It is important to design your yard to be dog-friendly for your dog. Consider adding a fence or a permeable paving system. Select plants that are resilient to play, but don’t let your dog overpower them. And, if you have a large yard, add a shady area where you can relax and read a book. Expert tips to create a dog-friendly backyard can help you get started.
Fence in a part of your yard
One way to make your yard dog-friendly is to fence in a section. Dogs love to explore and will often find their way out of your yard. You can help curb this tendency by providing a comfortable spot for your dog to rest or play. Also, make sure your dog has access to his or her favorite toys and food. Additionally, give him or her a place to go where it can stay dry and out of the rain.
Another way to make your yard dog-friendly for dogs is to add rollers to your fence. These are generally made of PVC pipe that is mounted around a metal pipe. When a dog gets its paws on them, the rollers spin towards them, preventing them from gripping the fence posts. To discourage your dog from digging holes, you can install a gravel barrier under the fence.
A dog-friendly section of your yard is also important to keep out wild animals and other pets. This is especially true for dogs that are bred for hunting small game. If your yard is not fenced, even a well-trained dog can get out and explore. In this case, it is best to have a kennel or pen in that area. It is also advisable to provide a separate area for feeding and urinating. A dog pen will also help make your yard dog-friendly and increase the usability of your backyard. You can have a well-designed dog run constructed by a reputable fence company, such as AAA Fence LLC.
Install a permeable paving system
To keep your yard free of mud, add a permeable paving system to your yard. Pavers made of clay or stone are ideal for dog-friendly backyards. They come in various colours and sizes and can tolerate high traffic and water exposure. Not only do they keep the dirt from tracking into your home, but they also help to prevent puddles from forming.
Permeable paving systems are made of different building materials. These types of paving allow water to drain through the surface, and allow plants and grass to grow. Unlike non-porous materials, permeable paving allows water to filter out pollutants and solids and is more suitable for residential driveways. You can also use recycled concrete to create a permeable paving system.
Permeable paving systems are relatively inexpensive. The price will depend on the type of material you choose, the size of your yard, and the type of permeable paving you choose. Permeable paving material is usually comparable to conventional concrete, but installation costs are usually higher. DIY’ers can install permeable paving, but they need to be aware of the soil conditions and ideal depth.
Install permeable paving systems for driveways and large walkways. You’ll need a 6-inch gravel bed underneath these permeable paving materials. Once installed, these permeable pavers are durable and require less maintenance than asphalt. The permeable paving market is projected to grow at 5% a year through 2026. This growth is great news for both pet owners and the environment.
Choose plants that stand up to dog play
When designing your yard to make it dog-friendly, it’s important to choose plants that can withstand a dog’s playful behavior. Avoid using brittle plants that break easily and plants with thorns or sharp foliage that could hurt your dog or even yourself. Instead, use ornamental grasses to create designated play areas and protect your flowers. You can even cover flowerbeds with protective wire enclosures.
The best way to protect your landscaping from your dog is to choose plants that are salt and drought tolerant. These are especially helpful for male dogs, which tend to mark their territory by peeing on the plants. Female dogs, on the other hand, can urinate on plants, burning the foliage and roots. To protect your plants, try trailing juniper, which is salt-tolerant and suitable for USDA zones 3 through seven.
Make sure your dog has different paths through the garden. Try planting different types of plants, like ornamental grasses and salix. A boisterous dog can quickly destroy delicate plants and delicate stems. Choose plants with a hardier backbone, such as shrubs, if possible. Even if your dog isn’t a gardener, it can still offer a great entertainment area. However, make sure that you avoid planting plants that are toxic to dogs.
Add a shady spot
For dogs who spend lots of time outside, creating a shady spot in the yard is a must. Having a place to rest will prevent your dog from overheating and can provide shelter from the elements. Tall trees or a tarp strung between two trees can provide shade for your dog. If you don’t have trees, you can create a doghouse in your yard so your dog can rest under its roof.
Dogs will need an area to mark their territory. A dog-friendly area can be created with sculptural driftwood or large stones. These areas are ideal for your dog to use as a marking post. In addition to these areas, create a pathway that is safe for both humans and your dog. Incorporating a path in your backyard will help you avoid a hazard for your dog.
Adding a shady spot to ten-foot-long lawns and flowerbeds is an important part of creating a dog-friendly backyard. Not only do dogs need a cool place to rest, but they also need a place to relieve themselves. You can create this space by placing stone or wood barriers around plants. Wire or stone barriers can be stylish and protect your plants from the dog’s pee and mess.
A healthy dog-friendly yard is full of interesting features and areas to explore, and it is easy to make them a pet’s haven. Even a small yard can be transformed into a dog-friendly area by removing all the hazards and making the area safe for your dog. The following ideas can help you create a dog-friendly yard that you can enjoy for years to come.
Add a mudroom
If you want to create a dog-friendly backyard, consider adding a mudroom to your home. The added space is great for storing pet supplies, keeping the backyard clean, and providing a convenient place to wash your dog. A custom cabinet built for pets can hold a dog bed and keep it off the ground. The built-in kennel can be accessed by perforated doors.
In addition to a mudroom, you can make your entryway into a kennel. You can install wire crates or purchase a custom kennel and integrate it into your cabinetry. A mudroom can also double as a doggie playroom. Whether you want to make the backyard your dog’s haven, a dog kennel can make the space much more functional and safe for your pup.
An integrated mudroom with bench seating can hide dirt tracked in from outside. Consider adding hooks and a hat/coat rack to maximize its functionality. You can also add a cat house or knell for your pet. You can even add a bench with storage underneath. A storage wall and bench make a useful mudroom for pets. With the help of an in-house dog grooming shop, you can create an inviting dog-friendly backyard that is also safe for the pets.
When creating a mudroom, keep in mind the functional space of a mudroom. It should be warm and cozy so that you can put your boots on and hang up your coat. While you should be sure to include a sink, don’t go overboard with bold accent pieces as they could distract from essential storage areas. A vibrant paint scheme and whimsical wallpaper are two great choices.
