Preparing for your first dog: the ultimate checklist

There’s nothing more exciting than the arrival of a new dog in the family home. Whether you’re bringing home a puppy or have adopted an older dog, preparing your home to welcome them is important. This will help your new dog settle in quickly as they adjust to their new digs.

It’s also easy to get overwhelmed by just how much needs to be prepared for a new canine family member! By following our easy checklist, you can make sure you’re ready to give your four-legged friend a warm welcome into their new home.

Find the right dog bed

There’s a wide range of dog beds available. Just as we have our own preferences when it comes to the size and type of bed we sleep in every night, so, too, does your pooch! Finding the right dog bed is important, as it will help support them, give them a great rest and also provide somewhere cosy that’s all theirs when they need some quiet time.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap dog bed, a raised dog bed or hunting for the best dog bed sale, checking your options is important. Here’s some things to consider…

Dog bed sizes

The size of your dog is the first step in determining the appropriate size for their bed. A bed that is too small can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog, so if they’re not yet fully grown, sizing up is one way to avoid this becoming a problem. You can find out the appropriate size for your dog by measuring them from the top of the nose to the tail (equalling the length of the bed), then from their shoulder to the floor (how wide the bed should be). A large dog bed can work for puppies and grown dogs alike, so don’t worry about getting a bed that’s oversized if you’re bringing home a new puppy.

Dog beds for dogs with special needs

Does your new dog have any particular health needs? If you have an older dog with arthritis, orthopedic dog beds are designed to help. For dogs that don’t have a lot of fur, thermal dog beds can also provide extra warmth, improve circulation and help with some arthritis symptoms.

Raised dog beds

Some long-haired dogs can find themselves overheating within the hot Australian summer months. By finding a dog bed that has plenty of ventilation and air flow, you can help your dog stay cool. A raised dog bed has better air circulation and is the perfect choice for those humid summer nights.

Dog beds for different sleeping positions

Some dogs are sprawlers, while others are curlers. If your dog likes to curl up into a ball, then a bolster or basket dog bed is the perfect choice. With raised sides, they provide your pooch with a convenient headrest which they can use as they like. If your dog’s more of a sprawler, then a cushion, pillow or mattress style bed will give them the space they need to get comfortable.

The best dog beds

Finding the best dog beds comes down to understanding your dog’s individual needs. Make sure you take your dog’s size, weight, sleeping preferences, health conditions and the geographic climate into consideration when hunting for dog beds in Australia.

Your dog will need to be cared for daily, with exercise, food, hygiene, grooming, safety and entertainment all key considerations. Have an honest conversation with your family members to set clear expectations around how your dog will be cared for. Perhaps your ten-year-old is on yard duty each day, cleaning up your new dog’s poops, and your twelve-year-old is on breakfast duty. Whatever it is you assign to each family member, having clear responsibilities from the start means your dog can get the best care from everybody involved. After all, they’re a member of the family, too!

Finding a great vet

Just like we have doctors we know and trust, your new dog will need a great vet to take care of their regular check-ups and any unexpected health issues. Take a look at the reviews of vets in your area. Look for someone who gets consistently great feedback from your local community. By building a relationship with your vet from the beginning, you can rest assured that the health of your beloved new dog is in great hand.

Load up on dog toys

One great way to make sure your new dog won’t chew the furniture? Give them toys they can chew on instead! Dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained, engaged, and to provide them comfort. By stocking up on a range of dog toys, you can divert your new dog’s attention from causing trouble (such as chewing furniture or digging in the yard) with a toy they can make the most of instead.

Toys don’t need to be expensive. Take a look at a range of toys, such as stuffed animals, bouncy balls, agility training toys and brain activities. Snuffle mats are one way to incorporate fun into each meal, so check for recommendations based on your dog’s breed and their daily engagement needs.

Prepare a clear potty area

If you’re toilet training a new puppy, there’s a number of strategies you can use to build great potty habits with them. Similarly, if you’re bringing home an older dog, showing them where to go potty is one easy way to improve everyone’s experience. Dogs need easily accessible spots to do their business in, so find a space in the yard that you can train them to use for their toileting needs.

Be prepared to fall in love

New dogs can become the family member you didn’t know you were waiting for. The last thing to do before bringing your new dog home? Be prepared to fall in love for years to come - it’s time to meet your new best friend!