Your dog is an important member of the family. And if you have extra space or a spare bedroom, why not make it into a place your furry friend will enjoy? From keeping the space simple by adding bedding and pillows to starting a renovation project by replacing the floors or installing a dog shower, the possibilities are endless to create the perfect room for your dog to call their own.
To help you get started, we reached out to dog experts across North America, from Sunbury, OH to Surrey, BC, for their best tips on how to create a room for your dog. Keep reading to see what they had to say.
1) Start with the 4 D’s
When creating a room for your dog, it is helpful to remember the 4 D’s:
- Decide the type of space needed
- Designate an area
- Determine the amount of space
- Decorate!
2) Prioritize bedding, toys, and peace and quiet
Does your dog deserve its own getaway space in the house? Paws down. There are certain elements that will help create a comfortable environment for your dog. Finding the perfect bed along with a soft blanket for nesting is the number one priority. Next, you need toys that are engaging such as puzzle toys. And finally, a quiet space where your pup can relax. – Scale Tails and Paws
3) Make the space interactive
The placement of interactive toys and colors can make a dog happy. Take the furniture out except for a nice couch or an oversized chair for the dog to lay on. Hide healthy treats in toys, under cups, and in snuffle mats so the dog has an opportunity to hunt. – Big Sky Dog Training
Turning a room for your dog into an enjoyable space doesn’t have to be difficult. You can create an engaging environment for your dog to remain stimulated by making sure your dog has interactive toys and rotating them often. This will help your dog not get bored of them, gain excellent mental stimulation and be a happy pet. – Pet Care Insurance
4) Incorporate aromas and pheromones in your dog’s space
Dog’s noses aren’t just cute, they use them to help understand the world around them. When creating a room specifically for your dog, visually appealing décor is important but so are aromas to please the nose. For example, a blanket that contains your scent will help them find comfort when they can’t be with you. – Tailored Pet Services
Just like people, everyday stressors can cause anxiety in our canine friends. We love using dog pheromones plug-ins in rooms our pups spend a lot of time; the pheromones help to create a calming, lower-anxiety environment for our pups so they can be the best friends we know and love. – Fur Services Fur Pets
5) Consider vinyl flooring
When creating a safe, enjoyable space for your dogs, consider vinyl floor tile since it is one of the most water-resistant and sound-absorbing types of flooring. It can withstand years of playful paws and inevitable accidents. For added warmth and safety, complete the look with a washable rug and a non-slip rug liner. – Canine Concierge
6) Add soft, washable pillows for comfort
Add soft pillows to couches and chairs, making sure that they are washable in case a dog gets sick. It quickly becomes a small dog’s favorite place to nap and adds a great design element for humans. – Kate Stoltz
7) Install a dog shower to clean your dog off after a muddy walk
Dogs, like humans, appreciate a comfy bed, so making sure your dog has a suitable cushion to lie on will make them happy. A dog shower is a common addition these days; we all want to keep our dogs clean after a muddy walk, and it would be good to clean your dog in a walk-in shower that isn’t your own. On warm days, it’s also a good idea to add temperature control or a fan to your dog’s area to keep them cool. – Pet Van Lines
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