3 Tips To Ensure Your Yard And Dog Play Well With One Another

You've finally decided to give your backyard a makeover. However, you have to take more than your own personal taste into consider. You must also consider your four-legged furry friend. So, here are a few tips to ensure that everyone gets along and that your yard doesn't get torn up in the process:

Add Softly-Curved Paths Around the Outers Edges of Your Yard.

Dogs tend to feel like it is their duty to guard the yard. Some dog owners try to keep their dogs from doing this, but it is a hard instinct to fight. So, instead of trying to do that, why not embrace it and include something in your landscape design that will not only look great but will incorporate your dog's natural instinct to protect you and your home? Add a walking/running path around the outer edge of the yard that your dog can use to guard the property. Make sure to use soft corners or your dog will make his or her own corners and not use your path. Also, incorporate materials that will be soft on your pup's paws, such as river stones, flagstone or even mulch. And, in the mornings or evenings, you can even use this path to get in a little bit of exercise.

Don't Forget to Put Up Barriers for Off-Limit Areas.

When you design your landscape, there are going to be certain plants that you don't want your dog touching. This will be for one of two reasons: 1) the plants are toxic or physically dangerous to your dog, or 2) the plants are too beautiful to be ruined by your dog. Whatever the case may be, you can't expect for your dog to know that he or she should stay away from them. So, you need to put up some hardscaping, such ornamental fences or stone walls. Alternatively, you can always go for a softer appearance, such as thick shrubs or tall hedges.

Add Beautiful Dog-Friendly Water Features.

If your dog will be spending a large amount of time in the backyard, it is important that he or she has access to plenty of fresh water. This opens up the door to the perfect opportunity for you to add a beautiful and visually-appealing water feature to the backyard that will promote relaxation for you and your guests. At the same time, it will give your dog something to enjoy when or she is enjoying the outdoors. There are many outdoor water features that you can choose from, including fountains, streams and ponds. However, if you opt for a small pool or pond, you need to be careful that you build shallow steps or a gentle slope so that you dog can get in and out with ease. 

For more information, contact Milieu Design or a similar company.

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