TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska discusses how to prepare your home for a new dog, covering essential items, safety measures, and the importance of crate training. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for first-time dog owners, emphasizing the need for a safe and loving environment for pets.

During This Episode:

• Getting ready for a new dog
• A Pawsative Rant on a topic close to Mariska's heart
• Essential preparations for dog owners before their new pup arrives
• Creating a safe space for your dog at home
• Understanding dog needs and training basics
• Fetch or Forget: a review of the Forever Frankie Adjustable Harness
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Doug the Pug's graduation video
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Koa the Doodle
• A look ahead to the next episode, on boarding, pet sitting, and what to do when you go on holiday

Takeaways:

• Join local community groups for pet supplies. Buy Nothing groups are a great way to source gently used beds, bowls, and harnesses while connecting with other local dog parents.
• Consider where your dog will sleep and eat. Choosing a cozy, secure sleeping spot and a quiet feeding area helps a new dog settle in faster.
• Potty training requires a consistent method. Whether it's an outdoor spot, doggy door, or pee pads, sticking to one location reinforces the habit.
• Always have poop bags on hand for walks. It's a basic but non-negotiable part of responsible dog ownership in any shared community space.
• Doggy cams can help monitor your pet's behavior. Seeing what your dog is doing when left alone builds confidence and helps you respond appropriately.
• Dogs can have strong preferences for toys. Letting your dog "choose" toys at the pet shop by watching what they sniff and return to can help you figure out what they'll actually use.
• Safety-proof your home for your new dog. Get down to their eye level to spot cords, sharp corners, and other hazards before they become a problem.
• Use eco-friendly cleaning products around pets. Safer alternatives reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
• Every dog is unique and may require different care. What works for one dog may need to be adjusted for another.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Buy Nothing Groups

Forever Frankie

Frankie selecting her piggie

Doug the Poug's graduation video

Koa The Doodle

Coming in the next episode:

In the next episode, we are digging into boarding, pet sitting or what do you do when you go on holiday.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00] Getting Ready for a New Dog

[01:14] Pawsative Rant

[02:37] Essential Preparations for Dog Owners

[05:22] Creating a Safe Space for Your Dog

[08:16] Understanding Dog Needs and Training

[15:21] Fetch or Forget - Forever Frankie Adjustable Harness

[28:10] Where Tails meet hearts - Doug the Poug's graduation video

[29:30]- Paw-lebrity of the Week - Koa the doodle (Mom - Katherine Dad - Collin)

FAQ

How do I dog-proof my home before a new puppy arrives?

Get down to your dog's eye level to spot cords, sharp corners, and other hazards, decide in advance where your dog will sleep, eat, and go potty, and secure any hidden hazards before your dog comes home.

Where should a new puppy sleep?

Choose a cozy, secure spot that isn't isolated but also isn't in the middle of household chaos, and consider a comfort item nearby to help ease the transition for a puppy sleeping alone for the first time.

Is crate training necessary for a new dog?

Crate training isn't mandatory, but a crate can provide a safe, secure space for your dog, and baby gates are a good alternative if you prefer not to crate train.

How can I get pet supplies cheaply before adopting a dog?

Local Buy Nothing groups are an excellent source for gently used beds, bowls, harnesses, and other supplies, often at no cost, while also connecting you with other dog parents in your area.

Should I put my home address on my dog's name tag?

No, it's safer to include your dog's name and a phone number rather than a home address, since publicly listing where you live could make your dog a target for theft.

How do I know what toys my dog will actually like?

Let your dog "choose" their own toys at the pet shop by watching what they sniff and return to, rather than guessing based on what looks appealing to you.

Why should I use a doggy cam?

A doggy cam can give you peace of mind by letting you see what your dog is doing when left alone, helping you respond appropriately rather than overreacting to every noise.

What should I prioritize first when preparing for a new dog?

Start with the basics: where your dog will sleep, eat, and go potty, along with safety-proofing your space, before worrying about extras like toys or accessories.

About the Author: Mariska Nell

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.