It’s great that you can open your home to a dog or even two! After all, a dog is a full member of your family. It will be down to you to make sure that your dog is comfortable, happy, well fed and exercised. But there are times when a dog is simply going to want to be a dog. And that means going and being outside doing all the fun and necessary things that a dog has to do. With a few changes, even a dull yard or garden can be changed into a dog sanctuary. This will allow your friend to have space to enjoy and indulge as well as play with you.
A dog is territorial.
Your dog no matter how big or small sees himself as there to protect you and your home. This includes the garden which becomes a part of his zone. You welcome your dog into your home, so it makes sense to extend that welcome into the garden. Your dog will love to patrol the perimeter of your garden or yard. It would be dull if he simply had to trot up and down. Why not devise a way to create a more interesting path that follows the perimeter but also has some bends and twists? Make the path out of a dog-friendly material such as pea gravel or larger pieces of bark that won’t irritate his paws. Make sure your yard is fenced off. Fencing can be dog proof as well as see-through. You could provide a dog fence window, so he doesn’t miss out on what is happening outside!
Dogs need rest.
Create a space that your dog can rest in. You might like to think about giving him having access to a nice sunny spot. Then again you might need to think about some shade when that same sun gets too hot. Planting can help provide some protection, and it can pay you to think about the most suitable plants for a dog-friendly garden. Anything with sharp spikes that could harm your dog should be avoided. There is no point in planting small and delicate flowers and being disappointed when your dog rolls on them! Plant hardy shrubs that can take a bit of punishment.
A dog house can be a great idea. He might enjoy having a bed in there as well as a selection of toys to play with. A good pet supplies centre should be able to provide everything you need to make sure that your friend is comfortable and entertained.
F
eeding, watering and washing station.
It may be that you willfeed your dog inside, but you will need to provide a good source of regular fresh water outside as well. You could even consider combining this with space to wash and clean up after those big country or beach walks.
Although your dog will love being outside, and especially with you, he will not want to be left out alone for long periods of time. A great way to be able to give you dog access to the home might be to install a dog door. You will need to be security conscious however and ensure that you can lock this when necessary. A real dog-friendly garden will be able to offer you and your pet the chance to enjoy everything in your home and garden.
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