Transform Your Backyard Into a Dog-Friendly Oasis: Tips, Ideas, and Tricks (2023)

FAQs

How do I make my backyard a dog oasis? ›

Choose materials that are comfortable for your dog to walk and lay on and won't get destroyed easily. Dr. Attas suggests creating a pathway using paving stones, wood planks, or gravel. You can put in little patches of grass or add a bench or perch so your dog can have a view overlooking the yard.

Instead, you should consider a stone like pea gravel, limestone or gravel chips, as well as screenings as the base of the dog run. These materials are not only soft on your dog's paws, but it also provides the right amount of drainage needed for the area.

We recommend river rock, which is rounded and smooth. Avoid granite, because it has jagged edges that can cut paws and little feet. Certain landscape elements, like exposed landscape fabric, are "triggers" that entice dogs to dig.

In addition to areas for outdoor dining and entertaining, a place to relax is key. A hammock provides a snug spot for an afternoon nap when strung up between two trees or deck posts. A chaise longue is ideal for sunbathing or lounging with a book. Add plenty of outdoor pillows or cushions to boost comfort.

Replacing even some of your grass with native plants, thinking about which trees you are planting, and if they going to provide shelter and food for wildlife, can save insects and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Mulch: A safe, inexpensive option, mulch can create a designated dog area for as little as $35 to $110 per yard. Cedar mulch has the added benefit of being a natural bug repellent that can help fight off fleas and ticks. Remember to avoid cocoa bean mulch, which isn't safe for dogs to consume.

Since grass is typically safer and cooler for your dog to walk in, you may not need to put your booties on your dog unless you really want to.

What type of surface is best for dogs to sleep? ›

This doesn't mean he should sleep on the floor—that's too firm. Instead, provide a bed with memory foam or a chambered polyfill sleep surface. A memory foam bed conforms to your dog's body to relieve pressure, distribute his weight evenly, and provide tailored-for-him comfort.

In order to design an environment that is comfortable for animals, choose light color schemes that are centered on the blue, green, or violet end of the spectrum, or a scheme that is inspired by nature. This allows animals to perceive their environment well even when the lights are dimmed or off.

Use a crate. Pick a crate that's safe and sturdy. Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around in the crate. You can get a crate pad to make it feel more like a bed and a crate cover.

Step 1: Measure the length of the dog (in inches) from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. Add 6 inches to this number. Step 2: Take the total number you got in step 1 and square it (multiply it by itself). This will give you the dog's minimum floor space in square inches.

Made from an Australian paramagnetic igneous rock, Dog Rocks should be placed within your dogs water bowl, and lasts up to 2 months. This needs to be your dog's main water source, as additional water from other sources can dilute the results.

Use Safe Materials

Materials should be easy to walk on and not get too hot for a dog's foot pads. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says flat rocks, pavers and bricks are good choices. Pebbles and rocks are also good choices as long as they aren't sizes that will get stuck in paws.

Daily cuddles show your pup you love them and make you both feel good! One of the best ways to show your dog love is by providing them with a quality meal or treat every once in a while. Your pup will love the surprise and you will love that look on their face when they know they're getting something special.

Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.

Where do you touch a dog to make him happy? ›

Before you fill the space with play sand, put a tarp on the bottom. Avoid plastic tarps that will prevent drainage. A good landscaping weed mat or a shade cloth will do the trick of blocking weeds and bugs and keeping your sand where you want it. Pick a good play sand that will be clean and fun for you children.

Your best bet is called “play sand,” the substance used in children's sandboxes. It's probably good to locate a source for play sand before you dig the pit, of course, to make sure you can find it in your area! Play sand should be available at any chain home improvement store, builders' supply, or landscapers.

Put down a layer of landscape fabric. This allows drainage and prevents weeds and grass from popping up through the sand.

A backyard oasis consists of a perfect yard that must have plants, outdoor furniture, shade, some aesthetic appeal, and a cozy spot that provides comfort. It should feel like a resort in some remote tourist destination where you can relax and be peaceful.

Add height with trees

Every backyard and front yard looks better with a tree, and you don't need loads of space to fit one in. There are many naturally striking trees for small gardens that will add a huge range of benefits to any space – from flowers and berries to spectacular color.

Does mulch absorb dog pee? ›

Another issue with using mulch is that it can absorb the urine and start to smell.

The width and length of a dog house should be about 25 percent larger than your dog's nose-to-flank length. To calculate, measure your dog from her nose to the base of her tail, and multiply the result by 1.25. Example: If your dog's length is 25 in., the dog house needs to be at least 31.25 in. wide on each side.

Other materials can be used such as plywood or Stockboard, however we find that lining with PVC is best as it provides an anti-bacterial and wipe clean finish. Beware of seemingly new-to-the market materials such as thin metal sheeting as it can easily cause severe injury to your dogs.

Your dog needs to get used to being indoors. Put a leash on her and bring her inside for short periods, even for just a few minutes to give her a tasty treat. Toss treats in the doorway to encourage her to enter if she is too nervous. Never force her.

For example, most dogs prefer being touched with long gentle strokes along the chest, shoulder and base of the tail. While some dogs have other places they enjoy a gentle fuss, such as along their ears. And, there are areas which are more sensitive to touch and therefore, less welcome!

Dogs are social animals who need plenty of interaction and appropriate shelter. While most dogs enjoy spending time playing outside, no dog should live it's whole life confined outside to the yard.

Never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, this includes overnight. If something happens to your dog such as heatstroke or hypothermia, the longer it goes unattended the worse it will be for him. Always check on him to make sure he has enough water and is not exhibiting any signs of health issues.

An outside dog house can also be a safe haven for a fearful dog who would like to take some time to decompress or feel safe while outside, according to Diane Orenchuk, a certified professional dog trainer and behaviorist and owner of Beyond the Walk Doggie Daycare and Boarding.

Installing the Correct Sub-Base

However, if you're installing artificial grass for dogs, we recommend installing a slightly different sub-base. Our recommendation is to use either granite or limestone chippings that are anywhere between 10-20mm (whichever is easiest to source locally to you).

What goes under artificial grass for dogs? ›

Infill can be made of sand, silica sand, organic materials, rubber, etc. Typically for installing artificial turf for dogs you're going to use a sand or silica sand infill.

Crushed rock, gravel, or decomposed granite are excellent bases, and make sure that the particulate is under 3/8th of an inch for the best results. Distribute the gravel over the surface where turf will be installed, and compact and level it for proper drainer and even turf.

Extra comfort measures.

There are plenty of other ways to regulate the environment in your outdoor dog kennel, without using electricity. For example, provide comfy beds, blankets, and hot water bottles as needed in the winter, and add a small doggie pool to the run to keep your pooch cool in the summer.

Insulate.

Insulation works to help heat a doghouse in winter, but it also works to keep a doghouse cool in the summer. You can easily DIY this doghouse upgrade by lining the floor, walls, and ceiling with foam board, aluminum foil bubble insulation, or rolls of fiberglass insulation.