If you think crafting a dog-friendly backyard is just for doggy daycares or parks, you’ll be surprised!
We have some great budget-friendly tips we have for you to create your own simple and fun backyard area perfect for your dog. As a dog owner myself, I know how important it is creating a sanctuary tailored to their canine companions’ needs where your furry friend can romp, play, and lounge to their heart’s content. From safety measures to landscaping ideas, join us as we explore how to make your backyard a haven for your four-legged friend.
How to Make a Dog-Friendly Backyard
Check out below everything from ground coverings, shade, water sources, entertainment and engaging activities to include in your backyard for you dog.
We’ve also included a special list of dog-friendly plants as well as ones that are toxic to avoid.
Dog-Friendly Ground Covering
Having different types of dog-safe ground coverings in the backyard is essential to provide variety and comfort for your furry friend while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Choose at least two from the list below to give your pup a variety they’ll enjoy.
- sand
- grasses
- mulch (also insect repellent)
- smooth pebble stones
- rubber
- straw
- coconut fibers
Create Shaded Areas
Providing shaded areas for your dog in the backyard is crucial as it helps protect them from the sun’s harmful rays, prevents overheating, and ensures they can enjoy outdoor time comfortably and safely.
Whether it’s summertime or winter, having multiple places to hide under is essential for your dog to be safe from the elements like rain, hot sun or snow.
- umbrellas
- bushes
- trees
- dog shades
- gazebos
- awnings
- pergola
- dog house
Available Water Sources
Having different available water sources for your dog in the backyard is vital for ensuring they stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, and encourages them to drink more water, promoting their overall health and well-being.
While ANY water source is great, we advise not using just a bowl as the water can get very hot in the summer and even evaporate quickly leaving the dog without any water to drink safely.
- auto fill bowls
- outdoor step water dispensers for dogs
- fountains
- sprinklers
- small pool or pond
Create Walking Paths
Creating walking paths for your dog in the backyard is important as it provides them with structured exercise opportunities, mental stimulation, and a designated space to explore, promoting their physical and mental health.
- small white soft stone
- mulch
- sand
- pavers
Have Engaging Activities
While you might not be able to create a whole playground in your backyard for your precious fur baby, you can easily incorporate a few different engaging activities that they will surely love and not be bored.
- toys and outdoor balls
- ramps
- dog house
- sandbox
- interactive treat dispenser
- interactive ball throwing machine
- dog-pool
- scavenger hunt
Dog-Friendly Entertainment
Incorporating dog-friendly entertainment, such as birdhouses and windmills, in your backyard is important as it provides mental stimulation and enrichment for your canine companion, keeping them engaged, happy, and less prone to boredom or destructive behaviors.
- bird feeders
- squirrel perches
- windmills
- coy ponds
- butterfly flower spots
- hummingbird feeders
Create Sensory Experiences
Introducing sensory experiences for your dog in the backyard is crucial as it allows them to explore and engage their senses, stimulating their cognitive abilities and promoting overall mental and emotional well-being.
Sensory experiences, like sound, touch, taste and smell include:
- running water
- plants
- chimes
- music
- grasses
- dirt
- sand
- river rock
- mulch
- wood
- brick
- concrete or pavement
- dog-safe flowers
- dog-safe vegetables & fruits
- bird feeders
- natural snuffle-sniffing areas
Dog-Safe Flowers and Plants
Ensuring the presence of safe plants and flowers in your backyard is essential for your dog’s well-being, as it prevents accidental ingestion of toxic substances and reduces the risk of adverse health effects, keeping them healthy and happy while exploring the outdoor environment.
Dog-Safe Flowers and Plants:
- Snapdragons
- Marigold
- Cilantro
- Sage
- Sunflowers
- Tiger Lilies
- Zinnia
Non-Toxic Plants & Substrate (that repel fleas!):
- Catnip
- Marigolds
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Mulch
- Cedar Chips as mulch in your flea-repelling garden for even more potency. Fleas (and many other pests) hate cedar.
Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs:
- Chrysanthemum
- Dahlia
- Iris
- Lily of the Valley
- Peony
- Begonia
- Hydrangea
For a full list (and printable) of safe and poisonous plants for dogs, visit the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
fencing?
Other Ways to Beautify Your Dog-Friendly Backyard
With these dog-friendly backyard ideas, you’ll create an outdoor space that’s safe and fun for your four-legged friend. If you’re looking for other ways to improve your backyard, check out the following posts.
Related Articles:
Best Dog Toys, Dog Treats, Snuffle Mats & Dog Puzzles
New Beagle Puppy Adventures – Meet Sugar the Beagle (Part 1)
New Puppy Adventures – Sugar the Beagle (Part 2)
How to Throw a New Dog Puppy Shower
