New Pet Parent

The first fortnight with a new pet is equal parts joy and improvisation. Most of the stress comes from realising at nine at night that you do not own the one thing you need.

This collection is built for that moment. It pulls together the practical gear new owners reach for in the early weeks: a playpen, toilet training kit, beds, car restraints, water bowls and the bits that make training stick.

The Short List for Week One

Contain, toilet, travel, rest. A folding playpen gives a puppy a safe space when you cannot watch them, and saves your floors while boundaries are being learned. An indoor grass pad or washable pee blanket makes toilet training predictable, especially in a unit or during a wet week. A seatbelt tether makes the drive home and every vet trip safer than a loose animal on the back seat. A bed in a quiet corner gives them somewhere to retreat, which matters more than most new owners expect. A tracker is cheap insurance for an escape artist, and a lead you actually enjoy using makes daily walks easier.

Habits That Save You Months

Decide the house rules before the pet arrives and make sure everyone follows the same ones. Take a puppy out after every sleep, meal and play session, and reward them the moment they get it right rather than once they are back inside. Keep water clean and available, as a fountain often encourages fussy drinkers. Introduce the car, the crate and the brush while everything is still new and interesting. Book a vet check in the first week and ask about vaccination and worming timing for your pet's age.

Round it out with puppy pads, a puppy pen, some dog toys and the Dream Puppy essentials.

Ready for the first fortnight? Explore the RPBA collection of new pet parent essentials and get the house sorted before they arrive.