3 Keys to Prepping for a Puppy (And Keeping Your House Cute!)

On Sunday, March 28, we welcomed Bernedoodle puppy Josie Mae (Jo or JoJo for short) into our family! Technically, she is a gift for my daughter Paige, but little Josie has absolutely stolen my heart! While she will always win me over with those puppy-dog eyes of hers, I want to make sure she doesn’t completely take over my home! Keep reading for design tips on making your puppy feel at home without compromising your design style!

Choose Neutral Pet Staples

For being such a cute little ball of fluff, Josie Mae needs a lot of things! Some of those things are going to be on display at all times, so when you are choosing those staples, try to keep them neutral! In particular, I’m thinking about dog beds (multiple, obviously, so she can always be comfy!) and her food and water dishes. Choose colors or natural materials that will easily coordinate with your regular decor for seamless integration.

Designate a Space for Everything

In addition the staples that are always on display, there are a whole lot of things that Josie will need on occasion that don’t have to be out all the time. For those things, storage bins (like this one for dog toys) are essential. If you have extra space in a closet or pantry, line a shelf with bins for pet accessories like collars, leashes, treats, and extra dog food.

Don’t be Afraid of Setting Boundaries

While Josie Mae explores her new home, we are both learning where she is comfortable, and where I am comfortable with her being. As you can see, she has taken a liking to my custom upholstered banquette, haha. As you figure out everyone’s comfort level, don’t be afraid to set boundaries for where your pup can and can’t go. Puppy gates and pens have come a long way since I last was in the market for one, and there are so many cute options now (mixed material, all wood, designer patterns)! Pick one that coordinates well with your home, and use it as a training aid to set healthy and appropriate boundaries!