When you have a dog, your backyard is their paradise. To your dog, the backyard is full of interesting smells, sounds, and adventures. Here’s what you can do to make their paradise safe and fun at the same time:
1.Give them weather-proof toys
Most dogs love playing with toys. Some toys keep them active while others are designed to keep them from getting bored. Some studies suggest dogs that play with toys are less likely to suffer from anxiety.
Weather-proof toys don’t need to be swapped out when the weather changes. You can toss them in the yard and your dog will take care of the rest. Some weather-proof toys include hard rubber tug-o-war rings, some ropes, Kongs, frisbees, and anything the rain and snow won’t damage.
2.Dog-proof fencing
Fences serve three purposes: they keep your dogs inside your yard, keep other creatures (and people) out, and provide privacy. Having a dog-proof fence means your dog is safely contained in your yard, and you don’t have to lock them in the house when you go to work.
Not all fencing materials and designs are dog-proof. For example, some wooden panels are built with staples, which isn’t safe for puppies since they love to chew on everything. Dogs that love to dig can easily dig their way underneath a fence that doesn’t have underground reinforcement. Dogs that can jump or scale heights – like Jack Russell Terriers or wolf hybrids – won’t be contained by shorter fences and may require the top of the fence to be curved inward.
Notes From a Dog Walker offers practical tips for preventing dogs from patrolling the fence, jumping over the fence, and digging their way out.
Unless you install fences for a living, it’s important to have your fence installed by a professional. You may be able to get the job done cheaper by hiring local labor and renting the equipment needed, like a post hole digger. Make sure the people you hire have experience and can show you examples of previous work.
3.Stable tie-outs and stakes
Stakes that twist into the ground are easy to pull out when the soil is too loose or soft. If you’re going to use a stake-based tie-out system for your dog, make sure you get a stake that anchors deeply enough into the right kind of soil.
Remember to supervise your dog while they’re tied up. Tangle-free tie-outs allow your dog to walk calmly around the yard without getting the lead wrapped around the stake. If your dog sees a squirrel and goes nuts, your dog might wrap the lead around their neck, get wrapped up in a bush, slip over a balcony, or get stuck at the bottom of your steps.
4.An Aerial cable run
Aerial cable runs give dogs the freedom to roam between two anchor points without the possibility of getting tangled in a lead. An Aerial run is like a zipline – the line is connected overhead between two trees or buildings, and a vertical line on a pulley runs down and hooks up to your dog’s harness.
Your dog won’t feel the usual tight tension of a lead while they roam, giving them a better experience of the backyard.
Like staked tie-outs, it’s important to supervise your dog while connected to an aerial run.
5.Rain and snow proof shelters
Some dogs love the rain! Others love the snow. Dogs are playful, just like kids, and don’t seem to mind the cold that comes with the fun. If your dogs prefer to stay outside in the rain and snow, make sure to give them some kind of shelter they can dry off or warm up in. They may only stay in there for a short nap, but that’s all they need.
If your dogs don’t like the rain or snow, it’s equally important to provide shelter. It might rain unexpectedly while you’re out grocery shopping, and a dog that doesn’t like rain will want to find a dry spot to curl up.
6.Edible plants
Your dog probably enjoys snacking on the grass in the yard during spring and fall, but what about winter? If your grass doesn’t grow year-round, consider planting pet grass in your backyard. Or, plant it in small pots indoors, and move it outside when your dog plays.
In addition to grass, try getting your dog to eat parsley. It’s easy to grow and has a variety of benefits for your pooch. It’s antimicrobial, so it prevents bad breath and helps with arthritis and urinary issues.
For the happiest dog on the planet, turn your backyard into a safe and fun paradise for your pooch.
