The TOMO
journal.
A little reading for life with pets. Practical guides, gift ideas and a look at what we’re making.
Christmas gifts for dogs and dog lovers: an Australian gift guide
Twelve ideas for the dog in your life and the dog lover on your list, chosen for a Christmas that lands in the middle of summer.
Dachshund gifts: personalised ideas for sausage dogs and the people who love them
Gifts that suit a long back, a big nose and an even bigger personality, plus keepsakes for the dachshund devotee on your list.
Gifts for cat lovers (and their cats): ideas they will actually use
The best gift for a cat person is something their cat uses every day. Here are the ones that earn a spot in the house, and the one flower to leave off the list.
How to stop your dog spilling water everywhere
Messy drinking is mostly physics, not manners. You can’t change how dogs drink, but you can stop the puddle reaching your floor.
New puppy checklist: everything to have ready before day one
What to buy, what to book and what to puppy-proof, so the first week is about getting to know each other rather than late-night shopping.
How to toilet train a puppy: a step-by-step guide with a schedule by age
A routine you can start on day one, with a schedule by age, what to do about accidents, and how to manage nights, puppy pads and apartment living.
Australia’s most popular dog names, and how to choose your own
Luna still leads the pack. Here are the names topping Australian lists right now, plus ideas for a name that stands out at the dog park.
Girl dog names: more than 100 ideas, from cute to classic
The names Australians are choosing most, plus cute, classic and unusual ideas for every kind of girl.
Boy dog names: more than 100 ideas, from cool to classic
The names Australians are choosing most, plus cool, classic and tough ideas for every kind of boy.
Crate training a puppy: from night one to week four
How to make the crate somewhere your puppy chooses to go, including the first nights, the whining, and how long is too long.
Cat names: more than 100 cute, popular and unique ideas
What Australians are calling their cats right now, plus cute, unusual and food-inspired names for every personality.
Ceramic vs stainless steel vs plastic pet bowls: which is best?
The research is more mixed than most bowl guides admit. Here’s how each material compares, and what matters more than any of them.
Are raised dog bowls good for dogs? What the research says
They can look better and feel more comfortable, but they don’t prevent bloat, and for large breeds the evidence points the other way.
Whisker fatigue in cats: what it is, and which bowls help
It’s all over the internet, but it hasn’t been proven. Here’s what the research found, and why a wide, shallow bowl is still worth trying.
Where to put your pet’s food and water bowls: feeding station ideas
A little thought about placement means calmer meals and drier floors. Here’s where bowls work best, plus ideas for a feeding spot you won’t mind looking at.
How often should you wash your pet’s bowls (and the mat)?
The official advice is stricter than most of us manage. Here’s what it says, why it matters, and a routine you’ll actually keep up.
Black cat names, plus ginger, grey and white cat name ideas
Sometimes the coat picks the name. Here are ideas for black cats, plus ginger, grey, white and tabby cats, from elegant to very silly.
Dog birthday ideas, plus a simple pup-friendly cake
They don’t know what day it is, but they’ll certainly enjoy the extra walk. Here’s how to make it fun and safe, with a simple cake recipe.
New kitten checklist: everything to have ready before day one
What to buy and how to set up your home, based on RSPCA guidance, so your kitten has choices from day one.
Why does my dog push their food bowl around?
It’s usually harmless and often quite funny, unless it’s your floorboards. Here’s why dogs do it, and how to keep dinner in one place.
Balcony and apartment dog toilets: grass, fake grass, pads or trays?
Every option has a catch. Here’s how real grass, artificial turf and pads compare on smell, effort and cost, and how to set one up on your balcony.
Puppy pads vs grass: how to pad train a puppy, and when to stop
Pads are handy, but they add a step if you want your dog toileting outside in the end. Here’s how to decide, and how to make the switch.
Best dog breeds for apartments in Australia, and how to make it work
A calm big dog can be easier than a busy small one. Here’s which breeds tend to suit apartment life, and what to check with your building first.
How to stop a dog peeing inside, and get the smell out
Start by ruling out a health problem. After that it’s a mix of retraining, removing the smell, and working out what’s setting them off.