Protecting Your Home From Your Dog and Your Dog From Your Home

When my husband and I married eight years ago, it was anticipated that we would settle down and have two or three adorable children. So as each year passed, anytime I called my mother with “Big News” you could nearly hear the shriek of excitement before anything was said. Today, I was calling with “big news.” I could almost hear my mother’s mouth in a slow reverberating echo as her shriek slowly shifted from high anticipation to a distraught exclamation of, “You’re what?” I repeated excitedly, “We decided to adopt another dog!” Her sigh, a timeless response to our lack of initiative to provide grandchildren that were not four-legged, was consumed by disappointment and followed with “Why on earth would you get another dog? What are you going to do with three dogs? They’ll destroy your house!” “It’ll be fine, Mom,” I assured her, “You’re grand-doggies are angels.”

Well, I hate to say that mother knows best, but “mother knows best”. Three years and three sofas, some sheet rock, two coffee tables, a hardwood floor, two carpets, and the most expensive chair in the house –all consumed, destroyed, or otherwise claimed by our three adorable puppy-kids. After thousands of dollars in furnishings and home repairs, and a few thousand more in training, we had reached our limit: it was time to reclaim our home.

As a designer, there was no text book for doggie design. There was trial and error until a foolproof system could be created that salvaged what little bit of personal style could be merged with the high style of the pampered pooch. I want to stress that they do indeed have high style. My pups could sniff out the most luxurious and softest fabrics in our home and would stop at no small lengths to claim them. I had two agendas: to get my rightful spot on my sofa back and, of course, to prove my mother wrong. Both would prove difficult challenges but I was determined and ultimately succeeded in these conquests. The result is my own personal science of doggie design: protecting my home from my dog and my dog from my home.

The science behind doggie design is simple, if you want to defeat your opponent, get into the mind of the beast.

Step 1: Anticipate the Unthinkable

Make a list of things that your pooch has done or may do that is unacceptable to you. Our dogs loved our leather sofa so much so that they decided to eat the sofa cushions three times before we finally gave in and replaced it. Had we anticipated our dogs allure to the smell of leather, we could have saved thousands of dollars. Predict your dog’s next move before they are even tempted. You will save thousands in repairs if you remain a step ahead of your canine friend.

Step 2: Observe the World from the perspective of your pooch

The typical adult views the world from five feet and higher, but a dog views the world from 32 inches and lower. Their world is much smaller. To best doggie proof a room, get down to the level of your dog and see what they see. Look for potential hazards, like small low lying accessories and move them to a higher elevation. The potpourri that smells and looks pretty on the coffee table also smells and looks pretty to a pet and can be hazardous if ingested. Patrolling your home from the perspective of your pooch can really put things into perspective.

Step 3: Doggie proof your home the way you would baby proof.

Think of your dog the same way you would a small child. Doggie proofing your home the way you baby proof can save you a fortune and protect your pup from dangers that lurk in your home. Place child safety locks on cabinets. Dogs have a keen sense of smell that will often lead to dangers that hide in your kitchen. My boxer simply loves to open the cabinets and search for interesting smells. Unfortunately, those smells are sometimes in the cleaning supply cabinet and after catching him with a mouthful of dishwasher detergent tabs, a child safety lock was an obvious solution. Baby gates can also keep your dog out of rooms that are off limit. For larger entryways, an indoor electric fence can be used with training to keep your pet out of areas where they are unwelcome.

Step 4: Select the right surfaces

There are numerous products on the market that are pet friendly and cater to the high style of both you and your pooch. When selecting paint colors consider paints that have a satin finish. These are easily washable and will resist stains better than a flat paint. If your dogs scratch the walls, consider a lighter paint color which will blend will the drywall. However, if they tend to scuff walls, the darker colors will hide dirt better.

Flooring should also be selected with discretion. Fortunately, it now comes in many options that are pet-friendly including laminate and stone. Traffic Master makes a vinyl product that gives the appearance of hardwood. It’s easy to install and economical for the budget conscious. Though a popular choice, carpeting is not recommended for homeowners that suffer from allergies. Carpets can trap pet dander in the fibers as well as fleas. However, if your heart is set on carpet, consider carpet tiles or carpeting that is pet-friendly and treated with StainMaster. Be aware that pets can also suffer from allergies so look for a carpet with low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). If you prefer hardwood, consider a bamboo, teak, or beech which are harder woods and can withstand pet nails more durably than softer woods. To hide scratches consider a distressed wood or treat the floor with a hard urethane finish.

Step 5: Selecting the right furnishings

There are ideal furnishings for doggie design and there is indeed a system to selecting these pieces. Consider the age and temperament of your dog when selecting coffee tables and end table and be weary of woods if your dog is a chewer. The legs of soft woods can make great teething toys for a pup. Glass or metal legs would be a better option.

When selecting a sofa, your selection of styles and fabrics are endless. On the leading edge of fabric design is a product called Crypton, which resists stains and cleans easily. Ultrasuede will also clean up well. Many retailers can also have your sofa fabric treated with a stain resistant chemical. For a more economical alternative, Sure-Fit offers slip covers that can be washed regularly. The stretch suede two pieces is a great choice which form fits to your sofa and washes well. When selecting colors, consider the color of your dog’s fur. If your pup is light colored, a light colored sofa will hide fur more easily. If your pup is a darker color, consider a darker fabric. Some fabrics that are porous, like Velvet, can trap dog hairs and be difficult to clean.

Of course, doggie design can never stand alone without proper in home training. Exercise and quality time with the family are vital or dogs may retaliate by selecting your favorite furnishing to prove their point. You don’t have to sacrifice your style to satisfy your pet. With a little negotiating you and your pup can be find a style that satisfies both your needs for comfort and style.