For many of us, the garden is more than just a place to grow plants. It’s an extension of the home, a haven for relaxation, and, increasingly, a playground for our four-legged friends. Learn all about how you can create a dog friendly garden…
If you’ve got a dog, you’ll know how much joy they get from sniffing, digging and lounging outside. But not every garden is set up with pets in mind. That’s why it’s worth taking a few simple steps to ensure your garden is both safe and stimulating for your dog.
From toxic plant pitfalls to play-friendly layouts, there’s a lot you can do to create a space that works for you and your canine companion.
Whether you’ve got a big garden or a compact courtyard, these tips will help you strike the balance between stylish planting and practical pet-proofing – keeping tails wagging and borders blooming all season long.
Choose Dog-Safe Plants and Avoid Toxic Ones
Dogs are curious by nature and often explore the world through their noses and mouths. This means certain plants can pose real dangers.
Some popular garden favourites like foxgloves, yew, lilies, and hydrangeas are toxic to dogs if ingested. It’s worth checking your planting list before adding new varieties and replacing any risky ones with dog-safe alternatives like rosemary, calendula, or snapdragons. Don’t forget about your bulbs either, as tulips and daffodils can be harmful if dug up and eaten.
A little research goes a long way and can make a real difference to your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Designate a Digging Area to Save Your Borders
Got a dog that loves to dig? You’re not alone. Instead of trying to stop the habit altogether, which can often backfire, give your dog a place where digging is actually encouraged.
Set aside a small patch of bare soil or sand, away from your prized perennials, and hide the odd treat or toy there to spark interest. You can frame the area with timber or low logs so it feels like their own spot.
This trick is especially helpful for terrier breeds or young, energetic dogs with energy to burn. It redirects their natural behaviour and protects the rest of your garden beds from becoming a battlefield.
Create Paths for Patrol and Play
Dogs love routine and will naturally patrol the perimeter of the garden, checking “their” territory. And rather than fighting this, embrace it!
Lay out narrow bark, gravel or lawn paths around borders or fences where your dog tends to walk. Not only does it reduce damage to lawn edges and plants, but it also gives your dog a clear route for zoomies and patrol laps.
Make sure paths are wide enough for them to turn comfortably and avoid sharp gravel that can hurt their paws. Creating this kind of structure satisfies your dog’s instincts and makes your garden feel more harmonious overall.
Provide Shade and Shelter for All Seasons
Just like us, dogs need a break from the elements, especially in hot or wet weather. If your garden doesn’t already have natural shade from trees or shrubs, consider adding a pergola, awning, or even a raised canopy over their favourite lounging area.
A waterproof shelter or dog-safe outdoor bed can also make a big difference in keeping them comfortable through the seasons.
Position it somewhere with good airflow, and close to where you spend time, so they still feel included. Water bowls should always be kept in shaded spots to stay cool and clean.
Fence Smart and Prevent Great Escapes
No matter how well-trained your dog is, it only takes one fox or squirrel to tempt them into a break for freedom. That’s why secure, dog-proof fencing is essential.
Aim for a minimum height of 1.2m for medium breeds, with no gaps beneath that paws can nudge through. Avoid trellis sections near the base if you’ve got a climber on your hands!
For small dogs or puppies, even open-gated driveways can be a risk. Consider temporary fencing or secure gates as extra safety. If you’ve got a digger, reinforce fence bases with buried chicken wire or paving slabs.
Keeping your boundaries secure lets your dog explore freely and safely and gives you peace of mind when your back is turned.
Add Enrichment Features to Keep Them Stimulated
A bored dog is often a mischievous one, so give them something to focus on. Simple garden enrichment can be surprisingly effective.
Try rotating outdoor toys, adding scent trails with herbs like mint or thyme, or installing a small dog-safe splash pool for warm days. You can even grow a patch of pet-friendly grass for them to roll in or chew.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and enriching the garden makes it a more rewarding place for your dog to spend time. Think of it like a sensory garden, designed just for them.
