A new puppy brings a joyful storm into your life, especially if you like light-colored furniture and have expensive flooring. But not even the most gorgeous high-end sofa can brighten your life like a wiggly tail and the tip-taps of small paws can!
These tiny, furry companions bring joy and energy to a home. And, with a bit of preparation and some training, you may get the best of both worlds: your beautiful home intact and your fluffy pup happy and ready for action.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four key considerations to keep in mind when preparing Fido’s corner in your home. We’ll discuss space, toys, nutrition, and ways to protect your possessions until your rambunctious pup learns to behave.
1. Choose the Best Location
Puppies thrive when they have a calm and secure space they can call their own, but they don’t want to feel cut off from their family (in this case, you and your family).
Think of it like choosing the location of your reading nook. Both should be in a secluded location, far from foot traffic, cozy, and with plenty of room for stretching and sleeping. Still, it should be within earshot of what’s going on in the rest of the house.
You’ll also want this location to be easily accessible, especially during those early potty-training days! Having their designated spot within view helps with supervision while allowing your pup to feel included in daily life without being overwhelmed by noise or activity levels nearby.
2. Protect Your Furniture and Floors
The puppy corner is not just a space where the pup can retreat to; it also includes their bed, crate (the bed can be in the crate), toys, food and water bowls, and anything else dog-related. Now, the pup won’t care too much about materials, designs, and colors, but if you want to maintain interior design harmony, you might care.
Choose fabrics and finishes that complement your interior decor but also stand up to the wear-and-tear that comes with an active pup.
Opt for washable performance fabrics, like stain-resistant velvet or high-quality microfiber, for the bedding cushions. These options look upscale and are easy to clean in case of accidents or muddy paws. They also help keep your sofa clean as your bundle of joy won’t be tempted to jump on it that much.
Consider pet-friendly rugs made from natural fibers like jute or sisal to protect the floor under their space. You can even incorporate elements like leatherette mats (for a modern touch) or bamboo accessories that are hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.
3. Be Prepared with the Right Food
Encourage healthy eating habits from the start by selecting high-quality, nutritious food. Look for puppy-specific formulas with higher levels of protein and fat needed to fuel your puppy’s energy needs.
Fresh formulas are usually better than kibble, but make sure to focus on high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb. Puppies have delicate digestive systems, so think about including probiotics for puppies to support gut health. Talk to your vet first and ask them to recommend options that fit your flufball’s needs.
Store treats in an elegant container (that is sealed), close to the training area. This way, you can always offer a reward when the puppy follows a command or does something correctly.
4. Integrate the Puppy Corner Into Your Existing Décor
You can have a puppy corner in your luxurious living room without it sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s all about coordinating colors and textures. Select bedding or cushions in shades that match or subtly contrast with the current color scheme in your home.
If you choose patterns, opt for timeless designs, such as herringbone or muted geometrics, to maintain sophistication.
Instead of leaving toys and supplies scattered about, consider custom cabinetry with built-in compartments for leashes, grooming tools, and treats. Alternatively, woven baskets in natural fibers offer a chic way to keep things organized while adding warmth to the space.
Wrap Up
You don’t have to decide between having a puppy or a stylish home; you can have both! You just have to find the right way to blend elegance with practicality. With the right location, materials, and thoughtful touches, you’ll create a space your pup will adore (and that won’t make your interior designer cringe).
After all, even the most pampered pooch deserves to live the luxe life!
