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HomeBuildHow To Make A Patio Dog Friendly

How To Make A Patio Dog Friendly



Follow This Expert Advice To Make The Most Of Your Petite Plot For You And Your Four

Kate BurtHouzz.comGeorgia LindsayAmanda ShipmanLaara Copley-SmithConsider Faking the LawnChoose Soft Flooring for HardscapePaul HattonMake It Escape-ProofGive Them a Space of Their OwnKeep Them CoolChoose Pet-Friendly Plantsred-hot pokerPlant StrategicallythymemintRosemaryChris SnookDon’t Forget Your Front YardMore on Houzz

Summer Is Right Around The Corner; Here Are Some Dog Friendly Landscape Ideas

Here are our top 10 Dog Friendly Landscape Ideas. Dog owners around the country prepare for the coming summer break, summer cook outs, family gatherings, holidays, and back yard fun that defines summer as the most fun time of year. With almost half of the homes in this country including a dog with their family unit, knowing ways to help your pooch avoid destructive behavior, dangers like overheating, or toxic plants is becoming paramount.

Many times dogs “act out” because they are bored. They get into mischief because they need stimulation, and there are some fantastic, dog friendly ideas for your backyard that will look great, and help keep your fur baby entertained, safe, and comfortable for this coming summer season. Lastly, these dog friendly ideas will be sure to transform your yard. Here are 10 Dog Friendly Landscape Ideas for you to try out!


Outdoor Spaces For Pets: A Strategy For A Peaceful Home

Taking care of your pet is more than just feeding and watering, it also means that space concerns, health hazards and proper environments need to be evaluated. Deliberately making a space outside where your pet can feel at home, comfortable, and safe is an overall strategy for you to feel all of those things too. The most successful pet owners are those who are realistic about what their pets need. And, as they say, everyone needs their space. When your pet is happy and contented, it makes it easy for you to be happy and contented, too.

Protect Against Mother Nature And Outside Elements


Depending on where you live, you may get mild winters while other parts of the country get harsh winters. The changes in weather can leave your furry family member shivering.

Different breeds of dogs react to snow and cold weather differently. In the winter season, you don’t want to leave them outside while you are gone. Winter provides unique dangers to dogs, especially if you leave them outside for a prolong period.

One way to keep your canine warm is by having a doggy sweater and a pair of boots on them to help protect their skin and paws. On your veranda, provide an outdoor doghouse or area for them to snuggle into during the summer months. This will give them time to get comfortable with the shelter. They will learn that it’s a safe area to protect them against snow, rain, sun and wind.

When an outdoor shelter is not available for your dog to keep warm, they should be inside when the temperature drops below 40 degrees or when the weather turns for the worst.

Are you living with neighbors above you? The outdoor shelter, which can be anything from an umbrella to a dog house or patio shade, can protect your canine from anything that may fall down from the floors above you. This is something to seriously consider, as you never know what your neighbor may spill or what can fall through onto your balcony.


The clean up is easy, as most just require you to drain the water and then fold it up to put the pool away. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Is It Safe To Leave Your Dog On The Balcony Alone

DIY Small Patio Dog Bathroom! Easy to make dog bathroom ...

Don’t leave your dog on the balcony alone. Some cities have petitions for laws on how long you can keep your canine on the balcony. There are many cases where a dog has either fallen through a bar in the railing or jumped over a railing and injured themselves as a result. If your dog is not getting stimulation, they can get frustrated easily because they are watching other people and dogs walk by below. Their initial reaction is to join the fun.

Never leave your pooch on your balcony unsupervised, even if it’s for a short amount of time, they can still get into trouble. Outdoor balcony time with your furry friend should be supervised and in a controlled environment. Your balcony shouldn’t be used as an alternative to a crate for any reason. It should be used as a playground or palace for when you’re outside enjoying the fresh air with your pup. Install or provide some of the safety precautions we talked about like netting, non-toxic plants, water bowls and a bed.


What about the barking? You’re more than likely to get a noise complaint if you leave your dog outside and they’re barking or whining to come in. This could lead to Animal Control knocking on your door. If they believe the pup is in danger they may choose to rescue them from the balcony.

