If you’re a dog owner who also loves spending time in the garden, you’re probably familiar with the struggle of balancing beauty and function.
Dogs don’t always share our appreciation for well-manicured lawns, and they certainly don’t hesitate to dig up freshly planted flowerbeds. But with a little planning, you can create a garden that keeps your dog safe, happy, and entertained, while still looking great.
Here’s how to make a dog-friendly garden that works for both of you.
1. Choose Dog-Safe Plants
Not all plants are created equal – at least not when it comes to dogs. Some common garden favourites like azaleas, daffodils, lilies, and foxglove can be toxic if ingested. Before you add anything new, double-check that it’s non-toxic to dogs. We have a detailed guide on this which is worth reading!
Opt for dog-safe options like marigolds, snapdragons, rosemary, sunflowers, and camellias. Not only are they safer, but many of them are also sturdy enough to handle a little canine curiosity.
2. Create a Dig Zone
If your dog loves to dig, trying to stop them entirely is often a losing battle. Instead, give them a designated digging spot. This could be a sandpit, a corner with loose soil, or even a raised bed filled with soft dirt.
To encourage them to use it, bury toys or treats and praise them when they dig in the right place. Over time, they’ll learn that digging doesn’t have to mean getting scolded –and your garden beds will thank you. A great treat to use are our Pointer Mini Dogs as they’re bite sized but irresistible to sniff out.
3. Pick Durable Ground Cover
Grass can be tough to maintain when you have dogs. Urine spots, muddy paws, and heavy traffic often lead to bare patches. If your lawn is suffering, consider switching to more durable ground cover options.
Clover is a great choice – it’s soft on paws, resistant to urine damage, and stays green longer than grass. Other options like creeping thyme or artificial turf can also hold up better under frequent foot (and paw) traffic.
4. Make Paths for Zoomies
Dogs love to patrol their territory and run laps around the garden. If your pup is one of those high-energy types, build paths into your garden layout. Use gravel, mulch, or flagstone to create winding routes they can follow. But make sure to avoid using cocoa bean shell mulch! As a by-product of chocolate, the scent is tempting to dogs but can be harmful if eaten. Instead, research some alternatives – BBC Gardeners World has created a handy list for you.
Designing natural “dog routes” around the perimeter can help prevent them from trampling through your flower beds or tearing up the lawn. Plus, it gives your garden a more purposeful structure.
5. Provide Shade and Water
Just like us, dogs need a cool, shady spot to rest on hot days. If your garden doesn’t have natural shade from trees or shrubs, consider making it dog-friendly by adding a pergola, a doghouse, or even a simple umbrella near their favourite lounging area.
And don’t forget water! A sturdy water bowl or a small dog-friendly fountain can help keep them hydrated while they’re out playing. Some dog owners even install shallow splash zones or kiddie pools during the summer months.
6. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Pesticides, herbicides, and some fertilizers can be dangerous for dogs. Even if a product claims to be “pet safe,” it’s worth reading the fine print and doing your own research.
Look for organic or natural alternatives whenever possible. And always store garden chemicals well out of reach – curious noses are powerful things.
7. Think About Fencing and Safety
A dog-friendly garden should also be a secure one. Make sure your fence is high enough and free of gaps where your dog could squeeze through or dig under. For smaller dogs, chicken wire or garden mesh along the base of the fence can be a useful deterrent.
If your dog likes to bark at passersby, adding some visual barriers – like tall plants or bamboo screening – can reduce their triggers and make your garden a more peaceful place.
8. Add Fun Elements
Why not make your garden a true doggy paradise? Add agility features like tunnels, ramps, or weave poles. Hang a few toys from branches or build a scent garden with herbs like basil, mint, and lavender that dogs love to sniff.
Creating a stimulating environment isn’t just fun—it helps prevent boredom and the destructive behaviours that often come with it.
Creating a dog-friendly garden doesn’t mean giving up on your vision of a beautiful outdoor space. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can design a garden that’s as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you. It’s all about balance – between nature and play, beauty and function, paws, and petals.
After all, the best gardens are the ones that bring joy to every member of the household – even the four-legged ones!
And while you’re out in the garden together, don’t forget to keep a stash of your dog’s favourite treats nearby. Treats are not only great for rewarding good behaviour – like staying out of the flower beds or using their digging zone – but they also help reinforce positive habits and build trust.
Whether you’re training, playing, or just lounging in the shade, having a few healthy, dog-safe treats on hand can turn your outdoor time into an even more rewarding experience. To see our full range of treats, head to our website.
Feeling green-thumbed? To find our more about playing outside with your dog, including dog-friendly picnic treat recipes, and how to support your dog with seasonal allergies, head over to our blogs page here.