Bringing a Dog Home? Here’s What You’ll Want Close By
So, you’ve done it – you’ve brought a new dog into your life. Whether they arrived from a responsible puppy breeder or from a shelter, there’s no mistaking the buzz that settles into a home when a dog joins the mix.
But alongside the belly rubs and tail wags comes a different kind of buzz: the realisation that you need a small mountain of gear to keep things running smoothly. It’s one thing to cuddle your dog on the couch – it’s another to find out at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy a food bowl.
Let’s walk through the gear that’ll save your socks from being chewed, your carpet from being destroyed, and your nerves from fraying.
Feeding Gear That Keeps Things Tidy (and Your Dog Full)
Feeding a dog sounds simple enough: bowl, food, done. But ask any seasoned pet owner and they’ll tell you – poor gear choices lead to spills, spoiled food, and in some cases, a dog that hoovers their meal so fast they practically choke.
Sturdy Food and Water Bowls
You’ll want bowls that won’t skitter across the kitchen like curling stones every time your dog eats. Look for ones with a solid base, a bit of weight, or a rubber grip underneath. Stainless steel tends to win on hygiene and longevity, but heavy ceramic does the trick too.
Slow Feeders
If your dog gobbles dinner like it’s a race, slow feeders can be a lifesaver. These bowls come with raised sections that force your dog to eat in smaller mouthfuls, giving their stomach time to realise it’s full and helping to prevent burping, bloating, or worse.
Measuring Scoops
Guesswork with kibble amounts is how many dogs wind up waddling into obesity. A proper scoop marked with portions lets you stick to a consistent feeding plan – and avoids the nightly “was that too much?” internal debate.
Food Storage Tubs
Leaving kibble in the original bag rolled down with a peg? That’s how freshness drifts away and pests wander in. A sealed plastic container, preferably one with wheels or a handle, keeps things dry, crisp, and out of reach from hungry snouts.
That covers mealtimes – next, let’s sort out walks, poop bags, and everything else that happens once your dog leaves the house.
Getting Ready to Head Outdoors: Collars, Leads, Tags and Bags
The first time you clip on a lead and open the front door, you’ll realise that walking a dog isn’t just about strolling. It’s about preparation. A wobbly collar, a flimsy lead, or forgetting the poop bags? That’s how peaceful outings turn into public chaos.
A Comfy Collar or a Well-Fitted Harness
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes – some with necks like tree trunks, others with bodies built like slinkies. What matters most is fit. An adjustable collar works for many, but for dogs who pull like sled racers or have delicate necks (think pugs or whippets), a harness spreads the pressure and saves a lot of grief. Look for padded straps and solid buckles, not the kind that crack after two weeks.
A Lead That Feels Good in Your Hand
You’ll hold this thing every single day, so don’t settle for the one hanging closest to the checkout. Choose something that feels sturdy without being stiff. A padded handle makes those longer walks less of a hand-cramp marathon. And skip the retractable ones – until your dog walks politely, a fixed-length lead gives you better control and fewer tangled legs.
An ID Tag With the Basics
Microchips are brilliant, but not every stranger is going to scan a dog they find wandering down the street. A tag with your phone number gives people an easy way to reach you without fuss. Some owners add the dog’s name, some don’t – personal choice, but the contact number matters most.
Poop Bags (And a Way to Carry Them)
Don’t be the person who gets caught short at the worst moment. Clip a little dispenser to your lead and keep it stocked. Biodegradable bags are kind to the environment and strong enough not to spring leaks mid-scoop. Trust us – you’ll thank yourself later.
With those basics sorted, your walks should feel a lot more manageable. Now let’s switch gears and head back indoors, where your dog will need comfort, containment, and a soft spot to snooze.
Home Comforts: Spaces Where Dogs Can Rest and Recharge
Bringing a dog home without giving them a spot to call their own is like moving into a new house without a bed. Sure, they’ll make do for a while, but they’ll sleep better (and behave better) if they’ve got a cosy nook they can retreat to when the world feels too loud.
A Good Dog Bed
Skip the flimsy cushion that flattens like a pancake after a week. Look for a bed with decent padding, one that supports joints and insulates from cold floors. Machine-washable covers are gold – muddy paws don’t mix well with cream fabric. And size matters. Your dog should be able to stretch out without falling off the edge like a circus act.
A Crate or Playpen
For puppies and new adoptees, crates and playpens give structure. They’re not cages – they’re safe zones. A well-sized crate becomes a bedroom where your dog can nap, wind down, or stay put when you’re out grabbing groceries. Throw in a blanket, a toy, and a treat, and you’ll find your dog slipping in voluntarily in no time.
Blankets or Portable Mats
These work wonders for travel or plopping down somewhere unfamiliar – like under a café table or beside your desk. Having a mat that smells like home helps your dog settle quicker and sheds less hair on public furniture. Win-win.
That’s your home base sorted. Now let’s talk toys – because a dog without play is like a kettle that never boils: all potential, no spark.
Keep Boredom at Bay: Toys That Actually Get Used
First-time owners often picture toys as just fun fluff – but they’re more than that. The right ones save your furniture, wear out your dog’s zoomies, and give their brain something to chew on (literally and figuratively).
Chew Toys
Teething pups and anxious adult dogs both crave things to gnaw. A solid chew toy can redirect them from chair legs or sneakers to something that’s safe and satisfying. Pick one made from materials that won’t splinter or shred. Bonus points if you can stuff it with treats or freeze it for sore gums.
Puzzle Feeders
These sneaky little contraptions turn mealtime into a thinking game. Your dog has to nose, nudge, or spin their way to the food, which slows eating and sparks curiosity. They’re especially handy for rainy days or dogs who seem to need a job – or they’ll make one, usually involving your socks.
Tug Ropes and Throw Toys
Whether it’s a rope for tug-of-war or a ball that bounces just right, these toys are perfect for bonding and exercise. Use them to build trust, work on recall, or simply wear your dog out so they’re less likely to bounce off the walls at 9 p.m.
Start Simple, Grow Smart
No one gets it perfect from the start. You might buy a bed that’s too small, or a toy your dog ignores with Olympic-level indifference. That’s fine. Start with the basics – the things your dog needs to eat, sleep, move, and stay clean – and build from there.
You’ll learn their quirks. Maybe your pup hates plastic bowls but loves slow feeders. Maybe they chew through every toy in ten minutes unless it’s rubber. That’s all part of the ride. The gear you choose becomes part of how you and your dog live together – how you build routines, avoid headaches, and make space for the fun stuff.