How to create a dog friendly backyard

The safety of your pooch is the most important thing to consider! A safe environment will allow your pup to explore and play with a sense of calm and security, and will allow you to relax knowing they are protected.

Anyone who knows dogs will be aware that they need boundaries – you don’t want your pup roaming out of your yard and onto the road; Installing some sort of fence is the best way to keep your dog from escaping.

There are plenty of ways to build a fence that fits with the style of your home, but you should also consider what kind of fence will suit the type of dog you have!

Some dogs are excellent jumpers, so if you’ve got a breed that loves to bound, make sure it’s high enough to keep them in - Working dogs like Kelpies can jump up to 9.6 feet! Breeds like Belgian Malinois, Collies and German Shepherds are able to clear 5-6 feet - Consider this when installing any fencing and gates, and be aware of any objects that could be used to scale a fence, including furniture, plant pots and retaining walls. 

Others are great at digging! Terriers, Beagles, Dachsunds and Huskies are all fantastic diggers! Ensure your fence is installed in a way that an escape beneath isn't possible - for some pups, river rocks or gravel at the base of the fence can be a deterrent, For more determined diggers, Installing your fence atop buried retaining slabs, or alongside concrete paths should prevent them from their earthmoving endeavours and keep them safe in your yard.

For crafty dogs, a solid fence with a perimeter clear of scalable objects will help to prevent climbing, and the use of padlocks can help those clever gate-openers!

Many dogs also love to patrol, so giving your pup a boundary to check several times a day will help to keep them content.

You can even go one step further and actually build a path for them patrol!

Create a small one along your property line, or observe their existing walking route and build one along that.

Go one step further and plant a screen to hide the path from view – pups love having a secret space to run around in, and a tunnel can create a fun space for them to explore.

If you have multiple dogs or children, they’ll love chasing each other along the path and through the tunnel. Doubling as shade on hot days, and a calm refuge on busy days, tunnels are something your pooches will be grateful for in more ways that one!

Access to plenty of fresh water is essential for any dog, so building a small water feature is a great way to keep your dog cool (and entertained!) in the summer.

They’ll love having somewhere to splash about on a hot day, and watching them enjoy the water will always put a smile on your face. It is important that your pets and children are ALWAYS actively supervised by a competent adult when in or around water. Ensure your pets can get out of the water easily if need be, so make sure your feature has gently sloping sides or easily accessible steps, and a shallow feature will be a safer option for your pet to play in.

For a more temporary option, have a look at puppy splash pads, dog-specific pools or use a standard sprinkler! Some water inclined dogs will also have a ball simply playing with the hose. Always keep an eye on your pet, and ensure that they aren't able to bathe in or drink any water from a feature or pool that has been treated with chemicals or has been stagnant for any period. 

We also recommend being careful about leaving standing water, especially in the warmer months, as still water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes which are carriers of dangerous heartworm. Keep your feature moving (through the use of a fountain or bubbler) to prevent larvae from growing, and ensure to drain it when not in use. Mosquito repelling plants can also help to keep your furry friend safe- Read more about them here! 

Artificial Grass can be a great place to play for both children and pets. Soft and safe, your pups won’t be able to dig it up easily and will be protected from bothersome grass burrs and dangerous grass seeds! It stays soft, reduces the mud they can track around in wet weather and is easy to keep clean. Our Artificial Lawn is expertly installed and securely pinned, so even the most rambunctious dogs will struggle to damage it with their zoomies or find a loose edge to pull up. 

The only maintenance it requires is the occasional spray with a garden hose, and it stays neat, tidy and green all year round. Since it’s so low-maintenance, you’ll have plenty of spare time to spend relaxing and playing with your pups in your backyard. It’s a win-win!