Dog's Life
Backyard Havens for You and Your Pooch
By Paula Felps
After a hard day at work, there’s nothing like hanging out in the backyard with your best friend. Creating a fun outdoor space that is Fido-friendly is easier than you think—and makes a great escape for both of you that is always waiting right outside your back door!
When planning your down-home hideaway, keep in mind what you and your four-legged friend will enjoy. (Remember, the more you both love it, the more likely you’ll use it.) Think about the activities that the two of you enjoy together, and then it will be fairly simple to create a retreat you both will want to come home to!
It’s easy to get excited about all the possibilities, but keep it simple. You don’t want to overpower your yard with playthings; instead narrow the choices to something the two of you can enjoy. That might mean a sandbox or a wading pool, an open play area or maybe just a place to relax.
Fran Kiesling, owner of Dirty Dog Landscape Consulting & Design in Minnetonka, Minnesota, suggests that a combination of two or three elements is the key to creating the ideal outdoor oasis.
“Give a couple of options so your dog can decide at any given time if he wants to be warm or cool, or on something that is hard or soft,” she says, adding that soft, cool elements such as sod provide the perfect complement to warmer, hard surfaces such as a deck or patio.
“And if you really want to make him happy, create special areas where you can play games like keep-away, king of the hill or catch!”
Tunnels are a favorite among the four-legged set, and Kiesling recommends that every man (or woman) gets one for his (or her) best friend. “You can get a tunnel to run through or, if you don’t want to buy an actual tunnel, create one out of shrubs. Give them an opening they can run through—he will love that!”
Before redoing the backyard, however, she says to listen to what your dog wants from the yard.
“Dogs have their own system of paths and play areas, so watch where they go to lay down, where they like to look out and where they want to play. They’ll tell you where everything needs to go.”
You may not realize it, but the favorite activities you share together are perfect inspiration points. If he loves chasing a ball or catching a Frisbee®, an open area where the two of you can play will be fun for both of you. If he enjoys running, leaving space in the yard will make him extra happy.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to look at your backyard from your pet’s point of view, not just your own.
“Keep it to scale,” she recommends. “If you have a toy breed, make sure everything is lower to the ground than you would if you had a Labrador or a Golden Retriever. And always keep in mind what he’s interested in.”
For example, toy breeds rarely enjoy wandering off on their own adventures, while some larger dogs enjoy looking around. Kiesling suggests creating an “adventure area” with prairie grass or thickets, where they can go explore on their own.
Depending on the size of your yard, you may want to use a well-placed tree for shade, or install a canopy on your deck or patio that offers respite from the rays. Now you’ve got a great place for relaxing—as well as a good spot for a food and water station. Remember that fresh water is one of your best allies for beating the heat, so a fresh supply of food and water is essential for the ultimate hound-n-human hangout.
Finally, remember to create a space where the two of you can enjoy a nap together once you’re done playing for the day. Whether it’s a hammock or a comfy padded porch swing, make sure it’s big enough for two!
“When you’re creating a yard for you and your dog, you want it to be big on durability and be functional,” Kiesling says. “But most of all, you want your dog to be happy.”
