Creating a Dog Friendly Lawn

Despite what we may like to think, man's best friend has a tendency to destroy or damage our lawns. This is why creating a dog friendly lawn is so important. To properly create a lawn that you and your dog can share will take some careful planning and a little effort, though it can be done. Here are a few simple guidelines that will help you ensure that you create a lawn that will allow your dog to have fun, and that you will enjoy as well.

• Provide clues. Dogs, no matter how smart we think they are, cannot read our minds. This means that it is necessary to give your dog some kind of a clue as to where you want them to go, and where you do not want them. One of the easiest ways that you can create a "boundary" which will tell your dog what is off limits is to plant your plants closer together. If an area has enough space for the dog to play, then chances are that is exactly what will happen.
• Use tall plants. When planting the border, use plants that are taller and sturdier than some simple flowers. Rather, you should use plants such as shrubs and small trees to help designate your limits. Remember, just because you have to use a shrub doesn't mean that you can't have any color. Some of the best plants that you could use would be plants like lilacs, lavender, or even roses.
• Sandboxes are for dogs too. Dogs simply love to dig, so why not create a place that they can dig without getting into trouble. The best way to achieve this is to install a small sandbox for your dog to play in. This sandbox does not need to be as large as it would for kids to play in, but it should be large enough for the dog to play in without any problem. In the event that your dog digs outside of this sandbox, make sure that you discipline the dog to help teach him this is inappropriate behavior.
• Provide space for Rover to do his business. Unless you happen to be as talented as the people in Meet the Parents your dog will have to relieve himself periodically. High doses of dog urine can, and will, damage lawns so plan appropriately. Provide an area that your dog can use for his business, and train him to use this area (and no other) by reprimanding him when he makes a mistake. In some ways this will be similar to when you potty trained the dog when he was a puppy.
• There will be problems. No matter how much we may want to think otherwise, there will be accidents and problems. Do not be surprised if you have to do a little more periodic maintenance than if you did not have a pet. The only sure way to prevent any of these problems from happening is to not have a pet.