H1: How to create a puppy-friendly backyard
Keeping your pup happy and healthy is always a priority, from frequent exercise to plenty of love and belly rubs. The backyard is where all the great smells and toys are (not to mention the place to run out all those zoomies), so it’s crucial to ensure it’s secure for even the most mischievous pups.
From making sure your puppy has easy access to food and water – and enough stimulus to keep them out of said mischief – right down to ensuring your backyard is large enough, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to creating a puppy-friendly backyard. Not sure where to start? Here are some tips on how to create the perfect outdoor space for your dog.
H2: Make sure the yard is big enough
When it comes to keeping your dog in a backyard, you might be wondering: do I have enough space? The answer partly comes down to your pup’s size, temperament and breed. Generally the more room, the better—no matter how large or pint-size the pup. But this isn’t always an option, especially if you live in the city.
If you don’t have a secure backyard, you might consider investing in a fenced-off area known as a dog run. As a general rule, small dogs require a minimum of 2m x 2m, while medium dogs require around 3m x 2m and large dogs need at least 4m x 3m.
Of course, if you live in an apartment, this can make things a little trickier, but there are still plenty of ways to provide your dog with a space of their own to stretch their legs. A balcony makes a good location for dog runs for smaller pups, just be mindful that tiled and concrete floors can get hot in the sun. Artificial turf is a great way to help avoid your dog’s paws getting too hot, and creating some shady spots gives them a place to cool off. If you don’t have a balcony, walking your pup two or three times a day will tire them out!
H2: Check your fencing
Dogs are notoriously curious and full of energy, but this high-octane combination may mean your dog may have a tendency to sniff out any and every possible escape route. For this reason, secure fencing is key to keeping your dog safely contained. If you have a large dog – or one that likes to jump – it’s particularly important your fence is tall and sturdy enough to block those Olympian-level leaps.
H2: Provide shelter
While plenty of dogs love to be outside, keeping them in a backyard means they are exposed to all the shifts and changes of weather. Not only will a dog shelter offer your pup protection from rain, harsh sun and cold nights, but it will also help them feel safe and protected (the way we feel secure when we’re inside our homes). Whether it’s a kennel or a shelter attached to a dog run, there are plenty of options when it comes to keeping your dog protected all year round. Be sure to fit it out with a comfortable dog bed, so your pup can curl up somewhere cosy at night.
H2: Keep them entertained
Just like humans, our canine friends need entertainment to stimulate their active minds and keep the boredom (and mischief) at bay. Giving them plenty of dog toys to play with is a great start. Pair this with interactive areas in the yard, such as a garden path (dogs love having somewhere to paw-trol) or even building a water feature where they can splash around in the warmer months.
If your dog loves to get their paws dirty (and insists on ruining your garden), consider making them a designated digging area filled with sand or mulch. You could even bury bones in there for them to sniff out and dig up. Why not get creative – keeping your dog mentally stimulated is crucial to their overall well-being and happiness.
H2: Provide easy access to food and water
Last (but not least), ensuring your dog has easy access to fresh food and clean water is essential. Sticking to a regular feeding schedule and establishing a comfortable area for your dog to eat gives them an important sense of routine.
Consider investing in a good quality dog bowl for food and water, which you can place side-by-side. Stainless steel makes for a durable and easy-to-clean pet bowls, so you know it’ll last out there in the wild. Plus, because stainless steel is naturally resistant to bacteria, you can relax knowing your pooch’s consumables are safe.
Dogs can be messy when it comes to eating, so make sure they have plenty of space to do their thing, and keep their bowls in the shade (who likes to drink hot water all day?)—your pup will thank you!
With a sturdy fence, a good-quality shelter, access to food, water and some canine entertainment, you’ll have the basics down pat and be well on your way to creating a fun, safe and nurturing space for your pup.
