Owning a pet dog is a wonderful experience and can provide you with countless hours of fun. Ask any owner, and they will tell you just how mischievous they can be in your backyard!
Whether it is digging at your lawn, chewing at your plants, or going to the toilet, it can seem like owning a beautiful, landscaped garden and a pet dog are not possible.
Fear not dog lovers … landscaping with your dog in mind can help you to find the perfect balancing act.
How do you create a beautiful garden that is perfect for relaxing with friends and letting your dog roam free? We thought we would take a closer look at some of the best landscaping tips for dog owners.
What are the best landscaping tips for dog owners?
Use a hardscape to avoid urine spots
One of the biggest challenges of owning a pet is having to deal with their excrement and urine. That is why one of the best landscaping tips for dog owners is to add a hardscape. Every dog owner will tell you that dogs and grass do not work well together, which is why adding a non-living hardscape into your backyard can transform your landscaping.
The use of things such as concrete pavers, bricks, and stones can help create a low-maintenance and beautiful garden that will be perfect for you and your pet. Not only will you be able to say goodbye to having to cut the grass regularly, but the use of these hardscape materials ensures your backyard will be able to withstand the mess your dog makes.
Of course, that is not to say you cannot have plants in your garden. Using stone mulch can be a wonderful way to enjoy beautiful and vibrant gardens.
Know the best type of grass to use
If you would prefer to keep your garden with a luscious lawn, then it is still possible. That is why another landscaping tip for dog owners is to make sure that you know the different types of grass available, and which is the best option for you.
This will depend on the breed of dog that you have and their personality. Some types of grass will be able to withstand high foot traffic from a dog that loves to run around, while others will be far more resistant to their inquisitive nature.
One of the best types of grass for warmer regions is Bermuda grass, while for those pet owners living in cooler areas should opt for a durable solution such as tall fescue grass.
Alternatives to green grass
While installing certain types of grass in your backyard will be able to help prevent your pet from digging up your lawn and causing other signs of wear and tear, it cannot protect your grass from urine. This is one of the most common annoyances for pet owners, with the nitrogen and salts in the urine causing yellow stains that can be very hard to remove.
That is why one of the best landscaping tips for dog owners is to consider alternatives to grass that can still provide you with that beautiful green carpet. One of the best options to create that same effect is to use clovers. Alongside preventing that yellow staining, clover lawns can also provide you with a wide range of benefits over more traditional grass options.
Diluting dog urine
If a clover lawn is not what you had in mind and you want to keep traditional grass, then you can try to dilute the urine to prevent yellow staining. The best way to do this is by remaining vigilant and keeping an eye on your pet.
When you see them urinating on your lawn, quickly wash the area with water from your garden hose. This will remove the nitrogen and harmful salts, preventing them from damaging and staining your lawn.
Use fences to create a dog-friendly space
When it comes to landscaping tips for dog owners, another very popular option is to create a separate area that they can enjoy. Using wooden fences can be a great way to block off your plants and lawn, preventing your pet dog from getting access.
Not only is this a great landscaping option to keep your garden looking fantastic, but it can also help to create a unique aesthetic for your home. The right style of fence can help you to create a beautiful courtyard effect that can transform your backyard.
Add wire caging
If you are worried that your dog is going to be heading to your trees and shrubs to urinate, then wire caging can be a fantastic way to prevent them from weeing against your plants and causing damage to your roots. These are very simple additions to construct, and you will simply need four stakes and chicken wire that is high enough so your dog cannot jump over.
To install, drive your stakes into the ground around your tree or shrub in a square shape, around two feet from the trunk. Cut the wire to size so that it wraps around the stakes and protects your plants. You can then affix this using zip-ties or twine. This can impact the aesthetics of your garden, though, so you should only use this option as a last resort.
Address pathway issues
Dogs are incredibly territorial animals, and they like to mark their areas with urine. This means that they will often patrol the edge of garden fencing and urinate, creating unsightly dog paths.
If you are finding that your pet is marking their territory, you should first try to discourage them from doing so. However, this can be very challenging, and they will likely continue to go with their natural instinct. That is why another landscaping tip for dog owners is to create a stone walkway around the edge, helping to create a unique pathway that adds a beautiful charm to your garden.
Modify your dog’s behavior
Of course, while these landscaping tips for dog owners can keep your garden looking fantastic, they are no substitute for behavior training. Training your dog to use one space with gravel or dirt to go to the toilet will prevent your grass from going yellow.
Training your dog from a young age will help to teach them what is right and what is wrong, ensuring that they understand how to behave in your garden.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like an impossible task to have a beautifully landscaped garden and a pet dog, with these landscaping tips for owners, you can enjoy both. If you are looking to transform your backyard, but are not sure where to begin, then come on by Jacksons Home & Garden, we’ll be happy to advise you on the best plants and options available.