Remember to treat your pooch like family, provide a puppy play area and have fun with them!

-Candice Crichfield

Why You Should Have A Designated Doggy Potty Area


Than you walk in this area or maybe your kids play in the area. Chances are they are going to pick up some of the contaminates. Dog feces are full of bacteria that can cause you to get sick.

Let’s face it; kids are not known to keep their hands out of their mouths. Why take the chance of them getting sick when you can simply create a area that is off limits to the kids.

Find Additional Features That Your Pet Will Like

Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, and personalities. If you’ve been around a dog long enough, you can tell just what makes him tick and what makes him become ecstatic out of his mind. Check out this dog peep hole that allows your guard dog to finally see what’s on the other side of the fence! You can bet it would be pretty neat to see your pups smiling face when you come home from work! Be creative and craft something special that meets the liking of your pooch. If your dog tends to get chilly, you can add a heated pad to his dog house or add a shade tree to the back yard!


Things You Need To Do To Dog Proof Your Balcony

If you live in the city then you know how important your balcony is when you need a bit of fresh air. 

But is it safe for your dog to join you?

It’s no secret that high-rise condos and apartments are the main option for housing in urban areas. This usually means little to no green space. Plus, you don’t have the luxury of opening your back door to a fenced-in yard for your pooch to go explore off-leash.


However, you do have a balcony and pet-proofing it is the next best option.

Now, your balcony should never be considered a permanent all-day or night location for a dog; they still need adventurous daily walks and . But a properly prepped and setup terrace for your dog to explore can make for great fun.

In this article, we’ll cover the essential things you need to do to dog-proof your balcony. Plus, what plants to keep away from your dog and a helpful outdoor emergency potty solution. 

What To Consider When Taking Your Pup To A Dog

Dr. Meghan Herron, a veterinary behaviorist at GiGi’s, a nonprofit animal hospital and dog shelter in Canal Winchester, said there are important things for owners to keep in mind when considering whether to take a pet to an outdoor dining area, and has important advice for how to decide when it’s best to leave a furry friend at home.  

The first consideration, Dr. Herron said, is to keep in mind if the dog is a frequent barker— whether the barking is aggressive or not. “Even if it’s friendly barking,” she said, “It can be a frustration and agitating to other dogs, and it could trigger other dogs, and of course, be disruptive to diners.”

Next, if a dog is frequently nervous, it’s probably best to leave him or her at home — patios are not a good way to socialize dogs, she says, because nervous dogs in crowded places are more likely to be frightened instead of acclimated to their surroundings.  

According to Dr. Herron, it’s also best to leave an aggressive dog at home, meaning a dog that has shown a history of “snarling or snapping,” because of the danger it can pose to other restaurant guests and their dogs.  

Lastly, if it’s hot, Dr. Herron says to be wary of what a dog can handle. “For short-nosed dogs like English or French bulldogs or pugs, if it’s sunny, 70 degrees is about the max.” For other dogs, she said, temperatures up to 80 degrees and sunny should be OK.

ewright@dispatch.com

Dispatch reporter Ken Gordon contributed to this story.

How Do I Keep My Dog From Going Under My Deck

underdeckdeckwaterproof dog bedbedHow to Waterproof Dog Beds

  • Step 1 – Clean the Dog Bed.
  • Step 2 – Wrap the Foam in a Bin Liner.
  • Step 3 – Replace the Cover.
  • Step 4 – Wrap the Foam in a Space Blanket.
  • How to make a flat dog-friendly:

  • Free up plenty of floor space so there’s somewhere to run around and play.
  • Allow lots of natural light into your flat.
  • Store fragile objects out of reach.
  • Establish a regular routine for mealtimes, to reduce the possibility of smelly accidents on the floor.
  • How to Cover Balcony for Privacy

  • Blinds. Wooden or bamboo blinds are a good way to create privacy on the balcony.
  • Shutters. and create shade and save from chilly winds, but also protect the sensitive components on the balcony such as furniture or small plants from fickle weather.
  • Screens.
  • Pros And Cons Of Allowing Dogs In Restaurants

    Deciding whether or not to allow dogs in your establishment’s outdoor spaces is a big decision, and it can have a large effect on your business and customer base, so you should carefully consider the pros and cons of each option. Here are some of the pros and cons of allowing dogs on your restaurant’s patio:

    How To Get Your Dog To Use The Dog Potty Area

    So now that you created this great potty area how do you get your pup to use it? It’s easier than you think. Just follow these tips and they will be using it in no time.

