You may love both your garden and your dog but, you may wonder how these two can live together in harmony. It is not a surprise that dogs and gardens are not always a good match; from yellowed lawns to having your flower beds dug up. However, the good news is that with a few changes and a little more planning, you can come up with a garden that both your dog and yourself will fall in love with. This will only be a success if you get a design that covers your specific needs. Below are a few tips on how you can create this garden.
Image courtesy of https://www.geraniumrozanne.com/dog-friendly-gardening-tips/
1. Create a shade
Summers may be extremely uncomfortable for your furry friend. If you want to keep them cool and relaxed even on such days, you should provide them with some shade. Planting a tree, a large shady plant, or also installing a large umbrella in your patio will ensure that your dog has the shade that it needs.
2. Have a lawn
Lawnless gardens are becoming popular by the day. However, you need to think twice before you decide to do away with the greenery. A yard will provide your dog with the perfect space to play and run. They will get to exercise, stay fit, and burn off some of the excess calories. You can get involved by playing fetch with your dog, or stacking a few dog toys nearby.
To reduce your maintenance and use your time wisely to play with your dog instead of attending to long grass, you can use artificial grass which will give the same lush green effect and you will never have to cut it. You can let your dog play while maintaining a beautiful garden.
3. Add water
Water is as essential to a dog as food is. Your dog requires to eat a good nutritious meal (you can look up suggestions at pupped.com), and take some clean water as well. Your dog would appreciate a cool drink on a scorching day, as much as you would. Each time your dog is outside; make sure that they can easily access fresh, clean, and cool water. Dogs also love to play in the water when the temperatures rise. Turn on a hose or some lawn sprinklers and have some water fun with them.
image courtesy of https://www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/dog-friendly-gardens.html
4. Create some diggings spots
Dogs do love digging. If you desire to discourage them from digging up your precious plants while at the same time keeping them happy, then create a few digging spots. Come up with a pit or a raised bed, where they can dig themselves to total happiness. You can fill these digging areas with sand, and encourage your dog to dig. Bury a few of their favorite toys there and encourage them to find them and when they do, reward them. Each time they make for your flowerbed, lovingly lead them back to their digging area.
5. Create a path
If you wish for your dog to stay away from your flowerbed, help then out by creating clear paths. Encourage them to follow and run along these paths, therefore ensuring that they get that much-needed exercise while still protecting your plants. When laying the path, use dog-friendly materials to protect your pet from friction and the hard surface. For instance; large paving slabs will be easy to navigate and smooth, while some types of mulch will make the edges softer, therefore making them gentle on your dog’s paws.
6. Install a marking post
If your dog is male, having a marking post will encourage him to mark territory there and not on your greenery. Whether male or female, creating a designated area for them to relieve themselves will ensure that they remain comfortable and your garden stays protected.
There’s nothing as beautiful as a happy pet and a beautiful garden. Keeping both your dog happy and your garden in good condition will be good for both your pet and yourself.
