Looking to make your backyard more friendly for your furry friend? Sometimes it can be tough to know where to start and what’s good for them and what isn’t. Check out these seven tips to make your backyard more friendly for Fido:
USE AN INSERT AS A PET WINDOW
Using a fence and gate insert as a pet window is a great way of giving your furry friend a peek at the street so they don’t feel the need to bark at every passing stranger. Homeowners have been using our ACW54 and ACW57 fence and gate inserts as pet windows for years. That said, we offer several other inserts, it’s up to you which ones you prefer. To learn where you can purchase them, visit the “Where to Buy” page of our website.
PROVIDE YOUR PUPS WITH A DESIGNATED DIGGING AREA
There’s not much worse than sipping your morning coffee and peering out the kitchen window to see what used to be lush, green grass ripped to shreds because your pup decided to dig it all up.
A designated digging area allows dogs to dig their hearts out without destroying your lawn in the process. You can use our quick fence, which is easy to install and perfect for pets, to make sure they have a safe and confined spot to explore.
It’s a total win-win.
CREATE AREAS OF SHADE TO PREVENT OVERHEATING
Intense summer sun can pose a problem for your pup, especially if they’re a particularly furry breed and overheat easily. From bulldogs to golden retrievers and pugs, check out this article on some of the breeds that tend to overheat more easily.
To minimize the chance of heatstroke, invest in a dog tent, dog house or natural shade like trees—anything to give your pup a cool reprieve on a hot day.
SELECT HIGHLY DURABLE MATERIALS
We all know how dogs are. Investing in sturdier, more robust materials, especially if your own bigger breeds, will save you money in the long run and make sure you’re not heading back to the store to replace your things every season.
Choose higher quality decking materials and patio furniture and, while you might feel sticker shock up front, it’ll pay off in the long run.
GROW FLOWERS AND PLANTS THAT ARE DOG-SAFE
Maintaining a beautiful garden adds aesthetic appeal to your backyard, but it’s crucial to ensure that the plants and flowers you’re growing are safe for your furry companions. Get up to date on the ones that are toxic to dogs and make sure you either aren’t growing them in your garden or that they’re out of reach.
Common plants that are toxic to your little pup include the amaryllis, azalea, daffodil, eucalyptus, daisy and more.
For a comprehensive list of the plants and flowers you need to avoid, check out this article from ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
INVEST IN HIGH-QUALITY FENCING
A fence serves as a vital boundary, ensuring your dog’s safety and providing them with a secure space to roam freely. Investing in high-quality fencing is a non-negotiable aspect of creating a dog-friendly backyard. We recommend choosing one that’s tall enough to prevent your pooch from jumping over (and features picket spacing that prevents smaller breeds from squeezing their way through, possibly a board on board style).
By prioritizing the installation of a reliable fence (no, that rotting wooden fence you’ve had for years won’t do.), you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your furry friend is protected and confined to a safe place.
To browse our residential iron fence profiles, click here.
CREATE A DOG PATH
Dogs are territorial and tend to walk the same path in your yard over and over again. Yes, that trampled-down path didn’t happen on its own.
Creating a dog path ensures your lawn won’t get trampled on and destroyed by repeatedly being walked on. You can check out Pinterest for awesome ideas and some inspiration on how to get started with a beautiful dog path that’ll accent the features of your space.
