Finally, you’ve made all of your family’s dreams come true by welcoming a bundle of fluffy love into your home. That tiny wagging tail, those big, adoring eyes — it’s pure joy! But as you’re quickly discovering, there are also a bunch of new puppy essentials you need in the home to help manage the happiness that comes with endless zoomies, curious little teeth exploring everything in sight and the occasional (okay, frequent) mess.
Bringing home a puppy is an adventure filled with snuggles, playtime and a few surprises along the way. To make life smoother — for both you and your new four-legged friend — you’ll need the right gear. From cosy bedding to engaging toys, nourishing food to must-have grooming gadgets, these puppy-friendly picks will help you set up your newest family member for a happy, healthy start.
We know because we asked HB social media producer Emily Murray, who’s just welcomed the divine Luna into her home and it’s been a big change to the household! “We bought our labrador Lola way back in 2012, so it’s been a long time since we’d owned a puppy,” says Emily. “I think you just forget what it’s like having a tiny ball of constant energy running under your feet but I wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s brought so much joy and happiness to our household that’s been missing since Lola’s passing.”
Below you’ll find everything Emily recommends – from dog beds that protect your sofa to stylish snack storage – to keep tails wagging and little paws out of trouble!
8 essentials to buy for a new puppy
01
Maisy corduroy fold-out pet bed in Biscuit
$79.99, Adairs
Best for: Saving the sofa
This bed can go anywhere in the home floor, bed, sofa or back deck — to provide a low-key enclosure in which to snuggle and get to know your new best friend. We love the plush corduroy fabric that looks gorgeous while forming a safety zone around the little darling and catching any spills in the process. Great for travelling – rotate 180° and it will help keep the pup in place on a car seat, then carry inside wherever you go.
Colours: Biscuit, Tan, Black, Beige and Forest.
Materials: Polyester.
Key features:
- Dimensions: H50 x W100cm
- Machine washable
- Soft pillow bumper
02
Reusable puppy pads, 2 pack
$15, Target
Best for: Peace of mind
Especially when your puppy is settling into a new routine, accidents happen. So, to keep things fresh while puppy training, perhaps top of the list of new puppy essentials are these washable pads – a must-have that helps you save the planet and your carpet.
Colours: Blue and Grey.
Materials: Polyester, Viscose lining.
Key features:
- Dimensions: L90 x W75cm
- Highly absorbent
- Odour controlling
03
Glass and silicone jar with scoop
$10, Target
Best for: Easy feeding
With a non-slip silicone base, this is a great jar and stylish enough to line up on display alongside other laundry or pantry essentials. Fill with dry food for your puppy and you’ll always know when you need a refill. A wide mouth, easy-to-turn lid and handy scoop mean small hands can help with feeding too.
Colours: White.
Materials: Soda lime glass, silicone base, polypropylene lid.
Key features:
- Dimensions: H24.4 x W17.7cm
- Highly absorbent
- Odour controlling
04
8-panel foldable pet playpen
$69.95, Temple & Webster
Best for: Safety and quiet time
To avoid over-stimulation on all counts, a playpen can be a game changer for pet parents. Positioned in a safe place, away from tempting cords and shoes to chew, an enclosure like this keeps puppy secure as you move around the house and also makes puppy training easier.
Colours: Black.
Materials: Powder coated steel.
Key features:
- Dimensions: 3 sizes: Small – H62 x W155 x D155cm | Medium – H77 x W155 x D155cm | Large – H92 x W155 x D155cm
- Foldable, lightweight, rust-resistent
- Arrange in different shapes
- Slide-bolt latch
05
Bondi Wash dog essentials pack
$50, David Jones
Best for: Sweet-smelling smooches
Made in Australia from all natural materials, this is perfect for travelling. It is also a lovely gift to give a new pet owner or a cheeky present to wrap and tease a surprise to the would-be new pet parents.
Colours: Black.
Key features:
- Includes: Dry dog wash + mini dog wash + mini kennel spray + wash cloth + travel bag
- Portable carry pouch
- Natural ingredients
06
Puppy harness with leash
$31.95, Amazon
Best for: Well turned-out walkies
More than just a fashion statement, a soft harness helps keep a new dog comfortable on walks without putting pressure on their little throat. Fitted well, the step-in design allows control with an even distribution of pressure across their chest and shoulders and can help discourage pulling on a leash.
Colours: Khaki, Coral Pink, Deep Black, Deep Purple, Deep Red, Emerald, Hot Pink, Lavender, Light Green, Sky Blue.
Material: Breathable mesh.
Sizes: XXS, XS, Small, Medium, Large.
Key features:
- Measure puppy’s neck and chest to establish the required size
- Padding for comfort
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Easy velcro closure
- No-pull harness buckle
07
Harry Barker Farmhouse Check collar
$20.96 (usually $29.95), David Jones
Best for: Fashion fun
Okay, this is where the fun starts. Add a pop of personality to your puppy’s wardrobe with this playful checked collar. We’ve never met a gingham we didn’t like and we LOVE finding new places to place this timeless pattern. Your pup deserves the best – now they can strut their stuff in style!
Colours: Black, Tan.
Material: 100% certified recycled plastic.
Sizes: Small, Medium.
Key features:
- Strong, lightweight
- Double-coated nickel steel hardware
- Quick-release buckle
- Machine washable
- No-pull harness buckle
08
Dog by Dr Lisa lick mat
$17, David Jones
Best for: Stationary snacks
Possibly the best invention ever, a lick mat keeps your dog in place while you groom or tend to them. With suction cups on one side to keep hold on a hard surface (even the wall or size of the sink works!), squish their favourite soft snack onto the grid and they’ll spend ages licking and exploring while you get the job done.
Colours: Blush, Khaki.
Material: Silicon.
Sizes: Small, Medium.
Key features:
- Dishwasher safe
- Suction base to keep in place
- Non-toxic, food-grade silicone
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