For many dogs, the garden is a little paradise: running, sniffing, playing, exploring… But a standard garden is rarely safe or truly suitable for a dog from the start. By consciously designing your garden to be dog-friendly, you prevent accidents, damage, escapes and health risks. You also create a place where your dog can move, relax and be mentally stimulated – without you having to watch every second.

Step 1: Make sure your fencing is safe

Choose a sturdy fence or barrier

Dogs are surprisingly creative: they can jump, dig, climb or squeeze through tiny gaps. So pay attention to:

• Minimum height: 1.2 m for small/medium dogs, 1.8 m for large or athletic breeds

• No large gaps they can slip through

• Strong material that does not split and has no sharp edges

• Extra protection for dogs that love to dig (e.g. wire mesh along the bottom)

For young dogs, a separate enclosed area can add extra safety. A sturdy Trixie puppyren is ideal for temporarily fencing off part of the garden, so your puppy can get used to being outside in a controlled way.

Check regularly for weak spots

Storms, moisture and wear can create escape routes. Walk around your fencing about once a month to check everything is still secure.

Step 2: Create a clear route for your dog

Dogs love to make their own paths. If you don’t create them, your dog will. Avoid worn-out patches of lawn by:

Laying firm paths

• bark or wood chips

• gravel (not sharp!)

• paving stones

• patio tiles

Why this works

Defined paths provide structure and reduce stress. Some dogs instinctively use these routes to patrol and keep an eye on the garden.

Step 3: Choose dog-safe plants and avoid toxic species

Some plants look beautiful but are very dangerous for dogs. Toxic plants include:

• yew (Taxus)

• oleander

• rhododendron

• lilies

• boxwood (buxus)

• autumn crocus

• foxglove (digitalis)

Safer plant choices

• lavender

• SunPatiens

• herbs (thyme, basil, mint)

• daisies

• hydrangeas (mildly toxic, but rarely an issue in practice)

• ornamental grasses

Tip: Dogs love a variety of natural scents

Herb beds have a calming effect and encourage natural sniffing behaviour.

Step 4: Provide shade and cooling

Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in summer. A dog-friendly garden always offers:

A shaded area

• trees

• parasol or umbrella

• shade sail

• covered patio or shelter

A cool surface

Tiles and paving get hot quickly; grass or wooden decking stay cooler.

Optional: a water spot

• shallow dog pools

• sprinkler

• cooling mat (for indoor and outdoor use)

You can add extra water fun with water toys for dogs. They make the garden more exciting and help your dog cool down on hot days.

Step 5: A digging area for dogs that love to dig

Some dogs practically need to dig – it’s part of their instinct. Instead of fighting it, guide it by creating a dedicated digging zone:

• a sandpit

• a corner with loose soil or sand

• hidden toys for extra fun

Keep this area attractive and rewarding, and the rest of your garden is more likely to stay intact.

Step 6: Sniff zones and mental enrichment

Dogs don’t just get tired from walking – sniffing makes them happier and more relaxed.

Ideas for sniffing spots in the garden

• a sniff strip along the edge of the garden

• shrubs that trap lots of interesting smells

• places where you can hide kibble or treats

• scent trails with herbs like chamomile or rosemary

Toys that make the garden more exciting

Use interactive dog toys that are suitable for outdoor use.

You can combine sniffing games with short training sessions. With good training accessories you turn your garden into a fun and educational playground. For dogs that love to run, ball launchers are ideal. Your dog can burn off energy while you don’t have to throw the ball far every time. You can even create a fixed fetch zone to keep the rest of the garden tidy.

Step 7: Think about comfort and rest

Just like indoors, dogs need their own space outdoors too.

Create a relaxation zone

• a soft outdoor dog bed

• a covered dog house

• a raised dog bed (airy and easy to keep clean)

A quiet zone helps dogs process stimuli and prevents them from becoming overstimulated.

Step 8: Consider drainage and mud

A muddy garden is bad for your lawn and for your floors indoors.

How to reduce mud

• add gravel paths

• ensure good drainage

• use rubber mats at doors and entrances

• keep a towel ready for rainy days

Why this is dog-friendly

Dogs are less likely to slip and both paws and house stay cleaner.

Step 9: Safety around ponds and water features

Do you have a pond?

• Make sure there’s a shallow entry/exit so dogs can climb out

• Use netting or a low fence around deep ponds

• Avoid toxic aquatic plants

• Watch out for blue-green algae in summer

Some dogs like to drink from any water they see – make sure that water isn’t dangerous.

Step 10: Consider neighbours and noise

A dog-friendly garden should also be neighbour-friendly.

Tips to reduce barking

• create shade – heat often makes dogs restless

• provide plenty of mental enrichment

• block sightlines for reactive dogs

• ensure enough exercise at consistent times

Conclusion

A dog-friendly garden is a balance between safety, stimulation, relaxation and nature. By looking at your garden through your dog’s instincts – sniffing, resting, exploring, guarding, digging – you create an environment where your dog truly feels at home.

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