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Have you recently given Fido a backyard after several years of being an apartment dog? Did you recently move into a new property and are unsure of how safe the backyard is for your furry friend? If so, then you need to learn all you can about how to make a dog-friendly backyard.
Doing so can help you build a playful paradise for your pup. No more worrying whether or not your dog escaped through the hole in the fence.
See below for an in-depth guide on how to create an awesome backyard for a dog that’s both safe and fun.
1. Install the Proper Fence
As you might assume, some fences are more efficient for dogs than others. It would seem that there are certain types of fences that didn’t factor in having a dog at all. Those types of fences won’t do your pup any service.
These days, there are so many different options when it comes to backyard fences:
- Wood fences
- Chainlink fences
- Wrought iron fences
- Steel fences
- Aluminum fences
- Vinyl fences & more
Since you’re building a backyard for your pup, we recommend leaning towards either a wood privacy fence or a vinyl privacy fence.
Wood fences are great because they can help you turn your dog’s backyard into a private oasis. They’ll enjoy running around and playing in their little world. Don’t worry, they’ll have plenty to bark at and chase, such as the squirrels in the trees.
A privacy fence can also help ensure the utmost safety for your best friend. You won’t have to worry about them escaping or squeezing through a tight opening in the fence.
This will also keep the critters out (primarily bunnies and other rodents) so that your dog doesn’t arrive at the front doorstep with a present you don’t want… We think you catch our drift there.
To get a high-quality fence, be sure to reach out to a fence installation company such as buttefence.com.
2. Invest in Dog-Friendly Landscaping
No, we are not implying that you have to spend thousands of dollars to get Kentucky Bluegrass installed on your property for your dog.
We’re simply implying that you spend a little time and money on keeping the landscape safe for your pup. Don’t set them up for failure with fragile garden accessories or items that they could potentially trip over when they galavant around their yard.
You’ll also want to keep the grass nice and trim for your furry friend. Just like humans, dogs hate walking in the long grass. It brushes up against them, it’s itchy, and it’s less enjoyable to run on. Would you want to do your business in long grass? We didn’t think so.
If you think we’re making this up, test our theory. Wait for your grass to get long and see if your pup still runs around in it as usual. Then, when you mow it, they’ll likely have a new pep in their step.
Lastly, try to minimize your usage of stones, bricks, etc. To set your dog up for success, you’ll want to have as much grass around it as possible.
3. Hook Them Up With a Spot
Dogs are highly territorial animals. They designate certain areas of their property for certain duties. For example, most dogs have a “potty” spot, a “digging” spot, and so on.
If you’ve recently moved to a new house, then they’ll need to gather their bearings. Give them a few days and see where they designate as their go-to “hangout spot”. This will likely be under a tree or on an area of the back porch where they can keep their eye on you sitting on the couch.
Wherever that spot ends up being, make sure to provide them with a bowl for water and potentially a comfortable weatherproof pillow for them to enjoy. Hook them up, human! Doggy needs to relax from a tough day.
4. Give Them a Scope-Out Area
No dream-like dog backyard is complete without a way to watch it from the indoors. Your pup needs a way to survey its domain from the comfy confines of the house.
Wherever the window overlooking the backyard is, there too shall your dog be also. Give them a chair to sit on or a couch cushion to lay on and watch that backyard in peace.
If you don’t like that option, then consider setting their dog bed by the back door so that they can see out to the backyard that way. It’s like television for them!
5. Pick Up Small Items
If your furry friend is a savvy vet (6 years or older) then this isn’t as much of a concern. But for all you owners out there with a crazy pup, you need to prioritize keeping small items out of your yard.
Take some time each week to grab a plastic grocery bag and walk up and down your backyard to look for small items. Pick them up, place them in the bag, and dispose of them when you’re done.
The last thing you want is to have a choking hazard in the backyard where you won’t always be accompanying your dog.
Build a Dog-Friendly Backyard for Your Pup Today
Now that you have read about how to build a dog-friendly backyard for your pup, all that is left to do is to take action!
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on creating pooch-friendly properties, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.