  • This one is gross, but if your dog has eliminated elsewhere pick it up and place it in the potty area. Dogs will go where they smell poo.
  • Clean up all other poop in the yard.
  • Start your training first thing in the morning when you know they need to pee. Bring them out on a leash to the potty area. Give them the potty command and wait for them to go. Since they have not relieved themselves all night they will go quickly. Make sure to praise them for going in the potty area as soon as they start to go.
  • For the first week or so each time your dog needs to go potty bring them out on a leash to your new potty area. Give them the go potty command.
  • Praise them every time they use the potty area.
  • Most dogs are smart and want to please so they should learn pretty quickly.
  • If they do go in an area you don’t want them to, clean it up quickly.
  • If your puppy is not potty trained yet check out our post on Potty Training a Puppy: Made Easy. Here we will show you our tips and trick for easy potty training

    How Do I Stop My Patio Smelling Of Dog Urine

    How to make a patio dog friendly

    The easiest and the best way is to clean it up straightaway of you can. The longer you leave dog urine the longer it has to smell.

    Often hot water is enough to clean dog urine away but, if the smell is persistent then a bleach based cleaner should do the trick, add the recommended amount of bleach to the water and then, using a stiff brush, brush the area with the bleach mixture and leave.

    Rinse away with clean water.

    Should bleach fail to do the trick then you will need to resort to other methods. There are a variety of specialised cleaners available that have been made just for cleaning up dog urine.

    Ways To Make Your Backyard A Doggie Paradise

    October 8, 2013

    Creating a backyard setup that is appeasing to both you and your canine pal can require compromise on both ends; a commonly conceived notion. The truth is, you don’t have to sacrifice style and functionality in your backyard patio to accommodate your furry friend. Lucky for you, we happen to be dog-lovers here at Patio Productions and we would like to show you how to make your backyard dog friendly!  Woof!

    Create Trails & Pathways That Dogs Will Love

    If you’ve ever taken your dog on a walk, you’ve probably noticed that they like to meander off the original path in favor of something more adventurous. Design your backyard to include areas that are hidden from sight. This will give him some extra excitement! All dogs love a large backyard where they can roam around, but a backyard with hidden trails will give them the opportunity to explore and feel as though they are in the wild.

    Store Away Your Chemicals And Grill Utensils

    Keep in mind to store any gardening chemicals and sharp objects like your grill utensils away from your canine. It’s easy to forget when you use these items daily.

    Also, remember to keep your canine safe if you’re grilling outdoors to eliminate the risk of them trying to jump up and get a better sniff of the food!

    Create A Comfort Area For Your Furry Friend

    You shouldn’t leave your dog on the veranda all day while you’re not home. But there are a few things you can do to create a happy and comfortable environment while you’re around.

    Everything is more relaxing with a comfy bed or dog-friendly furniture. Be picky about your pup’s outdoor bed. You will want to make sure it has a machine-washable cover and that it is made of durable waterproof fabric. Don’t forget to check the bed insert! The insert should also be weather resistant, similar to a plastic filling. This will help avoid mold setting in on rainy or snowy days. Natural materials like cotton are more likely to get a mildew smell when they get wet. This is what your pooch will stretch out on when you’re on the balcony together, so you should get a bed with support and that is large enough for them to lay on.

    Tip: In the summer or warmer months, you may want to use a raised bed. This allows your pup to get a breeze underneath them and keeps them off the warm concrete or floor.

