You can take your puppy to Bunnings in Australia as soon as they are comfortable and socialised enough, but they must be on a lead or carried/in a trolley, and potentially muzzled if not in a trolley, depending on the store's interpretation of "under control". The key is responsible puppy socialisation, ensuring they are friendly, under control, and you're prepared to manage their experience in a stimulating environment.
Pets are permitted in-store at Bunnings if they are secured safely in a vehicle (such as a trolley or in a car in the timber yard), on a lead and wearing a muzzle, or carried. Of course, assistance animals are always welcome.
Dogs are not allowed in Woolworths.
Puppies can legally go to their new homes from the age of 8 weeks. However holding on a little longer and letting them go around 12 weeks can be really beneficial, as their development and socialising will be a lot more established by that point. Those few extra weeks can make a big difference.
A recent discussion surrounding Bunnings' policy on dogs has ignited a fiery debate across social media platforms. The hardware giant's allowance of canine companions in stores has polarized customers, with strong opinions emerging from both pet owners and those who prefer a dog-free shopping experience.
Some shops will tolerate dogs but won't necessarily go out of their way to make your dog feel welcome. Others are truly dog-friendly, offering water bowls, treats, and plenty of fuss. Due to food hygiene regulations, supermarkets aren't dog-friendly. Most places that serve food also don't allow dogs indoors.
"Bunnings customers consistently mentioned the 'Price matching, good quality and range of products, and helpful staff' as key reasons for the high levels of trust in Australia's favourite retailer," Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a specific routine: 10 minutes outside in the designated potty spot, staying 10 feet away from the house/play area, followed by 10 minutes of focused supervision indoors to prevent accidents before the next potty break, creating a consistent cycle for success. This method ensures the puppy has ample time to eliminate and minimizes mistakes by closely monitoring them afterward, reinforcing good habits consistently.
Playpens and dog crates are all excellent enclosed spaces that are safe and comfortable for puppies. Placing safe toys, beds, and blankets will help this space feel more comfortable and inviting for your puppy. It is also a good idea to slowly acclimate your puppy to this space using crate training methods.
Doggy Don'ts
Please don't allow your dog to sit directly on the seat, as this could become unpleasant for other customers sitting on the seats or those with allergies. It's perfectly fine if your dog sits on your lap.
But from customer inquiries and responses from the chain's customer care, it is clear that Aldi does not allow dogs or any other pet into the store unless it is a service animal.
Baking soda and vinegar is a winning DIY solution for all kinds of cleaning problems, and it works particularly well on pet stains. Pouring vinegar on the spot immediately after an accident will act to neutralize the ammonia in dog or cat urine.
Even retailers with dog-friendly policies will leave it up to on-site managers to decide whether to let pups into their individual locations, so please call ahead before bringing your dog on your next shopping excursion.
If you have any electric-powered tools or equipment, such as a lawn mower or power washer, store them in a safe place where your pet cannot reach them. If your pet comes into contact with these items, it could be seriously injured.
Bunnings dress code for employees involves their iconic red shirt and green apron, paired with jeans or shorts, while interviewees should wear smart casual, neat, and practical attire, like clean jeans and a nice top, focusing on approachability. The uniform provides the first shirt free, with extra costs for more shirts, and visible piercings are generally allowed for staff, with safety boots often required.
Puppies poop far more often than adult dogs – in fact, up to three times more. Puppies are also more likely to poop directly after they've eaten, between 15 minutes to 30 minutes after feeding is the norm.
As a broad guideline:
Puppies younger than 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. 10 to 12 week old pups can usually hold it for around two hours. Three month old puppies can usually hold it for three hours. After six months, dogs can usually hold their bladder for up to six hours.
12 Dog Breeds That Are Hard AF To Potty Train
The hardest months with a puppy often center around two key periods: 3-5 months (teething, regression, lack of impulse control) and 6-12 months (adolescence), when hormone surges bring boundary testing, stubbornness, and increased energy, making training and housebreaking challenging as they become "teenagers". Expect frustration with accidents, nipping, chewing, and defiance during these phases as their brains develop, requiring patience and consistent training.
Red flag puppy behaviors signal serious issues beyond normal puppy antics, including aggression (growling, snapping, biting, lunging), extreme fear/anxiety (intense cowering, hiding, refusing treats, constant escape attempts, shutting down), resource guarding (guarding food/toys with aggression), and severe separation anxiety (destructive behavior when alone). Recognizing these early and seeking professional help from a trainer or vet is crucial, as these often stem from trauma or lack of socialization and won't just disappear with age.
The 3-second rule for puppies (and dogs) is a guideline for positive greetings and interactions, suggesting initial meetings or petting sessions last no more than three seconds before pausing, allowing the dog to choose to re-engage, which helps build confidence, reduce overstimulation, and prevent negative reactions like fear or aggression. It teaches dogs that social contact is on their terms, using short, controlled sniff-and-greet intervals (3 seconds), then disengaging, and repeating as needed, while also being used for petting to let dogs signal they want more.
Bunnings' biggest competitor in the Australian hardware market is generally considered to be Mitre 10, often through its parent company Metcash, which operates a large network of independent hardware stores, alongside other players like Amazon, Big W, and Kmart in broader home improvement categories, although Bunnings holds significant market dominance. While no single entity rivals Bunnings' scale, Metcash's Mitre 10 and other independents offer significant competition, especially in trade and specific regions.
Bunnings hourly rates in Australia generally range from around $28 to $30 per hour for Team Members, depending on age, experience, and role, with casual rates being higher and specific roles like Supervisors earning more. For example, an adult Team Member might earn about $27.81/hr (full-time) or $34.07/hr (casual) as per a 2024 agreement, while Specialists and Supervisors earn closer to $29-$37/hr, with rates increasing for weekends/public holidays.
“Bunnings wholly underestimated the complexity of the UK market,” says Richard Lim, chief executive of Retail Economics. “The shop environments didn't live up to customers' expectations, while product selection failed to resonate with their core customers.