It is possible to live stylishly and comfortably with dogs. In fact it has become a design trend. Here are a few design and discipline tips to make cohabitating with your pet less frustrating.

  1. Pull out the vacuum often.

Pet hair has an odor, and it contains oil that will attract dirt to the fabric on which it sits. The Dyson Animal is the best upright vacuum for dog hair. It s expensive but it s worth every cent.

Designing for Dogs…

  1. Brush/Groom and bathe your pet often.

Keeping your pet clean will help your house stay clean. Trimmed nails won't scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, bed, throw pillows, and curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don't need to be washed as often. Think of it this way: It's easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it's usually more fun.
Designing for Dogs…
Designing for Dogs…
Designing for Dogs…

  1. Wash your pets bedding often.

If the dog bedding smells so will the dog and the house.
Designing for Dogs…

  1. Use stain-resistant fabrics.

Forget silk, chintz or the pet-hair magnet known as velvet. Discover the joys of the new nearly indestructible, synthetic fabric that's resistant to stains, smells, bacteria and muddy paws.
Designing for Dogs…

  1. Use washable fabrics on you bed.

If you allow your pet up on the bed, it is a good idea to be able to wash that bedding often.
Designing for Dogs…
Designing for Dogs…

  1. Avoid wall to wall carpet.

Carpet absorbs odors, traps pet hair and soaks up inevitable pet-related stains like a sponge. Choose hardwood or better yet, tile or Pergo type product for easy clean up.

  1. Use semi-gloss paint.

This will make clean up faster as semi-gloss is easier to wipe down.

  1. Set up an animal room near an entry.

Make sure you dog can come in from outside to a place where you can get dirt off them before they come into the living space of the house. Consider tile on the floors and walls in an area that opens to the back yard. Equip it with bench and under seat storage for leashes and food and clean up materials like towels and wet wipes.
Designing for Dogs…
Designing for Dogs…
Designing for Dogs…

  1. Give you pet treats and toys that don t make a mess.

Pig ears and rawhide bones make a big mess and smell and often stain fabrics. Nylon bones, Kong s and super tuff Rhino toys are cleaner and a good alternative to chair leg.

  1. If you can, match colors to your pet s fur.

White or light colored floors with a white bull dog; honey microfiber sofa with golden retriever; black tile floors with black lab. It is a practical choice because the hair they leave behind will be less noticeable until you pull out the vacuum. Designing for Dogs…