Westie wearing small electronic dog fence collar

How to Make a Dog Friendly Garden for your New Dog 

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How to Make a Dog Friendly Garden for your New Dog

Welcoming a new dog to your home means creating a safe outdoor environment they can enjoy. Creating a dog friendly garden is important for both safety as well as forming part of your dog’s daily exercise and well-being.From setting up secure fencing to choosing pet-safe plants, here are essential tips for dog-proofing your garden and ensuring your new friend stays safe.

  1. Why Garden Safety Matters for New Dog Owners

Your dog’s garden experience is a key part of their new life with you. A safe, dog-friendly garden keeps your pet happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

1.1 Common Concerns for Dog Owners

New dog owners often worry about:

  • Escaping: Dogs love to explore, so keeping them secure is crucial.
  • Hazardous Plants and Chemicals: Some plants and garden products are dangerous for dogs.
  • Boundaries and Training: Setting boundaries in the yard can prevent accidents and help your dog understand their play area.
Dog friendly garden

Dog friendly garden with electronic fence.

  1. Setting Up Secure Fencing to Prevent Escapes

Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog safe and within the boundaries of your garden. Here are some popular options for dog-proofing your garden:

2.1 Types of Fencing for Dogs

  • Wire Fencing: Relatively easy to install and maintain but may not suit every garden aesthetic.
  • Traditional Wooden or Vinyl Fencing: Solid and durable, with different height options for small or large dogs. Expensive, especially for large gardens and requires maintenance.
  • Electronic Dog Fences: A popular choice for dog owners who want to keep their view unobstructed. Electronic fences create an invisible boundary and offer a customisable way to contain your pet and are very cost effective, particularly for large gardens or properties.

 2.2 Creating a Dig-Proof Boundary

If your dog loves to dig, try these strategies:

  • Buried Fence Bases: Bury the bottom of your fence a few inches below ground.
  • Digging Deterrents: Consider landscaping with rocks or gravel around the base of your fence.
  • Installing an electronic dog fence as pets are unable to dig underneath it.

  1. Dog-Friendly Landscaping and Pet-Safe Plants

Dogs love exploring new scents and textures, and the plants you choose can make a big difference in their safety.

3.1 Choosing Pet-Safe Plants

Some plants are toxic to dogs. Here are some safe, dog-friendly options:

  • Sunflowers: Hardy and beautiful, they’re non-toxic for dogs.
  • Lavender: Safe, fragrant, and naturally insect-repellent.
  • Basil and Mint: Great sensory options for dogs that like to sniff and explore.

3.2 Avoiding Hazardous Plants

Common garden plants that are toxic for dogs include lilies, ivy, and foxglove. Research any new plants before adding them to your garden to keep it dog-safe.

  1. Creating a Dog-Friendly Play Area

Designating a space in the garden for play keeps your dog entertained and helps prevent destructive behaviour elsewhere in the garden. With an electronic dog fence owners with larger gardens can create zones to keep pets out of areas or away from hazardous plants. Learn how you can create different zones with electronic dog fences here.

Play zone for dog friendly garden

Dog friendly play zone

4.1 Dedicated Dog Play Zones

  • Ground Cover Options: Use soft ground cover such as mulch, artificial grass, or dog-safe gravel. These materials are paw-friendly and easy to maintain.
  • Toys and Agility Equipment: Adding durable toys, tunnels, or agility gear gives your dog mental and physical exercise in a safe setting.

4.2 Adding a Digging Zone

If your dog loves to dig, consider creating a designated digging spot in their play area. Fill a sandbox or a corner of the garden with sand or dirt and encourage your dog to dig there.

  1. Training Your Dog to Stay Within Garden Boundaries

Teaching your dog where they can and can’t go in the garden can be useful to assist in preventing escapes and accidents.

5.1 Boundary Training Basics

Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your dog learn boundaries.

  • Start with a Lead: Walk your dog around the garden boundaries to familiarise them with the limits.
  • Reward Safe Behaviours: Use treats and praise to reinforce staying within their designated space.
  • Use a Professional Trainer: Hire a Professional Dog Fence trainer to install and train your dog to the hidden dog fence.

5.2 Reinforcing Boundaries with Technology

For dogs who love to roam, an electronic dog fence can help reinforce these boundaries. These fences provide an invisible barrier that cues your dog to stay within the limits you’ve set. The new generation of dog fences have Smart Phone Technology which enables you to stay connected with your dog 24/7.

  1. Garden Safety Hazards to Watch Out For

Making your garden dog-safe involves understanding and eliminating common hazards.

6.1 Avoiding Toxic Chemicals and Fertilisers

Choose pet-safe fertilisers and garden products to protect your dog from toxic substances. Organic fertilisers are a good choice, and many companies now offer pet-safe options.

6.2 Keeping Sharp Tools and Objects Secure

Store all gardening tools and sharp objects in a shed or secure area. Dogs can be curious, and tools left out could lead to cuts or other injuries.

  1. Extra Tips for a Comfortable Dog-Friendly Garden

Small touches can make your garden more comfortable and enjoyable for your dog.

7.1 Adding Shade and Water

Provide a shaded area where your dog can rest, especially during hot months. Set up a water station to keep them hydrated while they play outside.

7.2 Planting a Sensory Garden for Dogs

Dogs experience the world through their noses, so consider planting herbs and flowers that dogs enjoy sniffing, such as chamomile and thyme. These plants are safe for dogs and stimulate their senses.

Cat in bird bath to create a pet friendly garden

Bath time for cats!

