Whilst many homeowners will discuss with their landscape architects how to make their new landscaping human-friendly including for their children and any guests who visit, it can often be easy to overlook another member of the family who will be using the new landscaped garden, namely the family dog.

Although we are sure that omission is not through malice, but rather forgetfulness, it is the case that you must consider your dog when planning a newly landscaped garden. This will not only ensure that your dog can enjoy your new garden as much as possible, but on a more serious note, it will also go a long way to making sure that the newly installed garden will be a safe environment for your dog too.

Bear in mind that, your dog will be well used to finding its way around your current garden. Given that dogs are creatures of habit, when presented with a completely new layout and numerous additions such as garden furniture and features that were not there before, it can not only be confusing for them but also somewhat dangerous.

Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take when discussing your landscape services and garden’s design with your landscape architects to ensure that certain features are included and that others are not. To explain these we have provided you with five tips that will help you create a dog-friendly landscape design that will keep your beloved, four-legged friend, happy and safe.

Tip #1 – Include Water Features

Dogs love being outdoors, and when there, they also love water. Whether it is splashing about, swimming, or simply having a drink of cool, fresh water, dogs are great fans of it. This is why including water features in your landscape design, and especially water features that your dog can enjoy as much as humans, such as a small pond, fountain, or swimming pool, will be hugely beneficial for your dog.

Tip #2 – Ensure There Is Plenty Of Shade In Your Garden

If, as many people reading this will, you live in a location that gets lots of sunshine, and is thus invariably hot, then you owe it to your dog to include features in your landscape design that will help them stay cool. We have already mentioned a water feature, but if space or budget do not allow for these, then the next best thing is to ensure that there are lots of locations within your new landscaped garden that provide your dog with shade such as tall bushes and shrubs.

Tip #3 – Give Them Their Own Space

There are few better ways to prove that you are thinking about your beloved dog than to include their very own space within your landscape design. Whether that be a bed located in the shade, a playpen, a place for all their toys, or even a digging station that allows them to dig without destroying your plants, we are sure they will be grateful for any of them.

Tip #4 – Make Sure All Fixtures And Features Are Secure

One of the recurring themes you will note throughout this article is ensuring that your landscape design has your dog’s safety in mind, and this is another time we will mention it. Specifically, we urge you to ensure that any of the fixtures or features you have in your new garden present no danger to your dog, including making sure the fence is secure, and that nothing is liable to topple and injure your dog should they brush against it.

Tip #5 – Know What Plants Are Toxic For Dogs

You may have to do some research on this if you are not an expert gardener or more specifically an expert on what plants in a garden can be harmful to dogs. In particular, you should read up on which plants are toxic to dogs with the obvious intention of ensuring that your new garden does not have any of these earmarked for inclusion. If you have any doubts, speak to a veterinarian who should be able to provide you with a list of toxic plants to avoid.