One of the most favorite places for your dogs where they can socialize, have fun, exercise, and roam around freely is in your garden. This is one place where they can do what they want and run around as much as they can.
However, as much as most homeowners love to keep beautiful gardens in their homes just as much as they love keeping their dogs, there arises a problem when having both. There is always going to be a conflict between the two – with one destroying the other.
That notwithstanding, this does not mean that you cannot have both. Homeowners have devised ways through which they can keep beautiful gardens while at the same time making sure that their canine friends are happy.
The secret lies in dog-proofing their gardens. This means that they have put up measures to ensure that the dogs do not destroy the gardens or even the plants in the front gate. Having said that, how do you dog-proof your garden?
Locking Up Chemicals and Tools
Keeping a beautiful garden in your home means that you will be using different chemicals to fight weeds and pests. You will also be using different tools when making the garden. These tools and chemicals can be kept at a secured place within the garden or in a store.
For instance, you can make a garden shed with a lock or a latch where it can be safe to keep these items. If you have recently treated your plants with fertilizers or pesticides, then you need to make sure that the dog does not gain access to the garden at all.
This is because even though the chemicals might not kill the dog, they can cause some illnesses. If your dog gets into contact with the chemicals, you can try online vet consultation and prescription to get advice on what you need to do to help your dog.
Securing the Garden with a Fence
You can also secure your garden with a fence when dog-proofing the garden. There are two reasons for doing this – you either want the dog to roam around the garden without the need of a leash or want to protect the garden from damage that might be caused by the dog.
When doing this, you should make sure that the fence is tall enough since some dogs are known to jump high and can get over short fences. You can also build a wall with an entry point depending on your requirements.
Design a Dog-Friendly Garden
When designing your garden, you should consider the needs and traits of your dog. It is important to note that dogs will always need a place to run around, play, and relieve themselves.
If you do not consider these needs when making your garden, then the dog will run through the garden anytime it wants to play and will relieve itself anywhere.
In addition, make sure to create paths through the garden that the dog can use when roaming in it. This will ensure that it does not destroy the plants in the garden.
Eliminate Exposed Soil or Dirt
Most dogs will not forgo an opportunity to play, dig, or even lie on soil or dirt, especially when it is hot. This will destroy the garden and when the dogs come inside your house, they can leave a lot of dirt around.
You, therefore, need to eliminate any soil and dirt by using things such as wood chips or bark. You also need to cover or pave all paths in the garden with pebbles. This will ensure that soil and dirt is eliminated.
Plant Wisely and Densely
Finally, it is important to note that the closer and larger your plants are to each other, the lower the chances of having your dog walk over them or destroy them. This tells you that apart from planting wisely, you also need to plant densely.
Some of the best plants that can withstand being trampled on by dogs include grasses, hardy perennials, and sturdy shrubs among other small evergreen trees. If you have to plant delicate and small plants, you can keep them in cages, boxes, or even pots for their safety.
Conclusion
Every homeowner who has a garden and a dog wants to spend quality time in the garden and with the dog. Even though most of them (homeowners) find it difficult to achieve this balance, it is something that can be attained with proper planning. Following these tips will ensure that you can dog-proof your garden.
