If there’s a dog (or two) in your family, you know how much they love to be outdoors. Whether you have a new home or are looking to refresh your yard, landscaping for dogs is easy.
You can have a great looking yard and happy pups, too. Here are a few tips:
Seeing Spot’s Spots?
When landscaping for dogs, one thing to consider is the issue of dog urine leaving “burned” areas in the grass. Solutions for this problem can include:
Using a more hardy type of grass
Creating a fenced “dog toilet” with artificial turf
Providing areas for your dog to relieve himself that are lined with stones or mulch instead of grass
Dog paths can leave bare patches in the lawn, too. An attractive way to deal with these “runways” when landscaping for dogs is to use stepping stone pavers to create a walkway. If you fence part of your yard to keep the dog out, we would recommend a flagstone path along the fence instead of grass. If your dog isn’t one to chew rocks, gravel borders along fences are also an option.
Can You Dig It?
Whether you have a puppy, a breed that loves to dig or just a dog that’s bored, you may have a yard full of craters. When creating landscaping for dogs, we can set aside an area filled with sand, mulch or soft soil that’s specifically meant for digging. You can encourage your dog to dig in the space by hiding dog toys there. Praising Fifi for only using that area to dig can help her learn to leave other areas alone.
Give Them Shelter
Whatever style you choose, a doghouse can add charm and a protected spot for your dog to lounge. As we design your landscaping, let us know if you’d like to include a doghouse or other dog shelter. If your goal is to create summer shade for your dog, we can also select appropriate plants or trees to include in your design.
The War on Mud
For many dog families, mud that gets tracked into the house is a constant issue. A large patio near your door could cut down on muddy paws. Finding ways to vary your dog’s path around the yard can also help preserve grass and decrease mud.
Healthy and Happy
Landscaping for dogs means you can enjoy time outside with your pet without worrying. As we design your landscape, tell us about your pets so we choose plants that are dog-friendly. You might also want us to include a pet watering spot, a paw-washing station or an area where you can play fetch.
As dog owners, we understand that it’s important to consider every member of the family when designing the perfect landscape. If you’re dealing with pet damage to your yard or just planning to update your landscaping, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
