How to Dog-Proof Any Backyard



How to Dog-Proof Any Backyard for Any Canine Companion

By psdadmin, 

  




A dog without a backyard better be a low-energy dog. Sure, there are a handful of dog breeds that need little to no exercise to be happy and content, but the vast majority of dogs need to get outside and run around. If you have a backyard, it’s an ideal place to let your dog expend all that energy. Sure, you can take them to the dog park or on a walk around the neighborhood (and you should), but there’s nothing like a dog-friendly backyard. Here’s how you can make it safe and comfortable for Fido.
Install a privacy fence
If good fences make good neighbors, then solid fences make incredibly happy dogs. A privacy fence in your backyard allows your dogs to run freely, without you having to worry about them getting out and getting lost/injured. It also prevents them from engaging in “fence running” and general misbehavior with neighboring dogs. If you have to install a new fence from scratch, it’s not that overly expensive (but certainly not cheap). For example, the average price to install a wood fence is approximately $2,700 according to HomeAdvisor.com.

If you have an existing fence, you should consider getting it repaired or reinforced. You may want to call in the professionals to help with this. If the fixes are minor, you can try to DIY. Check out this guide.

Plant smart
If you want your dog to have free range of the backyard, beauty can’t be the only consideration you make when landscaping. There are plenty of plants that are harmful to dogs,  which need to be avoided in your dog-proofed backyard. These include, but are not limited to, crabapple, apricot, azalea, bird of paradise, and many forms of jade. There are over 100 common plants that are poisonous to dogs. Check this comprehensive list before you plant.

Mow and maintenance your lawn – often
There’s no way to fully eliminate dog pests from your backyard, but there are some ways that you can reduce their quantity. Ticks, for example, like to live in taller grasses. If you keep your lawn at a reasonable length and work on eliminating weeds, you can reduce the chances your dog comes back inside with a new companion. Fleas like to live in damp brush around decks and patios – so make sure you’re giving everything a good sweep and clean on a regular basis. Lawn maintenance isn’t a replacement for up-to-date tick and flea medication, but it sure helps.

Fill in those holes
If your dog is a digger, you are certainly familiar with holes in your lawn. But even if you don’t have a dig-happy dog, your backyard may be full of crags, dips, and gaps – maybe from burrowing critters, a snake, or just the natural undulations of the property. If you want your dog to be able to run and play at full speed without the risk of hurting themselves (breaking a leg, for example), you may want to fill in some of those holes. Check out this guide on how to fix ruts, uneven surfaces, and holes in your lawn.

For many dog owners, the dream is to be able to let the dog(s) out into the backyard for play or potty time, without any sort of fear for their safety. This is possible for most homeowners if they shore up their fencing, keep their lawn in good shape, and remove any plants that are poisonous to curious dogs.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Thanks to Medina at dogetiquette.info for this article.

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