Top 11 Secrets To A Dog-Friendly Yard

Sit, stay, play! Your yard is a space for all of your friends and family to relax and have fun, since our pets are a part of our families – it’s important to design a space your dog can enjoy too! Our team has developed a checklist of must-haves to create the most dog-friendly yard possible for your four-legged friend.

Even though your dog would be perfectly happy with a simple stick they find out in the woods, these ideas below will give your dog the yard they truly deserve.

Avoid Toxic Plants

There are many common plants found in landscapes that can be hazardous to dogs. These plants include azaleas, lilies, hydrangeas, and yew shrubs. Your dog’s safety is priority number one when designing your backyard! We encourage you to reach out to your local professional landscapers or plant nurseries for a list of dog-friendly yard plants.

Skip Expensive Plants

Inexpensive plants are the way to go when designing a safe space for your dog to play in. Dogs are built to run, play, and dig! You never want to be worried about expensive plants getting trampled. Play on pups!

Choose Pet Safe Chemicals

Always verify that your weed suppressors and fertilizers are pet-friendly. Our lawn care fertilization features liquid Green County Fertilizer, a fertilizer that has a wealth of macro and micronutrients and is human, pet, and environmentally friendly.

Install A Fence

Dogs need plenty of space to run and play. A fenced yard gives your dog the opportunity to enjoy their time outdoors off-leash! When it comes to your landscape design and hardscaping, you can pick the perfect fence that best fits your dog’s needs.

Provide Water Access

Water is a must for a dog-friendly yard! Water access can be as simple as a sturdy and consistently refreshed water bowl. If you are looking to spoil your dog, you can add sprinklers, pools, or fountains to your landscape’s design.

Create Dedicated Digging Spots

Digging is a dog’s instinct! It’s best to provide dedicated spots for your pup to dig to avoid them digging in spots you want to maintain. A sandbox or children’s swimming pool filled with sand makes for the perfect and safe space to redirect a dog’s digging habit.

Provide Shelter

Shade is essential to keep your dog cool! It’s important to provide areas of shade for your dog to relax under, as well as keep the ground cool to save their paws from burning. A pergola makes for the perfect and permanent shade addition to your outdoor space!

Utilize Toy Storage

Since it’s almost impossible to not buy new toys for your dog every time you visit the pet store, dog owners can end up with mountains of toys! Buying an outdoor basket to leave your dog’s toys in when they aren’t playing will give your yard a more refined and clutter-free feel. Hello, curb appeal!

Encourage Patrol Paths

It’s natural for a dog to patrol their territory. You may notice your dog consistently walking the perimeter of your yard, creating a “patrol path”. Over time your dog’s steps can damage your grass, avoid any damage by installing light-colored paving stones. This will encourage your dog’s instincts while saving your grass!

Make Paw-Washing Easy

Don’t let the fear of muddy paws discourage you from letting your dog play outside! A bowl of water and some rags left by your door is all you need to say goodbye to dirty paws.

Dog Agility Course

If you want to go the extra mile, you can add agility course features that are sure to wear your pup out after a day of training and playing!

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We are Four Seasons Landscape Management, a locally owned and operated landscaping company proudly servicing Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas since 2005. You can book with us online today here, or call us at 502-265-6754, to get started on additions to your existing outdoor space to create the ultimate dog-friendly yard for your four-legged friend!