Dogs deserve to be healthy and happy, and providing a safe and secure place to explore is one way to do just that. These animals love to bite, chew, lick, and sniff any unfamiliar objects they com across. This is why you must prepare your yard before you introduce your new dog to the space.
But how do you do that? This task can be simplified by splitting it into bitesize jobs, such as creating a secure boundary and removing potential hazards. Fortunately, this post explains three key considerations to keep in mind when preparing your yard for your new dog.
Create a Secure Boundary
As a dog owner, you will quickly learn how curious and energetic these animals can be, especially in a new environment. Exciting distractions, whether it’s a passing car or the scent of squirrels, are temptations that can cause them to wander off. This is why you should erect a secure fence around your yard before your new dog is introduced to the space.
Similarly, there might be a myriad of dangers outside of your yard, from busy roads and predators to toxic substances and aggressive stray animals. A securely contained yard will allow your dog the freedom to play and explore off-leash without risking illness or injury.
The best way to secure your yard is by erecting a high-quality fence around the perimeter, which will stop your dog from leaving the area. This fence should be at least six feet tall to prevent jumping and include a barrier at the base to deter digging. Good options for the barrier include chicken wire 12 to 24 inches deep or large rocks at the bottom to create an uncomfortable digging surface.
This will also stop any unwanted animals from entering the space.
Remove Potential Hazards
Although outside hazards have been mentioned and can be avoided with a sturdy fence, there might be issues within your yard. Dogs, particularly young pups, explore the world with their mouths, so it is essential to remove hazards, such as broken glass, garden chemicals, and toxic plants, before they can be ingested.
While tidying up debris like children’s toys, rocks, and sticks should be a priority, you must make time to eliminate all other hazards. If there are plants in your yard, research them and remove any that are known to be toxic to dogs. Common culprits include azaleas, daffodils, foxgloves, lilies, and tulips. This comprehensive list from the ASPCA can help.
Using pet-friendly alternatives is important, too. The instructions for products such as fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers must be followed carefully. Pets should be kept away from treated areas until they are completely dry and safe. Of course, using artificial turf can reduce the need for these products, but you should research pet turf vs regular turf to ensure you purchase the correct type.
Provide Comfort and Enrichment
Once the yard is deemed safe and secure, your focus can move to ensuring the dog is suitably entertained. Without adequate enrichment, dogs can display unwanted behaviors, including chewing furniture, digging up plants, and excessive barking. This can not only ruin your yard but also disturb your neighborhood as well. With this in mind, you must find ways to offer comfort and enrichment.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, providing shade and shelter is essential. A covered porch area or doghouse can protect your dog from the rain and sun, preventing overheating and ensuring year-round comfort. You should also stimulate your dog when they are in the yard through dog-safe plants for sniffing and supervised play. The toys used should be rotated weekly to keep your dog from becoming bored.
To conclude, creating a yard suitable for a dog is no easy task, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge. In fact, it can be a simple job if you follow the points outlined in this post.
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