15 Ways to Create the Perfect Dog-Friendly Backyard

Sharing your yard with a four-legged family member doesn’t have to mean rough lawns or barren hardscaping. It’s possible to make a safe and enriching outdoor space for your pup that still looks nice and inviting. These 15 ideas to create a dog-friendly backyard will keep you on the right path.

Put Up a Dog-Friendly Fence

Dogs need plenty of room to run and burn off their zoomies. Putting up a dog-friendly fence gives your pup a safe space to stretch their legs while also adding privacy and boosting your home’s value. Just make sure the fence is tall enough to prevent escapes, wiggle-proof, and free of any kind of sharp edges.

Make Sure There’s Fresh Water Available

If your dog is going to spend a lot of time in the yard, make sure they have access to water. A water bowl works, but a little splash fountain or water feature might be even more fun for your pup as long as you keep the water fresh and clean. All that playtime will make your dog thirsty!

Choose Safe Plants for Your Pooch

When creating your dog-friendly garden, pick your plants wisely. Some plants can be toxic if your furry friend decides to munch on them. If your pup tends to eat just about anything, make sure to plant only dog-safe flowers. Of course, you never want to let your pets chew on any plants, but you can feel a bit more relaxed around flowers like Aster, Hibiscus, Corn Flower, Impatiens, Marigolds, Petunias, Pansies, and Snapdragons.

Create a Dedicated Dog Run

A dog run is perfect if you have a large backyard and want your dog to spend time in a specific area to get exercise, burn off pent-up energy, and do their “business.” Dog runs are usually short fenced-off areas of the yard made especially for dogs, using wood or metal posts and finished with wire or mesh (so you can still see your pup and, more importantly, your dog can see you).

Add Shady Spots for Relaxing

The heat in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the envy of much of the country. However, while dogs often enjoy sunbathing, the strong sun can really take a toll during the hottest parts of the day. Shaded and sheltered areas can help beat the intense midday sun so everyone can enjoy the backyard in more comfort, including your pup.

Consider Installing Artificial Grass

For dog owners who aren’t completely “married” to the idea of a natural grass backyard, there are grass alternatives for dogs that can keep your yard looking pristine. Artificial grass isn’t just safe for dogs; it also has plenty of advantages over natural grass—especially in Texas with the extreme heat.

Set Up a Digging Zone

Dogs have a natural digging instinct that even the friendliest backyard for dogs is unlikely to eliminate. Why not control where it happens instead of trying to stop the digging? Most homeowners are totally okay with their dog digging in a designated spot—just not in their flowerbeds or on their lawns. So why not set up a digging area in your backyard? You could create a DIY sandbox using leftover wood.

Build a Fun Agility Course

For serious dog owners with highly energetic pups, a mini-agility course is another awesome dog-friendly backyard idea. Hoops to jump through, tunnels, and other features might not be a hit with a Pomeranian or Pug, but larger and more active dogs like Labradors and Dalmatians can have a blast. If you’re on a tight budget, get creative with items lying around your shed, like PVC piping.

Go for Pet-Safe Fertilizers and Pesticides

Your dog is going to be rolling in the grass and sniffing almost every plant in your yard! That means they’ll be close to any fertilizer or pest control you use. A lot of these products can be harmful to dogs—especially if your pup decides to take a little nibble on your plants. Go for pet-safe treatments for your landscaping so that your furry buddy is safe.

Pick Dog-Safe Mulch

You see, not all mulches are safe for dogs. Some vets have raised concerns about the use of cocoa bean shell mulch, especially if you leave your dog unsupervised in the yard. There were some dogs who got sick after eating the mulch. So, you have to make sure your mulch doesn’t have any kind of nasty material that could be harmful to pups.

Choose Durable Materials for Your Yard

Dogs play hard, and their hangout spots need to be able to keep up with them. Softwood decking can get scratched up, potted plants might get knocked over by a wagging tail, and your outdoor furniture will definitely end up covered in muddy paw prints. Choose durable and easy-to-clean materials whenever you can so your brand-new backyard doesn’t look like a total mess in just a week.

Ensure Pool Safety for Your Pup

Put a fence around your pool so your pet can’t get to it when you’re not watching—even pool covers can be dangerous if water collects on top. Make sure there are slip-free steps for your dog to get out easily, and don’t let them drink from the pool—the chlorine and other nasty chemicals can make them sick.

Keep Tools and Hazards Out of Reach

Regularly check the yard for any hazards lying around. Unplug the lawn mower or trimmer when you’re not there to keep an eye on things and stash chemical products or sharp tools in a secure spot like a garage or garden shed. It’s best to keep your dog indoors when using dangerous tools like chainsaws. The loud noises could stress them out, and there’s also the risk of injury from the machinery or falling wood.

Create a Fun Sensory Area for Exploration

We all know dogs love to use their noses, but experts say that sniffing can boost optimism and reduce stress in our furry friends. By setting up a sensory space where dogs can explore with their noses, you’re giving them a confidence-boosting part of their daily routine. Add various non-toxic, edible plants for them to check out.

Select a Tough Grass Blend

For some dog parents, natural grass is a must-have. They’ll never switch to another cover. In these cases, you can switch to a more durable grass blend. Some grass types, like Buffalograss or Kentucky Bluegrass, handle dog pee better than others and are a bit tougher. If you want to keep it “natural” without the hassle of real grass, you could also go for clover, which is safe for dogs to munch on and super resilient.