    A dog grass pad is way of experiencing potty time in a hurry. Taking your dog out to exercise and to go potty is more work in an apartment or condo than living in a house with a fenced-in yard. But there are ways to help your puppy go potty without ruining your relationship with your neighbors below you. If you have wooden planks as your flooring on your balcony, safeguard the floor with a mat to help eliminate any accidents.

    Create A Dog Bar To Keep Your Pup Hydrated

    Just like you, hydration is essential to your dog’s health. And during the summer, with its high temps and long days, it’s easy for your dog to become dehydrated. This can also lead your pup to overheat.

    Make sure your dog can get enough to drink by always having water accessible. Establish a designated space where you will place a water bowl and make sure it’s full at all times.

    Make Sure Your Furniture Can Pass The Test

    The curiosity of a dog can sometimes lead them to unintentionally cause damage to your backyard. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that they won’t be able to damage outdoor furnishing items like sofas, dining sets, and bar sets. Owners that allow their dogs on couches should make sure that the materials are not harmful to your dog and that they are durable enough to resist any damage.

    The Selene Semi Circle Outdoor Lounge. Sorry this adorable pooch is not included! Click on the picture for more info!

    You can take a look at our selection of outdoor wicker furniture that is 100% dog-approved! Made out of commercial grade synthetic wicker, these outdoor sets will not fade, chip, crack, or become scratched. Thick gauged aluminum frames also give you the peace of mind knowing that your furniture won’t bend or break if you have a large dog.

    Diy Dog Grass Potty Box For Apartment Pets

    Charlie the Corgi lives in a condo in Boston. But as you may already realize: condos are quite restricting when it comes to potty time.

    Thankfully, with a quick trip to the hardware store and some work from his humans, Charlie now has a beautiful balcony potty spot. You’ll need a few tools , some sod, and a little patience, but the end result is beautiful.

    How To Make A Concrete Patio Dog Friendly

    How to make a patio dog friendly

    Concrete patios tend to be easier to work with than grass, wood or soil areas, simply because they are tough, normally flat and easy to keep clean.

    It is important to remember that in sunny weather concrete absorbs heat and can get very hot, you should make sure that when using a concrete patio as a dog area, that you provide some shade for your dog to rest underneath.

    Heatstrokein dogs is a reality and can occur rapidly if your dog gets too hot, so provide shade to help him atay cool.

    Place his or dog house in a shaded area too. If there is no shade then make some with some fencing or other type of shelter so that he can find a cool area when the sun is out.

    If possible, for example you are laying concrete to create your dog area, let the concrete slope slightly away from where his dog house will be. A gradual slope will make it easier to clean and will also prevent rain and from gathering in puddles – it will run off down the slope.

    Use a grassed dog box like the one outlined above which he can use as his toilet and make sure that he has somewhere comfortable to lie down and rest.

    Getting That Outdoor Space For Pets Ready

    Whether you have a patio with a fenced-in yard, or an actual dog run area, cleaning them up and preparing them for outdoor use will serve several purposes. Animal areas that have feces or urine present can be a cause of pet illness or disease. Making sure to minimize this kind of mess while your pet is enjoying that outdoor space can prevent health problems, and odor problems too. Make sure to stoop and scoop as often as you can.

    Depending on the size and breed of your pet, make sure that if there is an enclosed space that it has adequate room for your pet to move around comfortably. This is important as you may find you have a frustrated and unhappy animal if they are not able to have movement in their area.  Really, this is about having empathy for your pet, and planning accordingly. A great example of this is a dog run, as opposed to a space that restricts your pet’s movement. An outdoor shelter, like a dog house or a gazebo is another way to make your pet feel more comfortable, especially on rainy or harshly sunny days.  Cat enclosures are another great strategy for an outdoor space.

    Everyone needs room to move, and room to take shelter from sun, wind, and rain. Your pet is no exception.

    Dog Scaping: 5 Pooch Friendly Patio Ideas

    poolpatio1) Dog Pool:2) Dog House:cast veneer stone

    3) Dog Hammock: This free-standing patio hammock is like a camping chair for your dog. It’s weather resistant and has a built in cooling water pouch to keep non-swimming dogs cool on hot days. These are also great for older dogs that have bad hips or backs, where lying on a hard surface may be painful for them.

