How to Create a Dog-Friendly Backyard for Your Pup in 7 Steps

A dog-friendly backyard not only provides a safe and stimulating environment for our furry friends but also enhances our outdoor living experience. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to create a dog-friendly backyard that both you and your pooch will love to spend time in.

1. Invest in Good Quality Fencing

The first step in creating a dog-friendly backyard is to ensure that it’s fully fenced. A sturdy fence ensures that your dog won't escape and get lost or hurt, plus it keeps other animals out. The fence should be tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping over and strong enough to withstand your dog's attempts to dig under it. Making your fence dog-proof is especially important if you own a dog that’s known to be an escape artist – huskies, we’re looking at you!

2. Provide a Soft Ground Covering

Dogs love to run and play, but hard surfaces such as concrete or gravel can be tough on their joints. Soft ground covering such as grass or mulch provides a more forgiving surface for playtime, plus it’s much safer for kids to enjoy playtime fun with their favorite furry friend if the ground is soft.

3. Provide a Water Source

Water is essential for our dogs' health, especially during hot weather. Providing a clean and accessible water source in your backyard ensures that your dog stays hydrated throughout the day. A dog-friendly water fountain or a large water bowl will do the trick. To inject the fun factor, a dog pool or sprinkler/hose is sure to provide entertainment and a cool down at the same time – just be sure you always supervise your dog when playing in the water.

If your pup enjoys water activities, check out 10 Water Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog.

4. Create Shaded Areas

Dogs can easily overheat in the sun, so it's important to provide shaded areas where they can rest and cool down. Trees, umbrellas, or canopies can be used to create shaded areas in your backyard. You could also consider adding a doghouse or a covered porch where your dog can relax away from the sun’s rays, plus they provide shelter from rain if they get caught outside in a downpour.

Find more helpful tips to keep Fido cool in the summer: How to Stop Your Hot Dog Getting From Getting Barbecued.

5. Set up a Play Area

Dogs love to play and explore, so consider setting up a doggy play area in your backyard. You can provide some simple toys such as balls, frisbees or rope toys, or you want to go all out, you could create an obstacle course, or set up agility equipment. A digging pit is an excellent option to avoid your pooch digging up your plants and causing mayhem in your borders! Set up a sand pit, fill it with sand, hide their toys in it and let them get digging – hopefully they’ll soon learn that this is now their designated digging area, and your plants and soil will be safe!

All of the above can provide hours of fun for your dog and provides a stimulating environment so they can burn off excess energy. A tired dog is a happy dog.

6. Take Safety Considerations into Account

Sorry to get to the boring part, but while creating a dog-friendly backyard, it's very important to consider your dog's safety. Avoid using plants that are toxic to dogs or materials that may harm them. If your dog suffers from allergies, ensure you avoid plants that can cause allergies in pets. Ensure that any structures such as fences or doghouses are secure, stable, and well maintained to prevent accidents.

7. Get Ready for Paw Cleaning

Now you’ve got a dog-friendly backyard for your pooch, a paw cleaning set-up is a must! After your pup’s been having a swim or playing in the sprinklers, then running all over your garden, those paws are not going to be fit to enter your home. It’s very wise to have at the minimum one clean towel by the back door ready to get your pooch all cleaned up after their antics in your backyard. A dog-friendly backyard is no fun if they bring half the garden back inside your home with them!

Creating a dog-friendly backyard can be fairly simple, and the rewards will speak for themselves. A backyard perfect for your pup will not only enhance your dog's quality of life but also provide you with a safe outdoor space that you and the whole family can enjoy with your furry friend. Visit Find My Breed to find hand towels, shirts, and more featuring your dog's breed!