One Week With a Pug (and What It Reminded Us About Dog Gear)

One Week With a Pug (and What It Reminded Us About Dog Gear)

We recently had a dog visitor stay with us for a week.
A pug.

Funny little guy. Super well behaved. Easygoing. Low drama.
Honestly? A great houseguest.

He was very different from our own dog, Ted, our mini goldendoodle, and while Ted was not thrilled about the situation, he tolerated it like a gentleman. (Barely. But still.)

Watching the two of them coexist under one roof was a great reminder of something we already know… but don’t always see so clearly:

Dogs are wildly different.
And because of that, their gear needs are different too.


Same House. Very Different Dogs.

Our pug guest was content to nap, wander, and quietly supervise the household.

Ted?
Ted is… Ted.

More movement. More enthusiasm. More opinions about personal space.

Neither dog is “better”, they’re just built differently. Different sizes. Different energy levels. Different personalities. Different walking styles.

Heck, probably different types of owners many times as well. 

And these differences shows up immediately when you clip on a collar or leash.


That’s Exactly Why We Offer Different Types of Collars

At Evergreen Dog Co, we don’t believe in “one collar fits all.” Because it doesn’t.

Here’s how we think about collar choice, based on real dogs we live with (and host):

Classic Collar

This is your everyday, dependable option.

Great for dogs who:

  • walk politely

  • don’t pull excessively

  • wear a collar full-time

  • just need something comfortable, durable, and good-looking

This would’ve worked just fine for our pug visitor... easy, simple, no fuss.

 

A Glacier Blue classic collar with black hardware is sitting on a rock on a sunny day.


Quick-Release Collar

Designed for convenience and safety.

Perfect for dogs who:
  • are frequently clipped and unclipped throughout the day

  • need a collar that’s easy to remove for downtime

  • benefit from a fast on/off option
  • want to step up their style a notch (two colors vs. one, extra buckle, etc.)

This is often a go-to for multi-dog households or active homes where flexibility matters.

Ted?

Let’s just say… this one sees some regular use.


An Evergreen Dog Co Quick-Release dog collar in Hot Pink and Sunshine yellow with gold hardware sitting on a rock

Slip Collar

This one shines with training and structure.

Ideal for dogs who:

  • are learning leash manners

  • need clearer communication on walks

  • pull or zig-zag

  • benefit from a more responsive setup

It can be a simple, effective tool when structure and clarity matter most.


A pitbull laying in front of flowers and a white fence wearing a blue BioThane slip collar with a leash attached.

Leashes Matter Just as Much (If Not More)

Watching two very different dogs go on walks together made this part extra obvious.

Leashes aren’t just about control... they’re about how you and your dog move together.

Classic Leash

Straightforward. Reliable. No learning curve.

Best for:

  • calm walkers

  • short neighborhood strolls

  • simple, no-frills walks

Our pug guest was perfectly happy with this setup.

 


Multi-Way Leash

This is where versatility really shines.

Great for:

  • hands-free walking

  • adjusting leash length on the fly

  • training walks

  • hiking, exploring, or busy environments

This is a favorite in our house because… flexibility matters when your dog has opinions.

 

A brown long haired dog sitting in front of a wooden fence and waterfall looking back at their Seafoam Multi-Way Leash and waterfall


Long Line / Training Lead

More freedom without losing control.

Ideal for:

  • recall training

  • decompression walks

  • sniff-heavy explorers

  • open spaces where you want distance but still want connection

Perfect for dogs who don’t want to walk as much as they want to experience the world.

 

A golden retriever with a brown long line leash a beach in front of the ocean.


Leash Splitter

For multi-dog homes (or visiting pugs).

Designed to:

  • walk two dogs at once

  • reduce leash tangling

  • keep things more manageable

It doesn’t make two dogs walk perfectly in sync…
But it helps. A lot.

 


One Big Takeaway

Spending a week with a very different dog under our roof reminded us of something simple:

The best gear is the gear that fits your dog, not just their size, but their personality and lifestyle.

That’s why we don’t believe in “one best collar” or “one perfect leash.”

We believe in options, from style to function, built with the same durable, easy-clean BioThane®, so you can choose what works best for your adventures.

Because dogs are different.

And that’s part of what makes them awesome.


Ready to find the right setup for your dog?

SHOP EVERGREEN DOG CO COLLAR COLLECTION

SHOP EVERGREEN DOG CO LEASH COLLECTION

(And if you ever host a pug for a week… good luck. Ted sends his thoughts.)
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