A Backyard for Buddy and Bella – their personality, your budget
Moving, landscaping or getting yourself another pooch, these are great reasons to take a good look at your backyard for canine appeal!
While Buddy, your senior companion may enjoy a ramp instead of stairs and a plunge pool instead of an agility course, plan your yard in such a way as to evolve and accommodate your pet from puppyhood to senior living.
First, be sure to keep safety in mind. When planning, it is probably easier to start from the outside perimeter of the space allocated to your “pups”. It should be enclosed to ensure there are no escape routes. Some dogs can be more determined than others. This is where personality comes in, and flexibility becomes important in considering future dogs you may include in your family. Can a fence be made higher, what if Buddy likes to dig? And what could be more fun for your dog than a fence window or bubble so that they can keep up on the neighbourhood comings and goings? Be sure to put some thought into your project before taking that trip to the hardware store.
As you can see in the pictures, you can get as upscale as building in a pool or as frugal as finding some discarded tires, you pets are going to love you for your effort! It is your imagination that counts and your ability to create a yard that will suit the personality, age, and needs of your dog, with a fun appeal. If you are considering a doggy door, it would be a good idea to do your homework with regard to safety measures you may also need to put in place.
Every dog owner needs to deal with the potty issue. If your living room looks out onto your yard, you will want to have a discreet area where you can train Buddy and Bella to relieve themselves. Shrubs, screens or even an out-house, can provide for that destination. Consider cleaning and drainage that will work for your location.
Another basic is a drinking water source. Best to keep water cool by placing it in a shaded spot. There are many drinking fountains on the market and adaptations to your water hose. If Bella won’t drink from anything but a bowl, keep it clean by creating an overhang and changing the water often.
Does your yard have a shade tree? If not, create a nook with a canopy so there will be relief from a hot sun. If sturdy, the top can also provide a perch for your dog to purvey his domain. Speaking of heat, there are raised beds that are treated to repel ticks and such and allow for a cool breeze beneath. If you live in a cold climate a dog house is a must if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. It could be an igloo or a Quonset and even be heated. Dogs are tactile animals and providing different ground covers will encourage them to roam and explore. Rounded pavers, wood, grass or artificial grass and various plants can be enriching and nose-worthy. Some plants that are safe and even beneficial to your pet, are peppermint, basil, chamomile and milk thistle.
Sometimes dogs are so driven by their species, there is no training it out of them. So consider turning that drive into an acceptable activity. Here is where a simple sandbox can keep your digger happy as a clam. What about those hunting dogs? When developing your yard, keep in mind areas that you could hide treats to keep your dog busy and happy. If your dog likes to chase, how about a simple lure course? Got a jumper? Simple hurdles are easy to build. If Fly ball is a passion, leave some empty space where you and your best friend can play. Your dog loves the water. It can be as simple as a Kiddie pool or active as a splash pad. Before you know it, you have an agility course!
If your pet has special needs, you can adapt many of these ideas. A different surface for a wheelchair may be needed, but your “pup” may still love a lure course. If your senior is sight impaired, a treat hunt will likely be welcome. Keep these possibilities in mind so that your plan can be flexible and your features changeable for different ages and stages.
If you are living in a winter climate, snow can be used to create mazes, slides, shelters and perches.
Ideas are endless, and the internet can help you to plan that perfect backyard for Bella and Buddy. They will be forever grateful and the envy of all the other neighbourhood dogs.
Written by Johanna Denesiuk, Natural Health Enthusiast and Animal Advocate