As the rain is slowly becoming less frequent and the sun is gradually creeping in, it is nice for our dogs to be able to spend as much time outside in the garden as possible. This is fine if you already have a separate area for your dog, or if you live in a rural area, with few roads nearby, where, if your dog did escape they wouldn’t be in too much danger. However, if you live in a busier area, you might be hesitant to leave your dog outside, in case they manage to get out, or do any damage to your plants. This guide should give you ideas on how to keep your dog and garden safe.
Secure your fence
Holes in your garden fence are the perfect opportunity for your dog to escape. Even if your dog is larger than the hole, you should never underestimate their ability to dig underneath it, making their escape path easier. Ensuring that your fence is secure and hole-free will reduce your dog’s temptation, and ability, to get out. You should also make sure that your fence is high enough that your dog can’t jump over it- 6 feet is the recommended minimum height.
Give them their own area
Even if you don’t have a big enough outside space to actually section off a specific area for your dog, you should at least provide them with a small area in which they can retreat to. All this needs to include is a couple of toys, a water bowl and some shelter, preferably a kennel, if you have room. This will give them an area to settle down whilst in the garden, reducing anxiety from noises such as traffic, lawnmowers or wildlife that may make them want to get out.
Protect your border plants
If you allow your dogs to roam freely in your garden, you can’t expect delicate border plants and flowers to last for very long, especially if you don’t make any effort to protect them. You should use sturdy edging or more resilient plants, such as thyme, to act as a barrier between the area in which your dogs play and the plant borders. You may also want to consider the type of plants you keep in your borders. If you know that your dogs are inquisitive and will probably explore, regardless of edging, perhaps delicate plants, such as foxgloves, aren’t such a good idea.
Cover ponds and pools
Most dogs are curious and daring, that’s a given, which means they will probably try to follow anything, from butterflies, to birds and bees, wherever they go. Unfortunately, if you have a pool or a pond in your garden, they won’t be put off by these obstacles. To avoid any soggy dogs, you should ensure that your pool has a cover, and that your pond is covered by netting at the very least.
Do you have any more tips on how to make a garden suitable for dogs? Share your ideas in the comments section!
[Photo Credit: Crazy House Capers]