    4) Perimeter Path: Dogs love to patrol their turf, so don’t be surprised if you find a well-worn path around the property line. This is one habit that you really can’t break, so consider adding a paved path for them to use. This is a great use for leftover pavers, as a narrow two foot wide path is all that is needed.

    5) Sandbox: Is your dog ruining your grass by leaving craters throughout the backyard? Maybe he’s a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig. Or, maybe he’s just bored.

    Let him go to town in an approved location in his very own sandbox. Use pavers that match your landscape design and create a walled sandbox by digging down just a foot or so and filling it halfway with sand. Hide toys to encourage digging and your dog will be one happy puppy.

    The walls keep it tidy by containing the offshoot sand. Bonus: If your dog ever tires of it, just plant a tree!

    What dog-friendly ideas do you have in your backyard?

    Make Sure Your Patio Has Plenty Of Shade

    In addition to fresh water, shade is the next most important thing to your dog’s health if they will spend a considerable amount of time on the patio in the summer heat. You could certainly set up a large shaded cabana. However, we’re big fans of Cantilever Umbrellas.

    Not only do these generously proportioned umbrellas provide a substantial amount of shade, they can also easily be moved and repositioned as needed. For example, the Treasure Garden 10’x13? Rectangle Cantilever Umbrella offers 360-degree rotation and can tilt, allowing your shade to keep up with the sun.

    Diy Tips To Make Your Patio Dog Friendly

    Debbie Clason

    It probably won’t come as a surprise, but more and more of us think of our pets as members of the family. From dressing them up in designer duds to taking them with us on our vacations, humans are treating their canine and feline family members to the best life can offer. And now that we’ve been spending more time at home together, a quality moment can happen in just about any room in the house — as well as in the backyard. So, if you want peace of mind while your furry family member is hanging out with you on the back porch, here are five DIY tips for making your patio a safe space for your pet.

    Great Backyard Ideas To Delight Your Dog

    These eight dog-friendly landscape and backyard garden ideas will keep your dog safe, happy and cool in the yard.

    1. Fleabane Herbs

    Through the ages, fleas have been the bane of existence for humans as well as dogs. Before pesticides, it was common to use strew herbs over the floor of a home, pub or castle to control vermin and pests naturally. The oils in many garden herbs are natural flea repellants, which led to them being dubbed “fleabane.” To use them this way, simply cut the branches and strip the leaves to line the bottom of a dog house. Or, dry the herbs and leaves and stuff them inside the lining of the dog’s bed, which naturally discourages the pests through the winter months. Some of these herbs may also discourage ticks as well.

    Fleawort , annualWormwood , shrubby perennialRosemary , shrubSweet Bay , treeEucalyptus , tree

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    2. Keep the Water Flowing: A Disguised Seasonal Dipping Pool

    It’s easy to create a dog-friendly dipping pool in the backyard that’s safe and easy to clean for the summer. The trick is to choose a sturdy, molded-plastic kiddy pool rather than an inflatable one, which is too easily punctured by sharp claws. Be sure the pool is shallow enough for your pet to get in and out of easily.

    3. Warm Weather Flop Spot

    4. Keep your landscaping toxin free

    5. Al Fresco Nibbles

    6. Choose comfortable materials

    7. Wheat and oat grass dog patch

    8. Keep Your Yard Foxtail Free

    Tips For Taking Your Dog To A Restaurant

    We love to dine out with our dogs whenever possible so we’re always on the lookout for dog-friendly restaurants to add to our day trip list. It’s not always possible to take them but a growing number of restaurants are accepting of dogs on their patios and al fresco dining options. Living in Texas, we’re fortunate that our winters are usually mild enough to enjoy at least lunch on the patio

    Here are our tips for enjoying a dog-friendly restaurant with your dog:

    1. Eat early or late.

    Whether you pick the early bird special or you wait until the rush hour is done, select a time when the restaurant isn’t completely packed.

