The holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re unsure of what you should give your dog, we think a house with a big backyard should be on the top of your list. Okay, maybe that might be too big of a gesture, even if your dog was a very good boy or girl this year. Still, any dog owner knows that excited face on their pup when you let them know it’s time to play in the backyard.
So if you already have a backyard or you’re thinking about purchasing a house with some outdoor space soon, let’s talk about some ways you can turn your backyard into your dog’s favorite place in the world. These ideas will make it a cool place for your two-legged family and friends to hang too.
Make sure your yard is fenced-in
Granted, installing a fence around your backyard won’t make your dog happy, but we always have to consider safety first. You want to make sure your dog doesn’t go off on an adventure where there’s a chance they could get hurt or hurt someone else if they get scared or feel threatened.
Of course, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when shopping for a fence. If you own a large dog that can jump pretty high, a four-foot chain link fence will not do the job. You’ll want to opt for fencing that’s at least six feet high. A solid wood or vinyl fence also blocks your dog from seeing things in the outside world that could rile them up, like squirrels or the friendly neighborhood mailperson.
We recommend adding some bushes or mulch along the fence to give your pup more things to sniff and lay in comfortably.
Let the water flow
Providing your dog with more access to water is never a bad idea, especially on a hot summer day. Adding a splash pool, a stream, or a backyard fountain is an excellent way to keep your dog entertained and hydrated. Plus, you and anyone who comes over will enjoy it as well. Just remember that accidents and mistakes happen, so please make sure there are steps, a gently sloping side, or another means for your dog or children to leave the pool or fountain in case they fall in.
Give your dog access to shade
Could you imagine wearing a winter coat in the middle of July? Your dog can as they wear a fur coat year-round, which may be great in February but probably a little warm during summer. If your dog doesn’t have a place to cool down, they could suffer dehydration, heatstroke, or sunburn. They may also start digging into areas they shouldn’t, which is something you wouldn’t want. If you have trees, they should likely provide adequate protection and shade, but you could also build a doghouse or add an overhead tarp. You can also create a digging area made of mulch or sand to give your dog a place to get some energy out and remain cool.
Let your dog mark their territory
Dogs will be dogs, which means they will want to let other dogs know whose territory they’re in. By adding large stones or other natural components for marking posts, your dog will be less likely to do their business on your grill, hammock, or other things you’d prefer they don’t. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Create your own pooch obstacle course
If you have space and time and your pup is a little more on the active side, we would encourage you to get creative and create a doggie obstacle course or playground, which can be fun for your dog as well as young ones in need of some more playtime outside. Tunnels, balance beams, and hurdles can be purchased or made from scratch, depending on how hands-on you want to get.
These are five ideas, but we know there are many others. Please feel free to share your thoughts, images, and videos of how you are making your backyard awesome for your dog. Remember, if you are looking for the most convenient way to secure financing for a new home or refinance your current mortgage, EMM Loans is here to help!
