If your cat sits by the back door and meows at it for hours, scoots between your legs every time you open it, or wakes you up at 4am because they want… read more
Few breeds combine the loyalty, energy and sheer enthusiasm of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Staffies have an enormous heart, a real love for their people, and a powerful drive to be part… read more
Shih Tzus are charming, affectionate and a bit cheeky. They were bred to be companions and they take that job seriously, which is brilliant news for training because they generally love being… read more
Pugs are bright, food-motivated and surprisingly trainable, with a slightly stubborn streak that keeps things interesting. If you've ever tried to call your pug away from a cheese crumb on the kitchen… read more
"Socialisation" is a word that gets thrown around mostly in the puppy world, but kittens benefit from it just as much, even if it looks quite different. A confident, well-adjusted adult cat… read more
For such a small dog, a Pomeranian has a lot of opinions. They're bright, watchful, and quicker to bark than most breeds twice their size, which is exactly what makes them so… read more
A previously house-trained older dog leaving puddles on the kitchen floor is one of those changes that catches owners off guard. It feels like a regression, or a behaviour problem, or worse,… read more
It's pelting down outside. Your dog is standing at the door looking at you. The walk is not happening today. And by 4pm your normally chilled-out pup has started chewing the rug,… read more
Golden Retrievers are, by a comfortable margin, one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They want to please you, they're highly food motivated, they pick things up quickly, and they live… read more
Older dogs change. The bouncy 4-year-old who always greeted you at the door slowly becomes the dignified 11-year-old who lifts their head and thumps their tail instead. Most of those changes are… read more
Huskies have a reputation for being headstrong, vocal, escape-prone and impossible to train. That's only half the story. Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent, very motivated by play and food, and absolutely trainable… read more
Older cats hide. They have favourite napping spots, sunny windowsills, the wardrobe shelf they've claimed since they were six. None of that is unusual on its own. What gets a lot of… read more
Training a French Bulldog is rewarding, funny, and occasionally maddening. They're smart, food-motivated and people-oriented, which makes them brilliant pupils. They're also stubborn, easily distracted, and prone to deciding training time is… read more
If you've been pulled out of a deep sleep by a paw on the face, a meow at the bedroom door, or a cat sitting on your chest at 4:53am sharp, you're… read more
Bully sticks are one of the most popular natural chews for dogs, and for good reason. They're long-lasting, single-ingredient, and most dogs love them. They're also one of those things owners tend… read more
Older dogs slow down. They sleep a bit more, walk a bit shorter, and don't always launch at the door for a tennis ball like they used to. What doesn't slow down… read more
You're settling down for the night and your older dog starts pacing. Up, down, around the kitchen, into the hallway, back again. Maybe a bit of whining. Maybe a stop to stare… read more
Pigs ears are one of the natural chew treats Kiwi dog owners ask about most. Long-lasting, single-ingredient, and a satisfying chew for dogs who like a treat that takes a while to… read more
3am. The house is quiet, and then your senior cat lets out a long, mournful yowl from the hallway. It happens again the next night, and the next. If your older cat… read more
You walk in to find your older dog facing the wrong way in a corner, staring at a wall, or standing in a doorway looking unsure of where to go. Or maybe… read more
If your large dog goes through toys like they're made of tissue paper, you're not alone. Labs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Staffies, Ridgebacks and their big-breed cousins have seriously powerful jaws. Most… read more
Rottweilers are powerful, clever, loyal dogs with a reputation that doesn't quite match who they usually are at home. A well-trained Rottweiler is one of the most confident and well-mannered family dogs… read more
Indoor cats have cosy lives but it's easy for them to get bored, especially in smaller homes or apartments. Without the variety of outdoor life, they need a bit of help to… read more
Tug is one of the most underrated games you can play with your dog. Unlike fetch, which some dogs lose interest in, a good game of tug brings energy, engagement, and connection.… read more
There's nothing quite like watching a cat go wild on a fresh catnip toy. One minute they're aloof and indifferent, the next they're rolling, kicking, and rubbing their face into a plush… read more
