7 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Doggie Paradise

backyard doggie paradise

Creating a backyard setup that is appeasing to both you and your canine pal can require compromise on both ends; a commonly conceived notion. The truth is, you don’t have to sacrifice style and functionality in your backyard patio to accommodate your furry friend. Lucky for you, we happen to be dog-lovers here at Patio Productions and we would like to show you how to make your backyard dog friendly!  Woof!

1. Build a Sturdy Fence for Your Dog

Before we even start thinking about the unconventional ideas, we have to remember that safety is always first. Of course we would like our pets to enjoy unrestrained fun, but it’s essential that we ensure their health and safety before anything! For individuals who live in rural areas with acres of land, it can be tempting to leave your yard unfenced to allow your dogs to roam the pasture. This could be dangerous if other predators are located within a close proximity and happen to pass by your home. Wolves, mountain lions, bears, alligators, and coyotes need to be taken into consideration to safeguard the welfare of your extended member of the family.

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Building a sturdy fence will give you peace of mind knowing that your pets can’t wander off at night or be threatened by an intruder attempting to steal your dogs. Although this may seem like a humorous afterthought, it can be a realistic consideration, especially if you are the owner of a rare breed. Also, we know that dogs like to jump on fences and even try digging underneath them. A sturdy fence will make sure that you are not at-risk of any insurance liabilities in the event that somebody was walking on your property and was bit by your dog. These are all hypothetical situations that you would deeply regret if something like this actually happened, knowing that you could have prevented it.

Another good tip you can try out is creating a fenced-off area within your home. You can add a fence to the side of your home to create a personalized kennel for your pet. This will give them a home area, and you can also let them out to play during the day. A fenced-off area can be a great idea if you have kids or company that may be a bit timid of dogs.

2. Use Materials that are Pet-Friendly

Being aware of the materials that you use in your backyard patio is necessary to maintain a backyard that is safe for your dog. This means crafting your patio to accommodate the unique characteristics of your pet. You may want to consider the material that is used on the flooring. Does it get too hot for their paws? Can their nails get caught in the floor and put them at risk of injury? Does your patio deck have any feeble planks that could break and potentially injure your dog?

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As for plants and vegetation, the ASCPA lists a group of potentially harmful plants that could affect your furry best friend. Like humans, dogs can catch colds, have allergies, break out in hives, and suffer from other common health conditions. If you like having a green lawn, you can also consider artificial turf as a replacement to natural grass. Just make sure that the turf won’t get too hot!

That being said, it’s a great idea to do research before making any changes or additions to your backyard. If you’re at a nursery, ask an attendant if this particular plant is a known allergen to pets. Do your research just as you would for your own kids! If you don’t, you could end up paying the price with a hefty trip to the vet. Something to think about!

3. Make the best playground!

It’s not hard to tell that your best friend has a never-ending supply of energy and loves playing with you, your friends, guests, and anyone who will give them the time of day. To help facilitate (and direct) your buddy’s seemingly unlimited enthusiasm for activity, it’s wise to incorporate a playground area for your dog. We’re not talking about a jungle gym with slides and a sandbox; rather, something more ‘doggie appropriate’ enters the imagination.

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Some ideas to consider could be ramps, tunnels, obstacles to jump over, and, of course, bushes to venture through. Some dogs are completely afraid of getting anywhere near water let alone the hose. If you have a dog that loves the water, it could be a fun idea to create a small pond or even an inflatable pool that your pooch can splash in during the hot summer months. This is a great way to expend some of their energy while also keeping your pal cool and well hydrated.

4. Make sure Your Furniture Can Pass the Test

The curiosity of a dog can sometimes lead them to unintentionally cause damage to your backyard. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that they won’t be able to damage outdoor furnishing items like sofas, dining sets, and bar sets. Owners who allow their dogs on couches should make sure that the materials are not harmful to your dog and that they are durable enough to resist any damage.

You can take a look at our selection of outdoor wicker furniture that is 100% dog-approved! Made out of commercial-grade synthetic wicker, these outdoor sets will not fade, chip, crack, or become scratched. Thick gauged aluminum frames also give you peace of mind knowing that your furniture won’t bend or break if you have a large dog. (Looking to buy some cozy new digs? Browse our gallery of outdoor furniture from the comfort of your home!)

5. Add a Water Feature

As we’ve stated in previous posts, including natural elements can be a great way to add some excitement to your backyard space! Not only are they entertaining to gaze at, they can set a romantic tone or lighten up the mood. Gentleman, take notes. Whether it be a fireplace or a dribbling water fountain that breaks the silence, there is always a special way to add nature into your design.

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Choose from pond-less fountains, floor fountains, or even small table fountains that can add just the right touch. The decision is up to you how you craft your backyard escape in a way that is fun and exciting for you and your pooch! You can even plan a new weekend project to build a small river flowing through your backyard that your dog will love playing in and sniffing around!

Check out some great outdoor accessories that will add a serene vibe to your backyard patio while also giving your pup something to play with. Just make sure that he doesn’t get too carried away!

6. Create Trails & Pathways that Dogs will Love

If you’ve ever taken your dog on a walk, you’ve probably noticed that they like to meander off the original path in favor of something more adventurous. Design your backyard to include areas that are hidden from sight. This will give him some extra excitement! All dogs love a large backyard where they can roam around, but a backyard with hidden trails will give them the opportunity to explore and feel as though they are in the wild.

7. Find Additional Features that Your Pet will like

Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, and personalities. If you’ve been around a dog long enough, you can tell just what makes him tick and what makes him become ecstatic out of his mind. Check out this dog peep hole that allows your guard dog to finally see what’s on the other side of the fence! You can bet it would be pretty neat to see your pups smiling face when you come home from work! Be creative and craft something special that meets the liking of your pooch. If your dog tends to get chilly, you can add a heated pad to his dog house or add a shade tree to the back yard!

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More Doggie Treats:

  1. ATTN Pet Owners- Teak Oil Can be Dangerous for Your Pooch
  2. 7 Backyard Renovations That Will Boost Your Home Value
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