A Pet-Friendly Home: Storage, Training and Furniture Tips

If you’re a pet owner, you understand your pet’s comfort is just as important as your own. That’s why it’s essential to have a home ready for pet storage, accidents and playtime. In this edition of 417 Living, we explore expert tips and tricks to help you create a pet-friendly space: 

• Concepts by Design shares insights into popular hidden pet storage solutions.
• Off Leash K9 Training of Springfield provides recommendations on dog training at home. 
• Missouri Furniture shares advice on maintaining your furniture’s condition while living with pets. 
• Barc-ees details how to have the best experience at their new dog park, coffee shop and kids’ zone. 

Expert Advice for Hidden Pet Storage

Concepts by Design

Location: 4123 N. State Hwy H, Springfield
Specialty: Custom cabinets, closets and storage solutions

Concepts by Design specializes in blending aesthetics and functionality, and that goes for pet storage as well. Their approach to designing pet-friendly storage solutions thoughtfully balances the needs of pets with the functional requirements of the space. 

When designing pet storage, Concepts by Design assesses what needs to be included and tailors the cabinetry accordingly. This includes drawers or bins for toys, pull-outs for food, compartmentalized drawers for other pet essentials and built-in spaces for a pet bed or crate. “Keeping things tucked away is key for keeping the aesthetics strong in the space,” says Owner Shelley Wehner. 

Concepts by Design’s most popular hidden storage requests include pet food, feeding bowls and leashes. Here are their top tips for organizing these items:

Pet food storage: For those who buy dry pet food in bulk, a sealed storage container is a great solution. Concepts by Design can design cabinetry to accommodate these containers, placing them on roll-out trays for easy access. A typical location is under sinks in utility rooms, where feeding stations are often located. 

Hidden bowls: Hidden feeding bowls are ideal for pets that aren’t free feeders. Concepts by Design suggests toe kick pull-outs that house the pet feeding bowls, making them easy to access and convenient to tuck away. They can also create an alcove to place pet food bowls out of walking areas for free-feeding pets. 

Storing leashes: Leashes can be stored on hooks inside a broom cabinet or rolled neatly into a divided drawer with a specific spot for the rolled-up leash. 

Pet-Training Tips

Off Leash K9 Training of Springfield

Location: Springfield, with trainers in Nixa and Branson
Specialty: Dog training

Training a dog can be one of the most daunting aspects of pet ownership. On average, it takes about four to six months to fully house-train a dog, though some may take up to a year depending on factors such as breed, age and the consistency of training. Off Leash K9 Training of Springfield specializes in transforming dogs of all ages, breeds and behavior levels into well-mannered companions. Their team says pet owners should seek professional help as soon as they bring their puppy home. Early training helps prevent bad habits from forming and ensures the puppy learns the right behaviors from the start. To set your puppy up for success, Off Leash K9 Training Southwest Missouri offers these top five tips for effective dog training:

1. Consistency is key: Establish a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks and playtime. Dogs thrive on routine, and it helps them understand what’s expected.

2. Seek professional guidance: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Off Leash K9 Training’s in-person puppy training program guides dog owners step-by-step through the house training process and beyond. Their professional support ensures puppies are set up for success from day one.

3. Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially in the early stages of training, to prevent accidents and catch signs they need to go out. 

4. Crate training: A properly sized crate can be a valuable tool, as dogs are less likely to eliminate in their sleeping area.

5. Be patient: House training is a process, and every dog learns at their own pace. Remain patient and understanding, even during setbacks.

Make Your Furniture Pet-Friendly 

Missouri Furniture

Location: 1881 W. James River Rd., Ozark
Specialty: Home furniture

For pet owners, finding furniture that can handle the daily challenges of sharing a home with furry friends can feel daunting. Missouri Furniture has curated options from brands like Best Home Furnishings, England Furniture and Flexsteel, all featuring fabrics that are stylish, durable and easy to clean. These choices are perfect for anyone who wants their space to look good while also being practical for a pet-friendly lifestyle. Beyond choosing the right pieces, keeping your furniture in great shape requires a bit of strategy:

Keep up with maintenance: Maintaining pet-friendly furniture starts with regular care—keeping pets clean, avoiding feeding them on the couch and frequently vacuuming to remove fur, especially in those hard-to-reach places between cushions. Missouri Furniture offers a furniture care kit for purchase, specifically designed to help protect and clean furniture. 

Have a protection plan: For those inevitable moments when life happens, Missouri Furniture’s Platinum Protection Plan is there as a safety net. The plan covers a one-time pet-related damage that standard manufacturer warranties typically do not include.

Pet-proof in advance: Beyond the protection plan, pet-proofing existing furniture is all about investing in the right materials. Look for fabrics that can handle the wear and tear of pet claws, spills and occasional accidents. Missouri Furniture’s performance fabrics offer these benefits and more, providing peace of mind that your furniture will last. Options include waterproof, stain-resistant or nanotechnology-based fabrics—all designed to repel pet messes, with nanotechnology offering the highest level of protection.