There’s no question the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted many people to purchase dogs. Not only has it been the perfect distraction, it was also great timing. With families at home most days, it was ideal for training a new pup or adapting to an older, perhaps rescue dog, with all the extra time on hand. Not only that, but what a wonderful companion to have around the house during this time.

I was reluctant for years to have a dog. My family begged and begged, to the point I finally said, “it’s me or a dog”, to which they all shrugged their shoulders thinking having a dog around instead of me, might actually be their choice.

If you’ve had a new, or new to you dog join your family in the last few months, we’re sharing seven tips for storage, hanging out, and walking your fur baby.

1. A dog bed that mixes well with your decor

There’s no need to compromise style for your dog. Even better it gives a great excuse to add an accessory to your space that your furry friend will love to hang out in. Pups love their people and giving them a comfortable, and design savvy place to lounge close to you is the perfect addition to your already fabulous space.

7 Stylish Tips for your Dog, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs

2. Specific place for food and water

Pups like familiar places and consistency, so keeping their food and water in the same place is important to them. A simple set of stainless steel dishes is ideal for cleaning (they’ll easily go in and out of the dishwasher) and we love the idea of placing them on a stylish tray to keep any spills off the floor.

3. Stylish basket for toys

It’s no secret, dogs love their toys. Keep them close at hand in the most stylish way in a basket to suit your decor. Your guests will hardly know it’s dog toy storage until they take a closer look!

4. Pet friendly fabrics for sofas & chairs

If you’re like us, we can’t say no to our pups cuddling with us on the sofa. Choosing a maintenance friendly fabric such as one with a stain resistant or repellant finish or even washable is ideal. Nyla used a plush, indoor/ outdoor fabric on her new sofa that can even be bleached! Not in the market for a new sofa or reupholstery job? Fear not, a stylish throw that can be tossed in the washing machine as needed is a great alternative.

5. Tub with a wand for easy clean up

If you’re home is not equipped with a dog washing station, and let’s face it, most are not, having a tub or shower with a detachable wand makes for easy cleaning when they’ve found themselves in mud or simply need a freshening up before their next grooming.

6. Drawer/ cupboard dedicated to your dog

A place for everything, and everything in its place! This is no exception for the dogs in our life. Keeping food, treats, leash etc. all in one place is ideal. It also keeps things out of site and out of mind for the curious pups and those that want to go for a w-a-l-k 24/7.

7. Don’t forget a stylish collar!

Just as us humans love to add the jewelry and accessories, whether function or purely aesthetic, dogs can look stylish too! A cute or handsome collar is a great way adorn your pup, even if they don’t know the difference, ‘cause simply, why not?

I knew I wasn’t going to win the battle of getting a dog, and as I did come around to the idea of having a furry friend in the house, we sealed the deal and Lola made her way into our home and mostly our hearts. I can’t imagine our family without her and ironically I think I’m the one who loves her the MOST.