Dogscaping is a new trend in which dog owners are making a conscious effort to landscape their yards with their dogs in mind. This means using dog-friendly materials and plants, creating areas of the yard just for dogs, and trying to keep dogs and humans in perfect harmony when sharing an outside space.
Fencing
While a fence may not be something a dog wants, it is certainly a necessity to keep him safe. Always be sure to get a fence that is tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it, and consider putting chicken wire under it so he can’t dig out. Chainlink fences are good, sturdy fences, but some dogs can learn how to climb them and escape. To make the fence look more natural, consider planting tall shrubs or hedges along the fence line to create a second boundary that makes it more difficult for your pooch to get out.
Paths
Most dogs are territorial and tend to patrol the yard. To allow them to do this safely and easily, consider putting a path a few feet from the fence line around the entire yard. The path should be at least three feet wide. If your dog has already created his own path, use it. Instead of trying to create a new path, put down dog-friendly material on the path he’s already made so he can walk it more comfortably. Some dog-friendly materials are concrete, flagstone, and smooth rocks. Never use sharp rocks that can injure your dog’s paws or cocoa mulch which can be poisonous to dogs.
Water
Water is a necessity when it comes to creating a dog-friendly yard. Whether it’s a bowl of fresh, clean water, a bubbling fountain, or a pond, dogs need water to keep them happy and healthy. If you do end up installing a pond or other large water feature, make sure it is easy for dogs to get in and out of.
Digging Area
If your dog loves to dig and you love to garden, you may have a problem on your hand. However, you can easily create a digging area for your dog to enjoy. Most dogs dig either out of boredom or to cool off. In either case, it’s generally easier to train the dog to dig in a specified place rather than wherever he chooses.
Shade
Dogs can get sunburnt and overheated just as easily as humans do. Always make sure you have a cool, shady area where your pup can cool off. If you have sand or dirt in your yard, consider getting a doggy hammock or outside dog bed so your dog can lay down in comfort without getting dirty. Or get a big, flat rock your dog can lay on so he can watch over the yard while cooling off.
Entertainment
Dogs get bored very easily, much like children. When dogs get bored, they can become destructive. A great way to keep your dog exercised in both mind and body is to create an obstacle course or play area. You can purchase one or create your own. Unless you are training your dog for professional competitions, you probably won’t need anything too expensive or you can build your own custom course. Both you and your dog will have fun while getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors together.
Written by Kelly Mahan, also writer for homeyou.com, a company that helps homeowners find the best contractors for their home improvement projects, right in their area. Check more on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram: @teamhomeyou
