Nevertheless, when you bring a dog—or really, any animal—into your space, everything changes. Whether you’ve been a pet owner for years or are just starting to shack up with your pup, here are five home design tips based on your dog’s personality and temperament. What will help dogs with this temperament is knowing where their sleeping area is. Because this type of dog is generally relaxed and laid back, he will prefer having a space in your house to lay but won’t be married to it. If you’re someone who likes to occasionally move around the furniture, change the décor, or have guests over, this dog personality type is a great fit. Playful dogs are great, but they can definitely impact your home design, especially when it comes to refined furniture or fancy décor. It’s best to avoid couches and other furniture items that can potentially get knocked over, shed on, or accidentally scratched during some roughhousing. It’s also generally a good idea to leave lots of open spaces, especially in living or dining rooms so that your pup can move about freely. Adventurous dogs are great. They will be the first to investigate new items you bring into the space, they will alert you if anything seems off, and they will be quick to warm up to people and items and make them their own (more on the latter in a second). These reasons are why it’s best to purchase lower-end items because sometimes the curiosity can get the best of your dog and he may want to mark everything in sight to claim it as his own. It may also be advantageous to create a ‘dog-friendly’ room or area that this adventurous pup can play in—perhaps a playroom, laundry room for feeding, or even an outdoor area. That way your dog can explore all he wants without the added stress of something getting broken or peed on. If your dog loves being outside, Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover, advises creating an outdoor ‘doggy wash’ area. “A designated wash area will keep the muddy paws contained until your next adventure,” she says. You could also consider installing an indoor window or another “lookout” structure at doggy eye level. Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, the pet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, encourages adding anything from a porthole or bay window to a full, floor-to-ceiling windowpane. This way, your curious pup can get a lay of the land, even when inside. When it comes to Rambunctious dogs, though, it’s important to create clear boundaries around your space. Designating areas for play, sleep, feeding, and other daily routines can help your dog know what to expect and when, and can also keep you from daily headaches. Something else to consider, as Phillip Ash, the founder of Pro Paint Corner shares, is adding a doggy door to encourage self-direction and mobility. “Active dogs and dogs with small bladders may benefit from the installation of a doggy door,” he says, “This way, they can go outside as they please.” If possible, carve out an area of your home that’s dedicated to dog play/exercise—outdoor area, garage, basement, etc. This can help to get some of the energy out (but productively). That’s why it’s important, when it comes to home design, to offer stability and structure. Once you establish a place for this type of dog to sleep or eat, try not to change it. Disruptions to the norm can be big obstacles for Defiant dogs and can make them feel out of control or even scared. It’s a good idea to avoid wooden furniture to eliminate issues of scratching or chewing. Dr. Georgina Ushi DVM, Urgent/Critical Care vet and writer at WeLoveDoodles, shares that instead of wooden furniture, pet owners should opt for something with a metal finish to discourage chewing, and sub velvet materials for leather or synthetic fabrics to avoid the accumulation of hair or drool. She also advises pet owners to purchase dog-inspired matching furniture rather than having items in your space that your pup can’t actually enjoy. Another tip for Defiant Dogs is to create clear boundaries and establish them as soon as possible (especially if there are areas of your house that are off-limits). You may want to close doors or put up baby gates at first to deter your Defiant doggy from going to places he/she shouldn’t. “As your dog ages, their mobility will decline,” she says, “But their love of cuddles definitely won’t. Lower bedding will help make the leap easier, leaving them independent for longer.” Russell Hartstein, Certified Dog Behaviorist and Trainer in Los Angeles and founder of Fun Paw Care, also adds that soft surfaces, like carpets, rugs, or even soft stairs can help for both old and younger dogs alike. Soft surfaces offer both comfort and remove the danger of slipping, falling, or causing potential injury. From lounge areas in (almost) every room to cozy blankets and comfy chars, if you have a Lazy dog, you’re all about comfort and making yourself, your dog, and anyone who walks through your doors feel relaxed and at ease. Your home design should naturally prioritize a big living room, couches (dog-friendly, of course!), oversize blankets, soft pillows, and snacks (human and dog treats alike) within reach.