Few things beat a dog sprinting flat out after a ball, skidding to a stop, and proudly trotting back for another throw. Fetch is one of the simplest ways to give your… read more
Labrador Retrievers are one of New Zealand's most-loved dog breeds, and it's easy to see why. They're smart, loyal, full of energy, and born to play. They're also famously strong chewers with… read more
Choosing the right toy for your dog is about more than just keeping them entertained. The right toy can help with dental health, reduce anxiety, build confidence, strengthen your bond, and give… read more
Dogs experience the world through their noses. With up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our 6 million, sniffing is not just something dogs do on walks. It is how they… read more
If you have spent any time looking at enrichment toys for dogs, chances are you have come across West Paw . The American brand is known for its Zogoflex range, a line… read more
Easter is one of the best long weekends of the year, but it comes with a few hidden risks for our pets. Between chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, Easter lilies, and the… read more
Yorkshire Terriers might be small, but they have big personalities and even bigger opinions. Training a Yorkie takes patience, consistency, and a good understanding of what makes this breed tick. The good… read more
If your dog gets nervous during storms, hides when visitors arrive, or struggles with being left alone, you are not on your own. Anxiety is one of the most common behavioural challenges… read more
You have bought them the toys. The feathery ones, the crinkly ones, the ones that light up. And your cat could not care less. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Many cats… read more
If your dog treats every toy like a personal challenge, you are not alone. Heavy chewers can demolish a standard plush toy in minutes, leaving you with a pile of stuffing and… read more
Wondering if your Beagle is the right weight? You're not alone! A Beagle's weight is crucial to ensure they remain healthy and happy. In this blog post, we'll explore the ideal weight… read more
Do you have a shy cat who seems to avoid interaction? Building a bond with a shy cat can be a uniquely rewarding experience. At Petdirect, we understand how challenging it can… read more
There is a very specific moment that happens when you bring home a new puppy or kitten. It’s usually sometime between the first cuddle and the first accident on the floor. You… read more
If you’ve recently welcomed a Labrador Retriever into your home, congratulations — you’ve chosen one of the most lovable, eager-to-please breeds out there! When it comes to training, Labradors have plenty of… read more
Moving house is a big event for the whole family — and that includes your feline friend. If your cat is used to outdoor adventures, adjusting to being an indoor cat after… read more
Labradoodles are one of New Zealand's most loved mixed breeds and it’s easy to see why. With their playful nature, high intelligence and eager-to-please attitude, Labradoodles can make training feel less like… read more
If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a Persian cat, you already know they’re one of the most elegant, calm, and cuddly felines around. But with their luxurious coats and… read more
It’s that magical time of year again—twinkling lights, glittering tinsel, and a majestic tree taking centre stage. But if you’re a cat parent, you’ll know that Christmas trees can feel more like… read more
Christmas is a magical time full of food, family and festive decorations — but for our curious pets, it can also be a sparkly minefield. If your cat or dog has a… read more
If you’re a cat parent in Aotearoa, chances are you've wondered: “Is my cat happy?” While they may not wag their tails or grin like dogs do, cats have their own unique… read more
Bringing a new puppy home is a heartwarming adventure, filled with cuddles, chewed slippers, and lots of learning — for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’ve welcomed a Labrador or… read more
Welcoming a puppy into your whānau is full of firsts – including their first toy! And let’s be honest, watching your pup bounce after a ball is one of the true joys… read more
As caring Kiwi pet parents, we always want to help our dogs feel safe, calm, and happy — especially when life gets a little ruff (think firework nights, vet visits, or car… read more
If your pup lights up at the sight of their LickiMat, you’re not alone. These simple mats have become a household favourite among Kiwi dog parents — and for good reason. The… read more
Thunderstorms in Aotearoa can roll in fast, booming and flashing across the sky — and while we might find them exciting or just a bit annoying, our small dogs often see them… read more