When we bring dogs into our lives, it’s so much more than simply getting a pet. They become our furry family members – and we love making our pups feel as comfortable and at home as possible. That makes it no surprise that more and more people are finding fun, creative ways to incorporate dog-friendly design into their living spaces. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

 Built-In Beds: Dog owners know that our pooches like to go where we go – and that often means getting caught up underfoot! Give them their own place to hang out by creating built-in beds in various spaces of the home where having pups crash in the middle of the floor might not be the most convenient option. End tables, long benches, window seats, and even empty areas under the stairs can all be converted into comfy, cozy doggie hideaways.

Small But Thoughtful Upgrades: You can add small touches all over your home to make your living space more accommodating to your pup. Hardwoods are easy to clean, but can be slick. Consider adding a runner to areas like stairs or rugs to some rooms so you dog can get some traction! For older dogs, adding small ramps to features like doggie doors can make coming and going just a bit easier.

Hosing Station: You wipe your own feet when you come inside – wouldn’t it be nice if you could easily have your dog clean up too before tracking muddy pawprints all through your living space? If you want to go above and beyond to incorporating dog-friendly design into your home, you can’t go wrong with a mudroom with four-legged facilities.

Spruce Up Outdoor Spaces: You can put some pup-approved features outside your home, too. For dogs that love to spend time in the yard, give them a small pool or drinking area to help keep them cool on hot days. If you have a breed that is high-energy or simply loves to dig, you can even create a doggie sandbox from lumber and a dirt-and-sand mix (though you might want to have that hosing station in place before trying this!).

What creative ways have you found to include dog-friendly design into your home? Have you added any touches that help make your house as much your dog’s space as it is yours?