  1. The Freedom of a Secure and Dog-Friendly Garden

Creating a secure and dog-friendly garden is all about blending beauty with functionality. From choosing the right fencing to adding dog-safe plants and training, you can make your garden a safe, enjoyable space for your new friend.

Creating a safe, enjoyable garden for your new dog doesn’t have to be complicated. By setting up secure boundaries, choosing dog-friendly plants, and designating play areas, you can turn your garden into a haven for your pet/s. Start building a garden both you and your dogs and cats will love. Why not explore the benefits of electronic dog fences today? By securing your boundaries, choosing dog-friendly plants, and designating play areas, you can turn your garden into a haven for your pets. An electronic dog fence is a perfect solution to give your dog or cat the freedom to roam while staying safely within your garden, farm, woods or estate! Start building a safe area both you and your dog will love—explore the benefits of electronic dog fences today! Call us for a quick no obligation quote on 01628 476475 or email info@dogfence.co.uk. Whatsapp:07917 034256

Simply the Best – No Getting Around It!DogFence.co.uk

stop dogs escaping from garden

How to stop the dog escaping from the garden

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Want to learn how to keep your dog in your garden?

Is your dog getting out more than you?  Dog owners often search for solutions on to how to stop the dog escaping from the garden. Why, because; responsible dog owners know that having a securely fenced garden is a non-negotiable must for just about any dog. Dogs are inveterate explorers, and for some, the garden is just not a big enough or interesting enough place to stay. If escape is in your dog’s DNA, the first thing to remember is that these dogs are really just natural adventurers. And remember, too, that in a good number of cases, it’s as much about what you’re doing inside as it is about what’s happening outside when the dog makes a break for it.

Your dog might wander off because they feel lonesome. Even if there’s a lot of open space, all your dog might really want is your companionship. Or, they could just be seeking out a new buddy. Then there’s the territorial type. These dogs might roam around the outside of the property because they’ve sensed some possible intrusion and are just doing what they think is best to defend their home. And let’s not forget about those adventurous, “What if…?” dogs that have just discovered the other side of a fence. Whether it be a newfound friend, a secret stash of grub, an inviting body of water, or an ephemeral scent leading to the wild, these dogs are not afraid to explore a little bit beyond the hard boundaries of the property line.dog fencing options

Make the garden a happy place for your dog. The garden should be a sanctuary—safe and secure, a sunlit and shaded space for the dog to lounge in, and a haven. You should also spend time in the garden with your dog when possible, engaging in play and training games that will keep your pup interested and busy.

Even if you have a securely fenced-in garden, it is essential to walk your dog daily, and to do so with great enthusiasm. The nature of the exercise and the environment used during the walk are both important. You need to make every effort to use both physical and mental tactics to tire your dog out, using a fenced garden as a starter. Walk your dog every day and really if possible twice a day and try to vary your walk to keep your dog energetic and enthusiastic.

What fencing options are there to stop the dog escaping garden?

There are of course many types of fencing for dogs and cats. If it’s just the rear garden you might want to try a traditional fence but these can work out costly depending on the size and terrain of the garden. If you have a dog or cat that climbs then you can install roller topper on top of the fencing. These long, metal bars are installed to the top of a fence, and when a pet attempts to use it to gain some sort of grip to pull itself over, it rolls, like a rolling pin but if you’ve got a digger then your options can be even more costly!

The solution to a digger would be create a substantial barrier that even the most persistent digger cannot circumvent by pouring a concrete into the ground and running pour it along the edge of the fence. These solutions are rather hammer to crack a nut and create quite aelectronic dog fence disturbance to your perimeter boundary.

Dog runs are effective people may think that they have to keep their dogs in a run in order to keep them safe and give them fresh air but surely this is akin to how we keep prisoners? Not only are they very costly to give your dog a small area of freedom, they are extremely unsightly. Your dog can and should have freedom to enjoy life in the garden, even if you’re not there with them. An electronic dog fence is solution that give both dogs and cats freedom and safety.

What is an electronic dog fence?

An electronic dog fence, also known as an invisible or wireless dog fence, is a containment system designed to keep pets within a designated area without the need for traditional physical barriers like wooden or chain-link fences. Instead of constructing a visible fence, the electronic system creates an invisible boundary that, when crossed by the dog, triggers a warning or correction signal, ensuring that the dog remains within the specified perimeter. This innovative solution is popular among pet owners who want to maintain an open view of their landscape, avoid the cost of traditional fencing, or live in areas where building physical fences may not be feasible.

How Does an Electronic Dog Fence Work?

electronic dog fence

An electronic dog fence system generally consists of three main components:

Transmitter: This device is responsible for creating the boundary. It can either be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on the type of system, and transmits a radio signal to establish the boundary line. The coverage area can vary, with some systems covering small yards or gardens, and others spanning several acres.

Boundary wire: A boundary wire is buried around the perimeter of the property (up to 350 acres), which can be customised to fit any shape or size of the garden or property. This wire creates the boundary signal that is picked up by the dog’s receiver collar. These systems offer more flexibility in shaping the boundary. The wire carries a harmless radio signal (it an underground aerial).

Receiver Collar: The dog wears a special collar equipped with a receiver. When the dog approaches the boundary, the collar picks up a warning signal transmitted by the underground wires or wireless system.

Boundary Markers: Physical flags are often used during the initial training phase to help the dog or cat visually understand where the boundary lies.

Will an electronic dog fence stop the dog from escaping from the garden? Yes, they are highly effective and when installed by DogFence UK, the owner even receives a guarantee.

If you want to learn more about how we can keep your dogs and cats safe contact us or call us today 01628 476475