How to DIY a Dog Stocking

1. Scooter

"Scooter because when they got him, he would drag his [behind] on rugs because he had worms," one user revealed.

2. Cat

"I've never been fond of highly normal-named dogs (David, Katie, Tom, Sarah, etc). But then there are also people like my [derpy] old roommate who, for some special reason, named his dog Cat," another user said.

3. Hashtag

"My sister-in-law named her dog Hashtag. Not even kidding. She thought it was trendy and unique," shared a user.

4. Joachim (Multiple Times)

"My husband's family likes to get the same types of dogs and give that dog the same name as the dog before it. They've had generations of Shih Tzus named Joachim starting in, like, the 1950s, and there was also a series of Portugues water dog duos all named the same thing," one user explained.

5. Kaiser Koenig der Schnitzel Fritz

"I adopted a dachshund from a lady who was getting divorced and was going to submit him. His name was Kaiser Koenig der Schnitzel Fritz... We just called him Fritz," recalled another user.

6. Dave

"A colleague called her dog Dave. When I started at the job, I couldn't figure out who the [heck] she was talking about when she 'took Dave for a walk.' I was too scared to ask who Dave was," detailed a user.

7. Girl & Boy (But In Reverse)

"There was this old lady that would take her two chihuahuas to the dog park. I'd also see them occasionally on walks around the neighborhood. They were both white and looked very similar," one user remembered.

"The male dog was named Girl, and the female dog was named Boy. They were nasty little dogs. Girl peed on my shoes once, too."

8. Chair

"I once heard someone name their dog Chair. The poor pup must have been so confused," added a user.

9. Aye

"My brother named his dog Aye because he wouldn't respond to anything else except 'Aye!' Come to find out, the former owners were Haitian, and the dog understood more Creole than English," a user said.

"They still got the dog. He's 15 years old, and my brother's family has learned some Creole phrases for him. He understands English now, but his name still remains Aye."

10. Joshua

"My dad never had a son to name him Joshua, so he named our dog Joshua," joked a final user.

1. Border Collie

With a history of livestock herding, Border Collies are revered for their remarkable intelligence and high energy levels. They thrive when given a task to focus on, but without a way to express their natural herding instincts, they may act out and try to outsmart their owners.

Plus, they become easily stressed when they're not provided with enough mental stimulation and physical activity.

2. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards may look like big teddy bears, but they can also be quite stubborn. Yes, these dogs generally have sweet personalities, yet without early socialization and consistent training, these gentle giants may develop some behavioral issues.

Keeping this breed in check is harder due to their huge size. That's why any unwanted habits, like jumping up on counters or people, can spiral out of control.

Not to mention, Saint Bernards are notorious for being messy due to their excessive drooling.

3. Siberian Husky

If you looked up "high-maintenance dog" in the dictionary, you might be greeted with a picture of the Siberian Husky.

This breed is independent, extremely energetic, and requires tons of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy. Siberian Huskies also have strong-willed personalities that may make them prone to ignoring commands and doing things their way, particularly when it comes to escaping.

These escape artists are notorious for running out the door whenever they're given the chance.

4. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells have spirited personalities and seemingly boundless energy, earning them the reputation of being "hyper."

These pups have a strong prey drive as well, meaning they're prone to behaviors such as barking and digging. These tendencies can be especially challenging for first-time dog owners to handle.

Plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization are needed to keep this breed in line.

5. Australian Cattle Dog

Much like the Siberian Husky, Australian Cattle Dogs excel when they're physically and mentally engaged. These herding dogs are often clever enough to outsmart their owners and quickly become bored, leading them to resort to mischief.

Anyone who opts to adopt an Australian Cattle Dog must provide their pup with a lot of training and a job to do, whether it's herding, agility, or another activity.

6. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are known for their protective and territorial instincts, and if they aren't properly trained, this breed may become aggressive.

These dogs are strong-willed, large in size, and may try to assert dominance if they sense a lack of authority. Early socialization, routine training, and assertiveness are crucial for raising a Rottweiler that's well-behaved.

7. Akita

Akitas have a significant prey drive since they were bred to hunt large game, and they can exhibit aggression or behavioral issues if they're not socialized and trained properly.

This breed also tends to be protective and aloof with strangers, so it may not always get along with other canines. These dogs thrive with more experienced owners who can establish clear boundaries and provide firm training.

8. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are renowned for their remarkable sense of smell, making them stellar hunting dogs and helpers for law enforcement officers trying to track down missing persons and fugitives.

However, this breed can be self-reliant and stubborn, which makes training more challenging. Bloodhounds can become easily distracted by scents, so traditional training techniques tend to be less effective.

9. Dachshund

Dachshunds may look tiny and harmless, but these comically long dogs also have an independent spirit (and can sometimes be stubborn).

They have a knack for being mischievous and surprising digging abilities, meaning they'll tunnel under fences or anything else that stands in their way. Consistent training is key to curbing their more curious and disruptive tendencies.

10. Dalmatian

Last but certainly not least are Dalmatians. These dogs have loads of energy, a strong-willed nature, and crave companionship, so they need both attention and exercise to remain happy.

Otherwise, this breed can be quite chaotic. Dalmatians are well-suited for more active owners who can keep up with their lively personalities.

THE BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."