The backyard can’t just be for you. If you have a dog, you need to make sure the yard is dog-friendly. Not only do they need a place to run and play, but it also needs to be safe. You also need to make sure they don’t get bored and dig up your yard. By giving your dog plenty to do and designated areas, you can keep your yard in one piece. And, you can keep your puppy happy too.
It is essential for any pet with high exercise needs to have a dog-friendly backyard. Spending time outdoors boosts mental stimulation which in turn helps in preventing dog depression and other behavioral problems. There are many ways that you can create a low-maintenance, dog-friendly backyard.
All You Need to Know For Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard
The Set-Up
- River of Rock: Dogs that dig are the most destructive to a yard. You can prevent them from making a mess of your yard by placing a border made of bricks or rocks around the fences. Additionally, you can bury chicken wire in the soil under the fence. This will deter destructive diggers and escape artists from ruining your yard.
- Install a Fence: Having a reliable fence will make sure your dog has a place to run free safely. It also adds privacy to your home. A fence gives your dog a place to play safely and keeps other dogs or dangers out.
- Ground Cover: One of the top complaints about dog owners, is brown spots on the lawn. If you are having trouble keeping the grass green, opt for another dog-friendly covering for your yard.
For green lawns, choose between: - Clover: safe for dogs to eat and is tougher than grass.
- Synthetic turf: low maintenance and will not stain.
- A more durable grass blend: tougher types like Buffalo Grass or Kentucky Bluegrass withstand urine better.
Options for non-grassy yards include:
- Stone: Choose smooth stones that will be gentle on the paws
- Mulch: A safe, inexpensive option, mulch can be used to create a dog area. Cedar mulch has the added benefit of being a natural bug repellent that can help fight off fleas and ticks.
- Dog-Safe Plants: Should you have flowers or plants in the yard, make sure they are dog-friendly. You want to discourage chewing on plants, but if they do get into anything, at least you will know they are not poisonous.
Common plants that are safe include:
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
- Cilantro
- Sunflowers
- Sage
Plants to avoid include:
- Chrysanthemum
- Iris
- Peony
- Hydrangea
Living Arrangements
- Do-it-yourself Dog House: If your pet especially likes being outdoors, make sure they have a dog house. You can find custom dog houses or design and build one from scratch for your furry friend.
- Potty space: Give your pup his or her own personal fire hydrant. Replace mud with gravel and cedar chips which are dog-friendly to create a terrific potty space that will also brighten up the area. Your dog needs to have a separate area for potty, and this is a great way to mark it for them.
- Create Shade: If they do not have a dog house to keep them shaded, then be sure you create an area of shade for your dog. Include tall trees, bushes, or tall grasses in your landscape design so your pet can find some shade when they get too hot.
Entertainment and Activities
Doggy Pool
For dogs that are aquatically-inclined, set up a small water feature. You can get a cheap play pool or dig out a small pool or pond in your backyard. Other water options include:
- Decorative fountain.
- Sprinkler system.
- Dog watering system connected to your outdoor hose.
- Make sure they have their own water toys too.
- It is important with water features to ensure they have an accessible way to get to prevent drowning.
Puppy Portholes
Does your pup like to watch the world go by? Install a porthole in your fence by inserting a panel or bubble made of Plexiglas. This reduces any separation anxiety and also prevents digging and other destructive behaviors.
Sandbox
A doggy sandbox can serve one of two purposes. It will be a digging heaven or poop patch. Having a designated area for potty business helps protect the grass and ensures that you walk safely in your yard. If your doggy is a champion digger, you should install a small fence around the sandbox to make sure that dirt is kept in place. Backyard Obstacle Course – If you have space to spare then you should definitely consider creating an obstacle course for your dog. This is especially beneficial for active dogs. There are plenty of items that you can use without spending any money such as old tires, trash cans, PVC pipes, scrap wood, and more to create your pet’s obstacle course.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make your backyard more dog-friendly. The best part is that you can do this without spending a ton of money. You also get to make sure that you protect your backyard from any destructive habits, such as digging. With some creativity, the right materials, and tools and a little effort, you can create the perfect outdoor space for your furry friend to enjoy, all year round.
