How to Landscape a Backyard for Dogs

Backyard landscaping for dogs

The backyard is an ideal place for you and your dog to play and rest. Backyard landscaping can be beautiful and meet your dogs' needs at the same time. Security and safety are top priorities so include an attractive well-built fence in the backyard landscape plans. Be particular about your plant selections and make sure there is plenty of room for the dogs to exercise. Enjoy the outdoors when you use these guidelines to landscape a backyard for dogs.

Things You'll Need

• Fencing material
• Plants
• Doghouse
• Water feature

Instructions

Landscape a Backyard for Dogs

1. 

   Build a sturdy fence around the perimeter of the backyard. Put in gates for easy access. Make sure that the gate latches are placed high out of dogs' reach or use childproof latches. Ensure that the fence and gates extend all the way down to the ground to discourage crawling underneath.

2. 

   Choose safe plant material for the backyard landscaping. Use grass, shrubbery and flowers but avoid tulips, lilies, rhododendrons and other plants that can be toxic. Review the toxic and poisonous plant lists provided by the ASPCA (reference below).

3. 

   Situate a doghouse or shelter in an area of the backyard that is protected from wind, rain and sun during the hottest part of the day. Coordinate the color and style of doghouse to match the backyard landscaping theme.

4. 

   Build a water feature that uses potable water the dogs can safely drink. Ensure that any pond or fountain has regular water exchange so that it does not become stagnant.

5. 

   Use both soft ground-cover and hard-scape materials in the backyard. Incorporate a concrete patio or flagstone walkway that will absorb sunlight and provide a warm spot where the dogs can lie on chilly days.

6. 

   Install tall leafy or evergreen plants and bushes on several sides of the backyard to provide shade for the dogs on hot summer days.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave a large grassy area of the backyard free of flowers and plants to allow unencumbered romping and running.

• Eliminate brambles and sharp stones from the backyard to protect the dogs from scratches and footpad damage.

Resources

• ASPCA---Poisonous Plants information
• Purina: Dog Safety---Weather Precautions