Every dog has its little quirks, their own personalities; driving us round the bend one minute and then making us wonder how we ever lived without them the next. We all know that having a dog comes with lots of responsibility, food, water, lots of love and attention and of course walks and plenty of space to roam outdoors.
So, if you (and your dog) are lucky enough to have an outdoor space, then you’ll need to ensure that it’s safe for your furry friend to use. So, if you’re thinking of bringing a dog into your family then read on for some helpful advice – if you’re already an owner, take a look at these handy tips and see if there’s anything you’ve missed!
Let visitors know
Your home/outdoor space is part of your dogs kingdom. So, they might not take kindly to what appears to them – to be an intruder or unwanted guest. They’re just protecting you and their homestead so don’t worry if they get a little rowdy. You can give any visitors a heads up that they’re entering your dog’s world with a big, bold Beware of the Dog sign, that you can order from here. Or something along the lines, of “a dog lives here” or “dogs running free”. It will also remind visitors to shut your garden gate securely or wait to be invited inside properly.
Everything they need
Your dog will probably want to be out in all weathers. But you should always ensure that they have access to a fresh bowl of water and a nice shady spot during the warmer months of the year; this will stop your furry friend from overheating in the sun. If you’re outside during a damper, rainier day then try to create a dry spot for them too. Make sure their toys are not gathered with garden tools, or near electrical gardening equipment, or your children’s toys either. Help them to differentiate between the two, it’ll save a lot of upset and expensive vet bills later down the line!
Gardening
Like owning a dog, gardening also takes a lot of work and perseverance. So you’re going to be spending a lot of time maintaining your outdoor space and keeping it tidy and looking great all year round. A dog is the perfect gardening companion, but there are times when caution should be used. If you’re mowing the lawn for example, or using a strimmer to tidy edges, then your dog should either be inside, or secured in a separate outdoor area.
Objects, debris and even stones can whip through the air when a blade hits them at speed – your dog could get caught in the crossfire. Keep your dog away.
Gardening is definitely a stress reliever, but did you know spending time with your dog is too? Learn more about how your dog can help you with stress here.
No dog zones
Dogs will venture everywhere in the garden, unless you show them otherwise. You don’t want your dog digging up your roses or vegetables, no matter how much you love them! Whether you use raised beds, chicken wire or some kind of fencing, let your dog know what is out of bounds as soon as possible.
this is a collaborative post
