5 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Doggie Paradise
Making your backyard dog-friendly is the best way to keep your dog from getting bored or wanting to explore the other side of the fence. If your yard is a fun and enjoyable place for your pooch, chances are he’ll hang out there.
Making your backyard a doggie paradise is not as difficult as it may sound. Think of bushes to sniff, obstacles to jump over and generally speaking, romping and racing without the risk of injuries.
Here are some ideas that will delight your pup…
1. Create Paths & Hidden Trails
Paths will not only spruce up your yard, but they will also provide an extra thrill for your best buddy.
Wandering about paths is the dogs’ favorite pastime, but make sure to opt for materials that stay cool and are easy on the paws. You can use rock, comfy mulch, or wood chips to create paths.
Hidden trails and areas out of sight will give your dogs more opportunities to explore. Having them in your backyard is a great way to make them feel like they are in the wilderness.
Bushes to venture through will keep your four-legged friend stimulated and occupied.
2. Digging Area
Lots of our furry friends love to dig, which may become an issue when you have prize roses in your garden. Don’t worry… you don’t have to say goodbye to your gardening efforts. There is a much better solution for you and your pup!
Designate a part of the yard to be the digging area. Burying some toys or bones can help you teach your dog to use that area only.
Tougher grass breed like Bermuda is a superior choice for damage-prone areas. If you are looking for natural and organic ways to ease the lawn care process, aeration is the key.
Lawn aerator shoes can help you create a healthy and lush lawn without much fuss.
Also, installing artificial grass can help you discourage digging, and as a bonus, it never needs mowing and always stays green. Artificial turf can, however, get very hot in direct sunlight, so it’s best to install it in shaded areas.
3. Include Natural Elements
Building a small backyard pond is not too difficult and it will not only keep your dog entertained and cool in the heat, but it will also look awesome. Of course, this will only work if your dog loves the water.
Decorating the pond with plants, stones or mulch will beautify the space.
The pond should be shallow enough that your pooch can get in for a dip easily, and also get out without hassle.
Access to fresh and clean water is an absolute must. If you want to splurge a bit you can get a doggy water fountain.
4. Provide Plenty of Shade
Protection from the sun is necessary, especially if you reside in a warmer climate. If you have lots of trees in your yard you don’t have to worry about dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn.
But if you don’t you will need to provide your pup with a place to cool off.
Overhead tarps can be useful protection. You can also opt to build your dog a shelter to get out of the sun and protect him from the rain.
5. Outdoor Tunnels for Extra Fun
Our furry friends have almost an unlimited supply of energy, so is there a better way to let them burn off some of that energy than to incorporate a playground area?
Running through the tunnel can provide a lot of fun and excitement both to the pooches and the kids. You can buy or build an outdoor tunnel yourself.
By shaping a tunnel into different curves you can create a variety of challenges for your dog.
They are also great hiding spots for your pup when the days are hot.
Safety’s first, no matter what. Always make sure that the materials you use in your yard are dog-friendly. If you plan to add plants and vegetation to your backyard, check the list of plants that are poisonous to dogs first thing.
If your furry buddies spend their time outdoors it is important to design your garden to meet their needs. When designing your pup’s dream backyard, think of his or her particular traits and personality. You may also want to think about fencing your yard and consider some various dog fence ideas.
And the better you can accommodate his or her characteristics, the happier your pooch is going to be.