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Simon Webster
Having a dog is a great thing. Having a beautiful home can be nice, too. But can they go together? Interior designer and The Block judge Shaynna Blaze is certain that they can – even if there are a few challenges.
Her seven-year-old border collie, Phoenix, is mostly well-behaved. But there are times when she doesn’t quite show the appropriate level of respect for Blaze’s carefully selected furnishings.
“She loves her cosy bed, but she is cheeky and gets on the couch when she shouldn’t,” Blaze says. “When I’m out on the days she is inside I have had to accept she will sneak on there. That is my biggest compromise.”
To her credit, Phoenix does at least stick to one side of the couch, and she has her own blanket there – which just so happens to fit in quite nicely with the rest of the decor.
“It’s a throw from my collection that works with the house,” Blaze says.
Phoenix’s day beds in the lounge are also colour-coordinated with the house, and dog toys are hidden away in a drawer and brought out only at playtime.
This doesn’t just help keep the place tidy, but is part of Phoenix’s training, teaching her that playtime is on Blaze’s schedule, not hers. “A border collie would play all day if you don’t give them boundaries and time-out.”
Having a happy dog and beautiful home at the same time just takes a bit of planning and some training, Blaze says. Here are her top five tips:
1. Think about shedding
Look at the type of coat your dog has and make sure your furniture and flooring can handle it. Floorboards with rugs are easier to clean than carpets. And leather and vinyl furniture can be the best for a shedding dog; just keep their nails trimmed so they don’t leave deep scratches.
2. Plan for poop
If you have a puppy that is learning toilet training or an older dog that is incontinent, use outdoor rugs in your living room and bedroom as they are easy to clean. They also don’t absorb dog smells like wool does.
3. Set some bedtime boundaries
Train your dog to sleep or rest in one area. Otherwise, they will take over the whole house and you become the guest.
4. Wise up to water
Have one water bowl outside and one in the laundry or bathroom. People can trip over them if they’re in the kitchen or by the back door.
5. Tidy their toys
Put their toys away in a basket or a drawer and only bring them out at playtime. You don’t want them constantly left around the house – it’s like kids with Lego.
Safety first
Dr Ashe Mooney, the lead veterinarian with Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, says making a home safe for a dog is a bit like childproofing it.
“Make sure nothing toxic or easily ingestible is within access of the dog,” she says. “If you have items that you want displayed but aren’t safe around the animal, consider having a specific room where you put those items that the pet doesn’t have access to.”
Houseplants are a common hazard, Mooney says. Lilies, for example, which can be lethal for cats, can also be mildly to moderately toxic in dogs that consume them, she says.
“I usually recommend people use a plant identifying app or discuss with an expert at their local nursery which plants are pet-friendly before bringing them into the house or garden.”
Houseplant soil can also be an issue, as it may contain toxic fertilisers or parasites, Mooney says. “Selecting soils without animal-derived or chemical fertiliser can reduce risk. Otherwise, keeping the plant on a raised surface your dog can’t access can protect both the plant and the pet.”
Keeping your dogs safe from parasites is crucial, too. Mooney recommends treating regularly with products such as Simparica Trio, a monthly all-in-one chew that protects against a wide range of parasites. And don’t slacken off in winter, she says.
“A common misconception is that parasites can’t affect animals in cold weather. But many parasites, such as certain intestinal worms, thrive in colder weather, and can be consumed through inappropriately cooked or raw foods at any time of year.”
If a dog is not on a regular parasite prevention program, owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarian to better understand the health risks and discuss suitable protection options. To help inform these conversations, dog owners can also access an online assessment tool that identifies potential parasite risks based on their location, lifestyle and exposure to other animals and people.