    2. Make sure your dog is walked before you dine.

    If possible, schedule a nice walk and potty break before visiting the restaurant. If your dog is hungry, feed your dog before going in the restaurant, allowing a half hour after the meal for a predictable potty time.

    3. Look for restaurants with some elbow room.

    We don’t like to be crowded and neither do our dogs. If you have large dogs, this is extra important. We also like restaurants with very easy to access patio areas . Dog-friendly patio restaurants have to accessible without walking through the restaurant itself.

    4. Look for a corner table.

    If you predict that the restaurant will get busy, ask for a corner table or one near the back. You won’t have to worry about one of the dogs being in the way as people try to walk through the patio restaurant.

    5. Bring your own water dish.

    Slim East To Store Outdoor Patio Chairs

    A dog-friendly balcony doesn’t mean it’s just for your dog. You can share the space. In fact, your dog would prefer it that way. Make your outdoor space comfy for you and your dog with the addition of sturdy, well-built outdoor patio chairs.

    To make you sure you have the maximum in flexibility, select a sturdy chair that can also be stored easily. Often folding chairs are ideal, as they can be quickly buttoned up and put away when not needed. To add a bit more luxury, consider equipping them with comfy cushions. Select a color or pattern that works well with your interior and they can double as floor cushions when needed.

    All You Need To Know For Creating A Dog

    Ways to Make Your Garden Friendlier for Your Dog

     

    The backyard can’t just be for you. If you have a dog, you need to make sure the yard is dog-friendly. Not only do they need a place to run and play, but it also needs to be safe. You also need to make sure they don’t get bored and dig up your yard. By giving your dog plenty to do and designated areas, you can keep your yard in one piece. And, you can keep your puppy happy too.

    It is essential for any pet with high exercise needs to have a dog-friendly backyard. Spending time outdoors boosts mental stimulation which in turn helps in preventing dog depression and other behavioral problems. There are many ways that you can create a low-maintenance, dog-friendly backyard.

    Dog Friendly Landscape Ideas Platforms

    As we mentioned before, dogs are territorial by nature. Providing them with an area of high ground with which they can survey their backyard kingdom is one of many ways you can enhance your backyard to be a perfect, dog friendly place for your furry friend. Make sure that access to the platform has steps, or a ramp, or some other easy way for your pet to get on or off the structure. Over time, dogs can really injure their backs, joints, knees and everything else by jumping from higher places.

    Hydroponic Grass In A Storage Container

    Bean the Chihuahua lives in a high rise apartment and needs somewhere to conduct his business.

    Because Bean is so small he doesn’t require a large space. This ingenious design has you grow your own hydroponic grass , and simply place it in a cut-out storage container. 

    How to grow grass and make a small potty space.

    Create A Puppy Playground Just For Him

    Potty training your young furbaby is difficult. Expecting him to hold it while the two of you wait for the elevator is downright excruciating.

    Puppies need to go often. Shortly after eating and drinking, nature typically calls. Because successful housebreaking requires consistency, you’re often left cleaning up mess after mess or spending most of your time traveling in and out of your building.

    However, with the right touch, you can turn your condo’s balcony into an outdoor playground. With the simple addition of weather resistant, artificial grass, you can give your pup a place to play and go. Weather resistant artificial grass can be bought by the roll or foot at most home improvement stores. And cleaning it is often as simple as rinsing it down with a hose.

    Dog Friendly Landscape Ideas Sandpits

    Is your pet a digger? Tired of destroyed flower beds? Worried about digging under the fence? Try adding a sandpit to a corner of your yard. Not only will this provide your pet with a more desireable digging space, it will entertain them and also provide a place for them to act out their natural instincts without getting in trouble. Another aspect of sand pits is heat relief. Dogs often dig down to cooler dirt to lay on when the temperature outside is too much. Keeping slightly damp sand in your yard will save you a lot of frustration and provide your pet with a little something extra to keep them happy.

    *pro-tip* want a fun summer activity for your pet that encourages them to use their sand pit? burry pet treats at various depths throughout the sandy area before your let your pet out to play



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