There’s no doubt about it: dogs are a man’s best friend. They’re always happy to see you, and they love going for walks. If you’re thinking of getting one, one of the first things you’ll need to do is prepare your garden. Dogs love spending time outdoors, so you’ll need to ensure the area is fit for purpose.
In this article, we’ll discuss some helpful tips on how you can get your outdoor space ready for your new furry friend.
Get It Fully Fenced
It’s important to have a full fence because it’ll keep your dog from running away and getting lost. It’ll also protect it from getting hurt – for instance, if it ran in front of traffic. If this occurred, there could also be the risk that other people could be injured (e.g. motorists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians).
Some examples of full fences are chain-link fences, solid wood panel fences, and vinyl fences. Electric fences aren’t a good option because they can be dangerous for dogs and people. If you go online in search of wireless dog fences, you can read reviews of the best ones and view their photos and prices. You can also learn how to set one up, use it effectively and maintain it.
Get a Dog House
This will provide your dog with shelter from the weather and protect it from predators. It’s important to get a dog house that’s the right size for your dog. If you get one that’s too small, your pet will be uncomfortable and may not want to use it. If you get a dog house that’s too big, your pooch may feel overwhelmed and lost in it. There are many different types of materials that you can choose from, including plastic, metal, and wood. You should select a material that’s durable and that’s able to withstand the elements.
You should ensure that the dog house will be easy to clean. It’s also important that there’s plenty of fresh air circulating inside, otherwise, your dog may become overheated or suffocate. When selecting a location for your dog’s house, choose a spot that’s sheltered from the wind and sun. Finally, put their bedding inside and make sure it’s comfortable and warm.
Create a Safe and Clean Environment
Make sure that there are no areas where your dog can dig under the fence or escape. If you have a pool, install a fence around it to prevent your dog from drowning. Some other suggestions include:
- Removing any potential hazards (e.g. nails, glass, etc.)
- Installing shade structures or umbrellas
- Adding a water bowl or fountain
- Putting up a “Beware of the Dog” sign
Another thing to think about is how easy it will be to clean up after your pet. If you have a lot of grass, consider getting a pet-friendly lawnmower. This will make life much easier when it comes to keeping your garden looking neat and tidy. You may also wish to create a designated potty area with grass or artificial turf. You might also want to invest in a pet-proof waste bin to make sure your dog’s messes are taken care of efficiently.
Think About Plants
You should remove any poisonous plants or flowers from your garden. Dogs are curious by nature and will put anything in their mouth, so it’s important to make sure your garden is safe. If you have a lot of plants, it’s key to have a designated digging area for your dog. This will help to keep your other plants safe and also give your pup a place to play. You could do this by creating a sandpit or using mulch.
You could also try planting some dog-friendly plants such as lavender, chamomile, or mint. They can help to deter pests like fleas and ticks.
Provide An Area For Entertainment
In order to make your garden more dog-friendly, you should create a designated area for it to play in. This could be an enclosed space with grass or a small sandbox. Dogs get bored just like we do, so provide them with some chew bones and toys to keep them entertained.
A ball is always a good option, but there are many other interactive toys on the market that’ll keep your dog amused for hours. Supervise your pet and provide a simple kennel or dog house (as discussed earlier) that it can retreat to when it wants some peace and quiet.
Train Your Dog How to Behave
Once your new pet arrives, introduce it carefully to the garden. Dogs can be very curious creatures, and they may want to explore every nook and cranny of the area. It’s important to train your dog how to behave in your garden so that it doesn’t damage any plants or flowers.
One way to do this is by using positive reinforcement and rewarding your dog for good behavior. Some example rewards include treats, praise, or even a game of fetch. You could also try using a leash at first. This way, you can keep the dog close by (and under control) while it’s getting used to its new surroundings.
If you apply these helpful tips, you’ll have the best possible experience when your dog arrives. It’ll be introduced to its new environment and will feel at home in no time. Don’t forget to let your neighbors know – they’ll be keen to visit and make friends as well.
