Although most owners have their dogs indoors most of the day, pups love to go outside, too. It's not just where your dog will do their business – the backyard is a great place to find new smells, hunt for squirrels, and lounge in the sun. Some time outdoors helps canines burn off energy and stay busy during the day.
Before adjusting your backyard, you'll need to take stock. First, how big is your yard? Size will be a big factor in choosing what you can and can't do. Another thing to consider is how secluded your yard is. Is it fenced-in? Is there a lot of foot or vehicle traffic around your yard?
These factors could change what you want to do with your yard and where you want your dog to spend her time outside. A final thing you may not think of is the laws and ordinances you will have to abide by. Are there any homeowners association laws you have to follow?
Other laws you may need to follow include town or state laws. Never build anything without checking to see if you need a permit, and make sure the construction you do, no matter how small, is permitted. Otherwise, you may be facing hefty fines and other hassles. Do your research first and avoid any problems that could cause stress for you and your pet.
How to Create A Backyard Paradise For Your Dog
If you want your backyard to become the perfect paradise for your pet, you can make a few additions and renovations. You'll need to consider your dog's happiness and safety. After all, isn't that the point of this project? Here are some things you will need to consider:
1. Rest Areas
No matter where you live, you'll need to make some shelter for your dog so she can rest out of the elements. Some obvious choices include a doghouse or shed. These buildings can help your pooch escape the rain, snow, and sun as needed.
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Even if your dog doesn't spend much time outside, it's important to have these options available so she can feel safe and secure. Make sure whatever you build is large enough for her.
She should at least be able to stand up and turn around inside. Make sure you place the shelter in a good spot where it can stay cool and comfortable.
Remember that having a variety of places to rest will be best for your canine companion.
In addition to one built shelter, get creative with other rest spots. A shady umbrella might be a cute idea for hot days. If you have a patio that you and your family use, it might be worthwhile to get it covered for both you and your pet.
If you have a green thumb, a covered trellis can add beauty to your backyard while giving your dog a shady place to lay on a hot day.
If your pet isn't too keen on lying on the bare ground or floor of her shelter, there are a lot of choices for outdoor dog beds. Have one or two options available for your dog outside.
When shopping for a dog bed, look at those specifically made for outdoor use. These beds will have special materials that are waterproof and fade-resistant. Using an indoor bed outside will just be a waste of money.
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2. Playtime
Dogs get a lot of enjoyment from being outdoors, especially when it comes to playing and running. This is a great way to let your dog burn off some energy! While most dogs can occupy themselves with different outdoor activities, there are still a few things you can do to make it even better for your Fido.
One thing most dogs like to do is dig! However, this can be a pain if they dig near a fence or cause unsightly holes in your yard. A way to fix this is to create a specific digging area for your canine companion. Consider it a sandbox for your dogs!
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The best way to do this is to have an area already set up with sand, mulch, or soil only. Encourage your pet to dig in that area by burying some bones, toys, and treats. Praise her when she digs there. Soon, she'll learn that's the place to be for digging fun!
Dogs also love to watch critters, including birds and squirrels. Pups are naturally curious, and sniffing out these animals gives them a lot of satisfaction. While you likely already have some of these small visitors, you can encourage more by setting up a bird feeder or bird bath.
If you decide to do this to give your dog more to look at, make sure you put it in a place out of her reach. You don't want your pup munching on the food meant for the birds!
Finally, have some regular old toys outside. Your dog will love to have something to run around with and chew. The best outdoor toys are durable and made of rubber or similar materials. Tennis balls are also another good option. Cloth and plush toys are not well-suited for the outdoors, so leave those options inside.
3. Water
No matter the weather, your dog will need access to water when outside. A standard water dish works fine, but it may not stay full for that long. It will also need to be cleaned out regularly.
A better option is a constantly moving “fountain” dish. These options hold more water, and the constant motion helps to keep the dish cleaner longer.
You can also decide to get fancy; if you want a water feature in your backyard, consider adding one that adds beauty while also giving your dog access to H2O.
The backyard doesn't have to be a boring place where your dog just does her business. You can turn it into a beautiful paradise for your pet with a little effort! Not only will she love spending time outside, but you'll love how great your yard looks and feels, too. It will add a lot of personal and financial value to your home.
