Let’s all be honest, we’ve all walked into a house and immediately know that a pet lives there. In fact, we might be the culprits. Here are some tips on how to not have a gross house that no one wants to stay at because you have a dog…
Vacuum…OFTEN
If you have carpets in your home, it is very important that you vacuum at least once a week to help get out the grit and dander that can build up within the carpet. Get a good vacuum, too. Even if you have wood floors, it’s important to vacuum often, as those fur balls can collect dust in the corners. Dust = allergies for many!
Clean up those “oops” immediately
We all know that training a puppy isn’t fun/easy/clean. It is important to clean up those “oops” ASAP, so they don’t stain. It is also important to clean up those “oops” well, as you don’t want the dog to go back to that spot because it has their smell! Speaking of smell, don’t use anything with ammonia, as it smells like urine to dogs. Go to the pet store and buy products that are especially made to clean up those messes!
Wipe your dog down at the door
Keep a designated dog towel by the door. If it is raining out or mud season, wipe down your dog when they come in, to avoid tracking in the mess! Having a rug (especially a mud-absorbing one) at your door entrance can also help with this, as hopefully their paws will get wiped off when they come in.
Brush your dog often
Cut down the amount of hair flying around from the source…Get a good dog brush & brush Fido (OUTSIDE) once a week (more often for longer-haired dogs or during season changes). It’s also a good idea to get your pup professionally groomed once a month or so, if they have long hair.
Tip: Start brushing your dog as a pup, so they get used to it & it is a bonding experience for you both. It is a good task to do at the end of the day or after a romp, when they are tired & not squirming! 
Get a dog bowl mat
Water dishes and meal time can get a bit messy, so mats are highly recommended. A small (washable) rug will do the trick, too.
Don’t let your dog on the couch
This may be hard for some, but if you don’t want a fur coat every time you sit on your furniture, keep Fido off the couch. Dog beds are made for a reason. It is important that dogs have some boundaries. Allowing dogs on the couch also means that your couch’s life will be cut almost in half (which means you’ll be buying new furniture more often=$$). Dogs nails can also be extremely detrimental to couches, especially leather!
~If you do allow your dog on the couch, roll the couch often with a lint roller & vacuum over the couch at least once a week (make sure to get under the cushions, too!). Also make sure their nails are always clipped or else you’ll have scratches/holes all over & the couch/chair will be ruined. Another option is to get a sofa cover, which can be removed when you have company.
Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector
Keep your dog out of the bedrooms (or at least off the bed)
This is especially important if you have a guest room. It is best to keep the dog out of the guest room in case you have a visitor that has allergies, so at least they’ll have a place to breath a little easier. If you are prone to allergies, it is best to not let your dog in your bedroom, either (especially on your bed). Dogs have a way of carrying things in that you want to keep out. It is also a good way to avoid fleas & other bugs, which often looooove mattresses & pillows! It’s a big debate, but keeping dogs off the bed is just plain healthier. 
Tips for when you’re redecorating your home & you have a dog:
Carpets: Buy all-synthetic fibers, as unfortunately natural fibers tend to absorb everything! Loops are suggested versus a shag & also get a color that will be able to hide stains (aka white is not suggested). If you can, get a carpet that has a stain-shield. It also isn’t a bad idea to get carpets that somewhat match your dog’s fur, which can mask it between vacuumings.
Upholstery: Tightly woven fabrics are recommended. If you can, try to scotch-guard your fabrics, too! Couches or chairs with removable/washable covers are also ideal. Leather is fine, but make sure you treat it before you use it. If you really like the look of leather & have to snuggle up to your pup on the couch, opt for pleather instead to avoid scratches/ruining it. Avoid velvet & velvet-like fabrics at all costs-they are fur-magnets!
Furniture: Wicker is honestly not suggested. While it looks nice, it can fray easily and then be very tempting to Fido to chew on. Hopefully you have a well-trained dog, though. Get durable furniture & lamps with a solid (not tippy) base.
