Over the years I have seen many backyards with dogs in them.
When you see certain setups, it is easy to see flaws that may arise from poor planning or possibly from having a bad space available to you for your dog.
Knowing that it is difficult to create a perfect yard, there are still some things you can do that will make things better for you and your dog.
We will discuss some items that you can do yourself to help create a great yard for your furry friend.
Every good yard must have shade.
This is especially important in hotter climates but is true really anywhere in the country.
The best way I know to provide shade is from planting some trees near the areas your dog likes to be.
Or, if you already have some big trees and have set up a place for your dog somewhere else in the yard, you may want to reconfigure your setup so that your dog can enjoy the shade provided by the trees.
As trees grow larger they will also provide shade to your house, keeping your own home cooler.
In addition to having shade, it is a good idea to keep your dog's water in the shade as well so it stays a little cooler.
Another important function to a good yard for your dog is shelter.
I would recommend an insulated dog house, the ones that are custom built are typically better, however, you can purchase a good insulated dog house as well.
The insulation is important to keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Plus, it will be a place of shelter from rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, snow, and hail.
A good dog house is a key component to any yard.
Entertainment is also important for your dog.
It is good if your dog has room to run around in the yard, but it is also important to take your dogs on walks.
In the wild dogs are always walking in their packs as the search for food.
If your dog doesn't get enough exercise behavioral problems can arise.
Another part of a dog's entertainment might be chewing.
By providing bones for your dog to chew on you can get them to channel their energy towards that instead of chewing up your five year old son's shoe.
Finally, you need a good fence to keep your dog in your yard.
People that have trouble with dogs digging out of their yards might have to also employ a wireless or electronic fence inside of the regular fence to prevent this from happening.
While this isn't a problem with all dogs, many dogs like to dig.
You will either need to correct this behavior or will have to come up with reinforcements.
Well, we hope we have given you some food for thought when it comes to creating a dog friendly yard.