For pet owners who love to spend time with their dogs, creating a dog-friendly backyard can be very rewarding but also challenging. From concerns about dog waste to worries about dog bites, many factors need to be taken into consideration when creating an area where dogs can be free to roam and play outdoors with their owners.
Having a dog-friendly backyard doesn’t just make it easier to hang out with your dog—it also makes it more fun. If you’re ready to turn your backyard into an inviting space for dogs, you may want to consider some of these options. These are simple ways to create a dog-friendly backyard that won’t take up too much of your time but will give you plenty of fresh air and fun with your pup.
Make a Garden
Planting a garden for your dogs can be an excellent activity for you and your pooch. Dogs enjoy working in their backyard just as much as you do, but they mustn’t dig up all of your flowers or plants, nor should you include plants that can be toxic to them. Make sure you have a section of your yard devoted to where they can dig, play, and eat grass with no repercussions.
Your dog will not only get fresh air and exercise, but he’ll feel like an important part of your household. As he digs around in his garden, be sure that there are plenty of rocks and objects for him to move around so that he doesn’t scratch up his paws or give himself blisters while digging through hard soil or sand.
Get Comfortable Sofa Seating
Dogs are active, playful animals. Provide some comfortable seating if you want your furry friend to use your backyard as a play area (or just hang out there with you). This can be as simple as throwing some pillows on your patio furniture, or if you’re looking for something weatherproof and long-lasting, look into getting an outdoor dog sofa. These couches are specifically designed for dogs, so they’re easy on their joints, provide ample space for stretching out, and have bolsters that allow them to keep an eye on what’s going on around them.
Plant Trees
Dogs love trees. Not only do they provide shade in hot summer months, but dogs can also walk around and scratch their backs on trunks without hurting themselves. If you have an older dog or one with arthritis, he’ll love being able to lay in a cool patch of shade. Shade from trees also keeps grass from growing as much, so it doesn’t need as much watering and will reduce your lawn care schedule.
If you have trouble growing your trees or lack fully-grown ones in your backyard, you can always hire tree services to plant or maintain them for you. By doing so, you’ll be able to spend more time with your dog while he’s outside and help your landscape look beautiful at all times of the year.
Install Fences
Having your dog off-leash can be stressful on you and dangerous for him. As long as you install a fence that is high enough, your dog will feel secure in his new backyard space. If you allow your pup to run free, make sure you give him lots of exercises before he gets out; a tired dog is less likely to get into trouble outside. If you live in a community with specific restrictions regarding fences or breeds, keep them firmly in mind when designing your new backyard.
Add Water Features
Dogs are naturally drawn to water. Not only does it encourage them to drink more, but pools and fountains also provide an instant avenue to play and exercise. If you’re looking for ways to spend more time outside with your dog, consider adding one or two water features. It’s simple to do yourself; if you don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, hire someone to help make that dream backyard a reality.
Dogs are also more likely to drink more water when it’s always readily available. For example, if you have an automatic water dispenser for your dogs outside, your pet is much less likely to get dehydrated. Having water immediately available can cut down on their overall consumption of other liquids and food.
It’s great that you want to keep your pup close. But remember, dogs need exercise and mental stimulation, too. Before you create a space in your backyard, think about how you can make it as convenient for both of you as possible. Think about where he likes to run and install an area rug near those spots in your backyard so that he has somewhere soft and comfy to rest when he’s done burning off some energy.
