Designing the Perfect Garden for Your Dog
Dogs are curious creatures, requiring plenty of stimulation to stop them becoming bored and unhappy. Unfortunately, American dogs spend more time inside than out and often aren’t given the kind of exercise they require. Daily walks are essential to give your dogs new experiences, but the garden can be a good substitute if designed in the right way. If properly secured, a garden can complement a dog-friendly home, by being a fun and safe place to explore.
A Place to Play
A dog’s natural instinct is to play. This could be in the form of chewing a toy, chasing another animal, digging holes or running chaotically to release pent up energy. When designing a dog-friendly garden, create spaces specifically designed for fun.
A sandpit is not just for children, but can be a great source of entertainment for dogs. This gives them the opportunity to dig without destroying the flowerbeds. You can bury treats and toys in there so that there is always something new for them to discover. It is also easy to train a dog to use the sandpit as a bathroom, so that it is easy to clean up.
Also incorporate a doggy obstacle course. Dogs are keen learners and feel a sense of purpose when completing a dog agility course. By building one in your garden, they can have fun both with and without their human. This can be something as simple as a tunnel or something more complicated. Use your imagination.
Safety Considerations
The garden can be an exciting place for your canine friend, but they are likely to want to explore beyond the perimeters. For this reason you need to make your garden secure. This will give you peace of mind that your dog can explore outside without supervision.
A solid wooden fence, with posts embedded in concrete should be enough to prevent your dog from escaping. Just ensure that it is high enough and any gaps too small for your dog to fit through.
You should also ensure there are no harmful chemicals in the garden. Minimizing the use of poisonous pesticides and cleaners will ensure your dog can have a taste of any plants without ingesting something harmful.
Dogs take to gardens like a duck to water, but they can become quickly bored. Build something that can provide hours of entertainment for a happy dog. For your own peace of mind, keep the garden organic and free from harmful substances, while also properly secured with a wooden fence.
