When my husband and I got married eight years ago, it was anticipated that we would settle down and have two or three adorable children. So as each year went by, every time I called my mom with “Big News,” you could almost hear her cry of excitement before she said anything. Today, he was calling with “big news.” I could almost hear my mother’s mouth in a slow reverberating echo as her cry slowly changed from great anticipation to an anguished exclamation of “You are what?” I repeated excitedly: “We decided to adopt another dog!” Her sigh, a timeless response to our lack of initiative in giving up four-legged grandchildren, was consumed with disappointment and followed by “Why the hell would you get another dog? What are you going to do with three dogs? They’ll destroy your house!” home!” “Everything will be fine, Mom,” I assured her, “Your grandchildren are angels.”

Well, I hate to say that the mother knows better, but “mother knows better”. Three years and three sofas, some drywall, two coffee tables, a hardwood floor, two rugs, and the most expensive chair in the house, all consumed, destroyed, or reclaimed by our three adorable pups. After thousands of dollars in furniture and home repairs, and a few thousand more in training, we had reached our limit: it was time to take our home back.

As a designer, there was no textbook for dog design. There was trial and error until a foolproof system could be created to save what little personal style could be merged with the elevated style of the pampered dog. I want to emphasize that they are indeed very stylish. My pups could sniff out the most luxurious and soft fabrics in our house and would stop at anything to claim them. I had two agendas: get my rightful place back on my couch and, of course, prove my mom wrong. Both would be difficult challenges, but I was determined and I finally achieved these conquests. The result is my own personal science of dog 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 the things your dog has done or may do that are unacceptable to you. Our dogs loved our leather sofa so much that they decided to eat the cushions on the sofa three times before we finally gave up and replaced it. Had we anticipated enchanting our dogs with the smell of leather, we could have saved thousands of dollars. Predict your dog’s next move before he is tempted. You’ll save thousands on repairs by staying one step ahead of your canine friend.

Step 2: See the world from your dog’s perspective

The typical adult views the world from five feet or more, but a dog views the world from 32 inches or less. His world is much smaller. To dog-proof a room, get down on your dog’s level and see what they see. Look for potential hazards, such as small, low-lying fixtures, and move them to a higher elevation. Potpourri that smells and looks cute on the coffee table also smells and looks cute to a pet and can be dangerous if ingested. Patrolling your home from your dog’s perspective can really put things in perspective.

Step 3: Protect your home for dogs the same way you would for babies.

Think of your dog the same way you would a small child. Proofing your home dogs the same way you do for babies can save you a fortune and protect your pup from the dangers lurking in your home. Put child safety locks on cabinets. Dogs have a keen sense of smell that will often lead them to dangers lurking in your kitchen. My boxer just loves opening cupboards and looking for interesting smells. Unfortunately, those odors are sometimes in the cleaning supply cabinet and after catching it with a mouthful of dishwasher detergent tablets, a child safety lock was an obvious solution. Baby gates can also keep your dog out of rooms that are off-limits. For larger driveways, an indoor electric fence with training can be used to keep your pet out of unwelcome areas.

Step 4: Select the correct surfaces

There are numerous products on the market that are pet-friendly and cater to the high style of both you and your dog. 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 that matches the drywall. However, if they tend to scratch the walls, darker colors will hide dirt better.

The floor should also be selected with discretion. Fortunately, it now comes in many pet-friendly options like laminate and stone. Traffic Master manufactures a vinyl product that gives the appearance of hardwood. It is easy to install and inexpensive for the budget conscious. Although a popular choice, rugs are not recommended for homeowners who 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 carpets that are pet-friendly and treated with StainMaster. Keep in mind that pets can also suffer from allergies, so look for a rug that is low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). If you prefer hardwood, consider bamboo, teak, or beech, which are harder woods and can withstand pet nails longer than softer woods. To hide scratches, consider an aged wood or treat the floor with a hard urethane finish.

Step 5: Select the right furniture

There is furniture that is ideal for designing dogs and, in fact, there is a system for selecting these pieces. Keep your dog’s age and temperament in mind when selecting coffee tables and end table, and tire of woods if your dog is a chewer. Softwood paws can make great teething toys for a puppy. Glass or metal legs would be a better option.

When selecting a sofa, your selection of styles and fabrics is endless. At the forefront of fabric design is a product called Crypton, which resists stains and cleans easily. Ultrasuede will also clean up well. Many retailers may also treat your sofa fabric with a stain-resistant chemical. For a cheaper alternative, Sure-Fit offers non-slip covers that can be washed regularly. The stretch suede two-piece is a great option that fits on your sofa and washes well. When selecting colors, keep your dog’s coat color in mind. If your pup is light in color, a light colored couch will hide the fur more easily. If your pup is a darker color, consider a darker fabric. Some fabrics that are porous, like Velvet, can trap dog hair and be difficult to clean.

Of course, the puppy design can never be alone without proper house training. Exercise and quality time with the family are vital or the dogs can bond by selecting their favorite furniture to prove their point. You don’t have to sacrifice your style to satisfy your pet. With a little negotiation, you and your pup can find a style that meets your needs for comfort and style.