One of the joys of suburban living is spending less time walking the dog now that you have your very own yard. Only your dream of sleeping in while Fido uses the doggie door is replaced with the nightmare of shredded plants, browned, urine-burned grass and holes everywhere he feels like digging. You really can have fabulous landscaping and a happy dog with a little bit of planning.
The Dog Owns The Perimeter
Don't fight this one. Your dog patrols his yard and investigates noises, smells and other critters along the fence line. Give him about 18” in from the fence on the perimeter. Planting a prized petunia in that space is just asking for heartache. Opt instead for some pea gravel or large chunks of wood mulch. Avoid plain dirt - it will turn muddy when it rains - and any stone with a sharp edge (like shale) that can cut paws. If you have the money, a stone pathway could be gorgeous.
Vary Elevations
Dogs like to survey their domain. Make a bank in a corner that is elevated a few feet to help him see everything that is going on. Use some mulch to make it soft, and use the opportunity to incorporate a boulder (great for climbing, too), a shade tree or some ornamental grasses. This improves the aesthetic and ensures plenty of variety for your dog, too.
Avoiding Dog Spots
Dog spots. Sounds much better than urine burned grass, but that's exactly what it is. There are several remedies for this. The first is to chase Rover around with a garden hose and flushing the area with water until the acidity of the urine is diluted. Sound like fun? Didn't think so. You can purchase some sprays at the local hardware store that will neutralize the urine with a few squirts. Better, but still a lot of effort. You can install sprinklers and hit the switch every time the dog comes in, but that is expensive and not terribly practical.
Ami Moore suggests training your dog to pee in one place. You can give him something cute like a fake fire hydrant to draw his attention and mark the spot. Lead him to the spot when he needs to go, and praise him for going there. Use gravel or clover to cover this area so it won't look like his personal toilet. As a matter of fact, clover is an excellent groundcover for households with dogs. It is hardy and resistant to those unsightly burns caused by dog urine.
Water Features and Pools
Some breeds, like Retrievers and Newfoundlands, have a tough time resisting the water. Fencing your pool is generally a good idea for safety reasons, but it also will keep your dog from taking a dip. Smaller water features and koi ponds may not be such a great idea if your dog loves water. If you truly have your heart set on a water feature, consider installing a fountain or a birdbath. These are tough enough to withstand the family pooch and still provide you with the relaxing sound of falling water.
Provide a Space for Digging
Just as some breeds can't resist the water, some dogs are just hard wired to want to dig. If you have a terrier or a dog with a strong tendency to dig, give him the space to do it. That's right - even Fido needs his very own sandbox. Allocate space based on the size of your dog, and make it at least 2 feet deep. If your dog wants to lay in it, the sand won't make his as filthy as topsoil. The holes also are easy to fill in. Position the sandbox away from direct sunlight since the sand will retain heat and could potentially burn the dog's paws. Ami Moore, a Chicago Dog Trainer, suggests spending time with your dog in the backyard when the sandbox makes its debut. This way, you can redirect the dog's digging to the space designated for it. Ami also suggests hiding goodies in the sandbox just under the surface. Your dog will feel like Indiana Jones on a treasure hunt and will keep going back to that spot with the right kind of encouragement.
Choose Dog-Friendly Plants Carefully
Consider planting some rhododendron or similarly rugged shrubbery around spaces your dog may want to lounge. It can be trimmed and keep the heat away from the perimeter path, the elevated space and the sandbox. Ami Moore suggests checking with the local nursery to find plants appropriate for your climate that aren't toxic to pets.
“A plant doesn't need to be fatal to be toxic,” Ami cautions. “It may just upset his stomach to eat some plants, but you probably don't want to be cleaning dog vomit or bile out of your carpet.” A little planning will save you a lot of grief - or even your dog's life - so spend time researching dog-friendly plants.
Cluster Plants Together
There is strength in numbers, and that is true for even the most delicate plants. You will want to avoid anything too fragile with a dog tearing through the yard, but you can add variety and interest by grouping them together. Raised beds or container gardening can be a big help, too. If your dog pees on the container, it is a lot less harmful than hitting the plant dead on. The hard edge of a wooden rail alongside his perimeter can protect phlox, marigolds, or anything else you want to plant. This adds a dash of color and texture to your landscaping while minimizing the risk of trampling and “brown spots.”
Protective Fencing
If your dog is as determined to destroy something as you are committed to having it, a wire cage may be your only option to protect the life and (perhaps limb?) of your specimens. It will keep him from urinating on it, running it over, or chewing on it. You can also plant little stakes around the forbidden area, but these just may make it seem more attractive to destroy.
Some homeowners opt for invisible fencing around prized plants. Check with a professional before taking it to this level. It may be expensive, ineffective, inappropriate, or even harmful to your pet.
Use Hardscape Wisely
Finally, incorporate hardscape such as patios, bricks, pavers and stones near the entrance to your home. Think of it as a buffer to shake loose the dirt attached to your dog's paws. All the dirt needs to come off your dog eventually, and it is best if it remains outside. As an added bonus, hardscape also enables the dirt to come off human feet before coming inside, too.
Planning your landscape with your dog in mind can provide years of harmonious living with your pet, or can create a lot of extra work. These tips cam help minimize some of the stress accompanying the joy of pet parenting.
