Whether it’s about sleeping, food and nutrition, or the specific care needed for various stages of your dog’s life, from puppies to senior dogs, we’ve got you covered. Our mission is to provide you with the best information and resources to help you care for your dog.
Our range of dog beds caters to all budgets and dog breeds. From the ever-popular elevated dog bed to cozy snuggle beds, we offer a variety of options. Opting for a quality pet bed from our trusted manufacturers, such as Choozy, ensures you’re investing in premium quality, handcrafted workmanship while also supporting Australian businesses. We take pride in that commitment.
I’m Martin and I can’t remember a time when a dog hasn’t been a part of my family. I have so many great memories of the times I’ve spent with my four-legged friends.
From Dachshunds to Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds to crossbred wild dogs, we’ve welcomed a diverse range of breeds into our home.
While each dog had its unique nature they all shared a common trait, loyalty. Through my 50 years I’ve learned that treating your dog the right way fosters unwavering loyalty and companionship.
Caring for a dog is simple -provide nutritious food, fresh water, regular exercise for both you and your dog, a safe shelter, a cozy dog bed, and, above all, lots of love.
There’s no doubt that the bond we form with our dogs enriches our life and that of our families.
This picture is taken with our much-loved dog ‘Beepa’. He had a beautiful nature and held a special place in the hearts of our family. He loved the beach, chasing sticks up and down the beach, swimming, and like all dogs, loved open spaces.
As Beepa aged, sadly he suffered from arthritis. I understand the importance of ensuring your dog’s comfort and providing a comfy bed for his poor old aching joints. It’s an area that’s close to my heart given my personal experience.
Exercise plays an important part in managing arthritis in dogs, along with medication and diet.
Welcoming a puppy into your family is loads of fun, and there’s plenty of learning as you get to know each other.
Here are some of my tips for those who are new to caring for dogs.
Dogs are smarter than you think!
Rule 1 – Discipline
Understanding that dogs are pack animals is crucial as they need to know where their place is within the pack structure. I’m a bit of a softy with dogs but they need to be taught early in your relationship who is in charge. This doesn’t mean being harsh, but setting clear boundaries and being firm. This is necessary for their well-being in the long run. Once this fundamental rule is achieved then it’s smooth sailing.
Dogs are smart and they’ll test boundaries to see what they can get away with if rules are not clearly established. I’m talking generally about larger breeds of dogs.
Settling a puppy to sleep
When you bring your new puppy home, it’s important to have a safe and warm area for him where he has his own sleeping space at night.(for example, in a laundry). Provide him with a cosy little bed to get used to and help him settle comfortably
Make sure the environment is completely safe and detergents and any potential dangers are well away from inquisitive paws.
Tip: If you have a clock that actually makes a ticking sound and place it under a blanket or somewhere so the puppy can hear the ticking sound, he’ll be comforted. To the pup it can sound like the heartbeat from the mother so your new puppy doesn’t feel alone. It sounds crazy, but I’ve found it often works.
It’s common for puppies to need attention during the night as they adjust to new surroundings. Some pups settle quicker than others, but this phase will pass. It’s all a part of getting to know your puppy.
Leaving your dog home alone
It’s much easier, if you’re home during the day when you bring home the puppy so you can get used to each other. However, this isn’t always possible. So make sure your pup is in a safe space, with clean water, food, and his special bed. A little background noise like a radio in the background when you’re not home is helpful.
Cameras are a great idea like the one you’ll find on this link. You can watch your dog and talk to him through the speaker occasionally. Your dog will be comforted hearing your voice. And you’ll have your mind put at ease as you can check on him.
Toilet training your puppy
Now you don’t want to be following the puppy around with a disinfectant bottle and cloth for too long. This is another hurdle to overcome. I found giving my puppies lots of ‘outside time’ during the day and placing their beds in the laundry at night helped them learn where to go to the toilet. This can help establish a routine and encourage the pup to associate specific areas with bathroom breaks.
If they happen to mess indoors, you need to address the situation firmly. Show them the mess, say ‘no’ in a stern voice. Make sure they know what they’ve done wrong and then take them outside or where you want them to go to the toilet.
With consistency and clear communication they will catch on pretty quickly and learn the appropriate behavior.
Simple tips for training a naughty puppy
As your puppy grows it can be hard to keep him under control. I suggest you have a variety of chew toys available for your puppy because just like babies, they will start teething. Puppies have a natural inclination to chew everything… furniture, kids toys, hose reels, motorbike mudguards, you name it – they’ll chew it!
When you catch your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, show him what he has chewed and in a firm voice say ‘no (your dogs name)’. It’s common for dogs to go through this stage and consistent training is the key.
As responsible pet owners we need to think ahead. Don’t leave precious or dangerous items around your puppy. He will destroy them; he can’t help it.
Put things away that you don’t want your puppy to chew. Shoes, cords and anything that could tempt those curious little teeth to sink into.
Exercise
Taking your puppy for a walk is a fantastic way to provide exercise. He’ll love it. It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing outside, your puppy will quickly associate grabbing the leash and heading for the door, means ‘it’s time to get excited’.
Dogs need exercise. They can’t just sit around and wait for you to play with them. They thrive on physical activity and it’s a good opportunity for you to stay active as well and enjoy a special time of bonding with your puppy.
The more you give, the more you get back
They’re like a party – it’s what you make of them.
Dogs are great animals and it’s easy to love them. But if you don’t spend quality time with them, they may become ‘the barking dog next door’, and we all know that is not what we want.
Dogs need exercise, stimulation and interactive to thrive.
By dedicating time to your dog you’ll find a loyal companion that truly becomes a man’s best friend.
Sleep
There’s no doubt our dogs love having their own special, safe space in the home to relax; just as we love our own bed. Our luxury dog beds will have your pet loving his bed too.
With a comfortable and inviting bed, your dog will enjoy better sleep, and so will you.
The bond you form with your dog through shared experiences and attention is incredibly rewarding and enriching for both of you.
Thanks for joining us, Martin
Update 2021: We welcomed Susie as a contributer to trampolinedogbeds.
Susie’s dog faced challenges due to skeletal and bio-mechanical issues and as a result her dog needed multiple operations.
Susie’s dedication to supporting her pup through post-operative physical recovery inspired her to conduct exhaustive research to identify the best nutrition to aid in her dog’s recovery and long term well-being with a focus on maximising pain relief.
Susie shares her wealth of knowledge through a series of articles discussing the best dog foods suitable for puppies all the way to senior dogs providing valuable insights for dog owners at every stage of their pet’s life.
“I’m Susie – a dog lover and writer. Earlier this year I got my chug puppy named Pierre. Since Pierre joined our family I’ve been on a pretty big learning journey with our new pup as he has had a few health problems and some deformities.
He’s had to have multiple operations to correct his front legs. Although he’s had so much to cope with already in his short life, I’d describe his personality as pure joy.
It’s certainly been a steep learning curve to find the balance to support him through his operations.
To keep an active puppy quiet to allow time for his legs to heal has been challenging when he just wants to be excited about absolutely everything and everyone. It’s been key to make sure he has the right nutrition for the best recovery and balance discipline to train my pup.
I hope the tips I have to share will help you and your furry friend.” Susie