daily as both a dog dad and a veterinarian.</p>
<h2>🐶 Meet the Test Dogs</h2>
<h3>Bridie – The Golden Matriarch</h3>
<ul>
<li>Age: 4 years</li>
<li>Temperament: Gentle, obedient, confident</li>
<li>Gear Needs: Comfort, control during vet visits, low-profile for all-day wear</li>
</ul>
<h3>Kiko – The Chaos Puppy</h3>
<ul>
<li>Age: 1.5 years</li>
<li>Temperament: Playful, reactive, pulls when excited</li>
<li>Gear Needs: Secure fit, escape resistance, shock absorption, training tools</li>
</ul>
<h2>🎽 Harness: <a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-harness" target="_blank">Woopf Explorer Harness</a></h2>
<p>This is the only harness I use on both dogs, every day. Here’s why:</p>
<ul>
<li>✅ Y-front design doesn’t restrict shoulders or rub underarms</li>
<li>✅ Soft padding for comfort, even on long walks or hikes</li>
<li>✅ Four points of adjustment = no sliding or shifting (even when Kiko launches herself sideways)</li>
<li>✅ Front + back clips: I use front clip for Kiko, back clip for Bridie</li>
<li>✅ Handle: great for vet visits or guiding past distractions</li>
</ul>
<h2>🔗 Leash: <a href="https://woopf.com/products/bungee-lead" target="_blank">Bungee Lead</a></h2>
<p>Kiko pulls hard. Or, she used to. Now we walk with less tension thanks to this:</p>
<ul>
<li>✔️ Built-in bungee softens sudden lunges and protects joints</li>
<li>✔️ Prevents leash burn or jarring stops</li>
<li>✔️ Close-grip control handle is a lifesaver when we pass other dogs or traffic</li>
</ul>
<p>Bridie doesn’t need it as much—but I use it anyway because it’s simply more comfortable on my wrist and shoulder.</p>
<h2>💼 Walking Essential: <a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-dual-pocket-dispenser" target="_blank">Dual Pocket Dispenser</a></h2>
<p>Every pocket walk, every training session, every time I step outside with a dog—I use this pouch.</p>
<ul>
<li>🎁 Front pocket for high-reward treats (Bridie loves boiled chicken, Kiko will eat rocks)</li>
<li>💩 Back pocket for poop bags, easily dispensed with one hand</li>
<li>🔒 Clips securely to my lead or belt loop</li>
</ul>
<p>It’s compact, washable, and helps me train without juggling everything in my hands.</p>
<h2>🌊 Everyday Collar: <a href="https://woopf.com/products/sealskin-collar" target="_blank">Sealskin Waterproof Collar</a></h2>
<p>Both dogs wear Sealskin collars daily, especially for beach walks or muddy adventures:</p>
<ul>
<li>✔️ Waterproof and odor-proof (doesn’t absorb stink from the sea or creek)</li>
<li>✔️ Dries quickly after rain or swimming</li>
<li>✔️ Doesn’t chafe when worn 24/7</li>
</ul>
<p>Collars are for ID tags only—we never walk using collars. But they still need to be safe, lightweight, and skin-friendly. These are.</p>
<h2>🧼 Poop Bags: <a href="https://woopf.com/products/compostable-poop-bags" target="_blank">Compostable</a> + <a href="https://woopf.com/products/50-percent-recycled-poop-bags" target="_blank">50% Recycled</a></h2>
<p>I use the compostable ones for clean city walks and the recycled ones for rougher hikes or longer outdoor adventures. Both are strong, reliable, and eco-conscious.</p>
<h2>🩺 The Real Reason I Use This Gear</h2>
<p>I built Woopf to solve the exact problems I saw in vet clinics every day:</p>
<ul>
<li>⚠️ Escaped dogs after a flimsy harness failed</li>
<li>⚠️ Rashes from tight straps and poor ventilation</li>
<li>⚠️ Tracheal injuries from leash jerks on collars</li>
<li>⚠️ Dogs terrified of walks because of uncomfortable gear</li>
</ul>
<p>Everything we sell has been tested on my own dogs, over months—not minutes. And if it doesn’t work for Bridie or Kiko, we don’t release it.</p>
<h2>💬 What Other Owners Say</h2>
<blockquote>“I bought it because a vet made it. I kept using it because my dog finally walks without stress.” – Sean L.</blockquote>
<blockquote>“We trust it because he trusts it enough for his own dogs. That means everything.” – Alicia R.</blockquote>
<h2>🎁 Want the Same Setup I Use?</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-harness" target="_blank">Explorer Harness</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/bungee-lead" target="_blank">Bungee Lead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/sealskin-collar" target="_blank">Sealskin Waterproof Collar</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-dual-pocket-dispenser" target="_blank">Dual Pocket Dispenser</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/compostable-poop-bags" target="_blank">Compostable or Recycled Poop Bags</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>👩⚕️ Want Help Choosing the Right Setup?</h2>
<p>Upload a photo or describe your dog’s behavior to <a href="https://askavet.com" target="_blank">Ask A Vet</a>. We’ll recommend gear based on breed, needs, walking style, and body type—just like we would in clinic.</p>
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
<p>If it’s good enough for my own dogs—it’s good enough for yours. Every product I use on Bridie and Kiko is designed, tested, and trusted by a veterinarian who’s been in the trenches of dog care.</p>
<p><a href="https://woopf.com" target="_blank">Explore Vet-Designed Dog Gear Now →</a></p>
