Dogs love being outside, even if it’s just out in your garden. They’ll be able to bask in the sun and stretch their legs a bit. But how do you know your yard is the safest place for your pet? If you use the following ideas to create a dog-friendly backyard, you can be sure that your dog will love it and be safe.
If your dog gets bored in your garden, he could start barking or yelping. Even worse, he might try to explore and end up escaping. So to ensure that he is never bored outside, make sure there are plenty of toys out there for him to play with. Balls are a popular dog toy, and our kids will love playing catch with the dog. But there should also be some toys that he can play with on his own. Old rag dolls and chew toys are good, as he can spend hours chewing and carrying them around.
Safety First –
Your dog’s safety should be the number one priority. If you have any flowers or plants in your garden, check that they aren’t poisonous to dogs. If they are, you should replace them with some safe species. If you have any wire fencing, make sure that your dog can’t fit its head through the holes or gaps. Otherwise, this could be a choking hazard. Chicken wire makes a great boundary, as the holes are too small for dogs to fit through.
Replace Fragile Drainage –
If you have a puppy, they may still be going through their chewing phase! If you have already had your sofa and cushions chewed, you certainly won’t want your puppy ruining anything else by gnawing on it. One thing that could be chewed outside is the bottom of drainpipes. Many houses use plastic tubing, which can be easily gnawed. A Steel tube is much better for a puppy friendly garden, as they won’t be able to damage it with their teeth!
Flowing Water –
Your dog will want something to drink while they are relaxing outside. You could, of course, leave their water bowl out for them. But to add some style to your garden or yard that is also handy for your dog, think about installing a water feature. It should be low enough so your dog can reach it. If you already have a pond, you could install a fountain or small waterfall feature. Having flowing water is important. This ensures your dog is always drinking fresh water, as the water that is just in the drinking bowl can go stale and stagnant over time.
Territorial Posts –
Your dog will want to mark its territory in the garden. It will do this by doing its business at certain points. Put in some wooden posts and encourage it to use these posts for whenever nature calls. That way, you can be safe in the knowledge that the paddling pool or barbecue haven’t been sprayed!
And there you have it – a dog-friendly garden!