by
Katie Grayson
| Jun 01, 2015
Dogs are the furriest (well, hopefully) members of the family and take up a special place in the heart. Their wet noses and wagging tails fill homes with love and laughter, so why not show them some home improvement love?
Thoughtful puppy preparations can give your fuzzy bundle of joy the promise of a comfortable home and make your dreams of the perfect family dog come true.
Making a cohesive pet and family living environment can be as simple as these 3 simple pet-friendly home improvement tips.
Image via Mox and Fodder
1. Create a Sleep Space
They’re just like us—dogs love curling up on their own couches and beds. Animal experts contend that your pet needs to get away from the stimulation of being with the family to rest and recoup. The sleep space not only gives the dog a place of their own, but also may be your best bet for keeping the dog out of your bed.
The sleep space can be as simple as a pet bed or as elaborate and chic as creating a built-in dog bed and kennel.
2. Potty-Time Solutions
Like babies, puppies do best on a regular schedule, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Establishing a schedule teaches your dog that there are times to eat, times to play and times to potty.
If you want to give your dog the ability to let himself out of the house when nature calls, consider upgrading your door to include a pet door.
Pet door options vary by installation. Some doors can be purchased with a pet door built-in, saving you time. Others can be installed into your existing door or through-the-wall entry door.
No need to worry about unwanted critters or safety with pet doors. New door models, such as Larson Storm Doors, have an inside panel that fits securely over the pet flap to close the opening when necessary.
3. Be Mindful when choosing Materials
No matter how much you love Fido, you don’t want your home to look like it’s a dog kennel. One of the biggest problems with pets is their nails scratching the floor. Flooring options such as tile and vinyl are stain resistant and toenail proof, not to mention easy to clean. If you love your carpet, selecting a color that blends with your dog’s coat will help blend and hide loose hairs. Be sure to use pads under area rugs to prevent accidental slips and slides.