Your outdoor living spaces may include exciting human-friendly items- such as a fire pit- to keep friends and family on their toes. This may be exactly what you want, but have you ever considered designing a space for your four-legged friends, too? Let your pups frolic freely and safely in your backyard by following these tips:
“When you’re creating a yard for you and your dog, you want it to be big on durability and be functional,” Fran Kiesling, owner of Dirty Dog Landscape Consulting & Design in Minnetonka, MN, told Beneful. “But most of all, you want your dog to be happy.”
Doggy fountain
During the hot summer months, a water feature designed for your dogs will ensure they are sun-safe after playing outside. But this doesn’t mean you have to add an unattractive feature to your yard. For example, consider an antique water spout cascading into a stone well along the side of your house. This would work great if your backyard boasts a country-style theme. However, if your yard is more modern, opt for a stone water spout where your dog can slurp up some H2O.
Puppy-sized pool
Does your pooch like to jump into your pool? While swimming around together may be fun for the kids, fur can clog up the drain and cause some costly issues. Why not make a pool specifically for your dog? There are a ton of different options for doggy pools that you can install in your backyard. However, one of the best mimics a beach setting. Some pups are a bit nervous about jumping straight into water. Thus, you can design the pool so that your furry friend can walk right in and cool off.
Tunnels
Puppies love galloping through tunnels. While you may not want to buy an actual tunnel for him, you can create one out of your landscaping! By constructing tunnels with shrubbery with openings for him to scurry through, he’ll be able to let off some steam. Of course, you may want to put this play area toward the back of the yard so it is less visible to guests. It will likely get a bit messy after some play time!
Open space
If you are creating an outdoor play place for your dog, you must include an open green space for playtime. Designate this as the area where you will play fetch, Frisbee, tug-o-war and other fun games that your pooch likes. If your dog likes obstacles, you can include items for him to jump over and climb through. After all, it would be ideal to wear out your dog in the backyard rather than indoors!
Trees
While water is necessary to keep your pooch hydrated, shade is equally as important. Although you may enjoy the sun’s toasty rays, your dog may prefer to keep his coat cool. Plus, trees will add great aesthetic to your entire backyard. Like the tunnels, you can plan to have your pooches play area toward the back of the yard. Simply plant a couple trees along the fence so they don’t disrupt the rest of the flow in your yard.
Give him a home
Even though your dog likely comes indoors with you, a doggie house outside will provide him with extra shelter. Prepare your dogs’ extra space with a food bowl and outdoor bed. This will ensure that they know exactly where to go when hunger disrupts play time.
