• Decorating with your dogs in mind will make all of your lives easier.funny dog sleeping on pillow with legs crossed image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
  
  Consider your three dogs when you begin decorating your home. Decorating around the needs of your beloved pets will help you keep them safe, cut down on unnecessary cleaning and ensure your valuable possessions are not ruined or broken by your dogs. Balance practicality with your decor preferences to create a space that looks great but doesn't restrict the dogs.
  
  

Floors

• Tile or hardwood flooring may withstand the abuse of 12 paws better than carpet. If you have such floors, or can install them, consider adding a couple of well-placed area rugs throughout your home to add to the decor, soothe human feet and prevent your dogs from sliding into the walls, windows, furniture or anything else that may inadvertently get in their way. Thick, natural fibers that aren't looped will be kinder to you and your dogs, while patterns will typically hide stains better.
  
  

Furniture

• Choose furniture that is easy to clean and tough enough for sharp dog claws. Thicker linen blends, leather and ultrasuede are fabric choices that should stand up to the tests of your pets. Machine-washable slipcovers give you the option of changing a room's look or color scheme easily, or simply washing away pet odors and dog hair from time to time.
  
  Opt for duvet covers or machine washable blankets on top of your bed if you allow your dogs to share your bed. Consider white blankets or covers that can easily be bleached when necessary.
  
  Glass tables, vases or other breakable pieces should be kept in rooms where the dogs don't have access. Glass tabletops, such as on a dining table, may work if you train your dogs not to jump on the dining chairs and the glass is secured to keep it from tipping and breaking if a dog runs into the table.
  
  

Plants and Knickknacks

• Keep plants--especially the poisonous variety--and knickknacks on higher shelves where the dogs can't access them and won't accidentally knock over a low shelf or table that holds them. Use the walls to add decorative pieces that won't interfere with the dogs. For example, hang floating shelves to display your collections and candles or hang a large artwork or picture display. Bringing your guests' eyes up to admire your decor will likely keep them from noticing the chew toy that's sticking out from beneath the couch.
  
  

A Place for the Dogs

• Create a cozy corner or retreat for your dogs so they have a place to go when you have company. Coordinate their dog beds with your decor by using the same fabric or pattern on the beds and your throw pillows on the sofas. Hang decorative slipcovers over their kennels, leaving the openings unobstructed so they can still come and go. Place a decorative basket in their corner of the room to keep their chew toys. You may even be able to train them to help put away their toys if the storage area is easily accessible.