14 Unique Small Backyard Ideas For Dogs To Try
Are you looking for unique small backyard ideas for your furry friend? Look no further!
We’ve got some paw-some ideas that will make your backyard the ultimate doggy paradise.
With features like dog-friendly landscaping, cozy hideaways, and playful agility courses, your pup will be howling for joy.
Keep reading to discover some tail-waggingly fun ideas to try in your small backyard!
Small backyard ideas for dogs
Here are the common ideas to get your heart pumping and provide a better environment for your dog:
Design the perfect dog run or fenced-in area
Two breeds in particular — the Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd — make for ideal athletes, but their healthy bodies need some space to burn off some energy.
Pick a location with a high, flowing slope, and consider laying the foundation on top of old tires or gravel.
You’ll then be able to create a path that leads into the run that will be wheelchair accessible.
All that’s left is to consider materials and build them to your specifications.
Create a doggy hammock
Don’t think your dog is ready for bed yet? When he’s tired of being outside, your pet might be just looking for a cozy retreat to take a quick nap.
Whether you’re on a camping trip or you just don’t want to take him to the park, you might want to turn your patio into his very own little cabin.
Dog owners don’t have to give up their hammocks and go for one of those in-door sunshades.
Simply place it in your yard, or on the landing, and enjoy the tranquility of hanging out with your pet.
Create A Doggy Cabin
You can use old wooden pallets and make a tent-like structure that’s light enough for your furry friend to get into.
If you don’t have a spot yet, make use of an umbrella, camp chair, or other furniture to make a getaway.
Set up an area for your dog
If your dog isn’t ready to rough it out in the great outdoors, consider putting a tiny room in your backyard.
One way to make it work is to have your cat stay inside, but then let him wander around inside the room all night long.
He’ll have a nice, cozy place to sleep and hang out in the sun.
Depending on the size of your yard, this could be as small as a 2-foot by 4-foot room, but a dog who lives alone might prefer a bit more privacy.
Match your pet’s love for adventure
If your dog is always leaping over backyard fences, you might want to have a go-between.
This is especially true for outdoorsy dogs whose bark is simply too intense for the likes of most humans.
A doggy door can help to shield your animal from barking and keep him safe and entertained.
Create a doggy porch
Nothing says summer like the grill, but keeping that stinky, smoky goodness away from your dog’s delicate nose can be challenging.
Create a doggy porch by using cinder blocks and two sets of stairs. This will keep the grills safely contained and your dog out of the way of the smoke.
When the weather gets a bit warmer, you can make a makeshift bed out of some old pillows and blankets, creating a cozy resting spot for your dog and keeping him out of harm’s way.
Create a dog swing
Dogs love a good swing and being able to zoom around will be their absolute pleasure.
Buy an off-the-shelf dog swing and make it your own, with your chosen pet print. You could even make a spindle, so they can have a double treat.
Create a pergola
This pergola is ideal for use to provide shade to a small garden during the warmer months.
Use it to shade the patio, patio table and chairs, and outdoor seating areas.
Make a micro pound
This pond in the lawn in front of the cottage in Devon is ideal for keeping your dog cool in summer.
The main element of the design is the guttering which serves to keep the water in a cool pond.
For smaller pounds, a small pergola could also be an option.
Porch steps and a bistro
Porches are always a welcome feature for any yard, whether it’s for dogs or not.
Even if you don’t actually have a porch, it doesn’t matter – a railing and steps will give your dog more of a sense of security, and a place to lounge around and enjoy the sun.
Another great option for a porch-like space is a bistro area – one which has doors and is easy for your dog to get in and out of.
If you don’t want the bistro to be in the middle of the yard, this is a perfect spot for a catio, a small enclosed area for your cat.
Or if you’re designing your yard for cats, you could also place some kind of cat doorway, so that your cat can go in and out of the yard without going outside.
Jelly belly bush for a magical doorway
This is the perfect entry point to any garden – it’s charming, magical, and magical isn’t something you should only find in Alice’s Wonderland!
But, if your yard is perfect for a jelly-belly bush, why not use it to create a magical doorway for your dog?
It’ll create a spot for your dog to sit and wait for you to get home, without having to leave the yard.
Read More: Here are strong dogs that will defeat a wolf in a single fight and not a pack of wolves.
Create a playhouse for two
If your dog is usually quite shy, and you want to give him more space to feel safe, then this playful playhouse is ideal.
Simply attach a play tunnel to the top of it, so your dog can play inside, and you can sit in the grass and enjoy your tea without worrying that he’s going to destroy your garden.
Glow-in-the-dark tent
Having an indoor/outdoor pet doesn’t have to mean a lack of lighting for them at night.
Set up a lantern-like tent over the back patio, and your pooch can enjoy the glow of the flame without any other distractions.
Create a Water fountain
The fountain will get your dog splashing about, and the lapping sounds will keep them entertained.
If you like a quieter ambiance, go for a placard or decor with tiles rather than the inflatable kind.
So far you have seen that there are lots of ideas for your dogs
Recommended article: Senior Citizens And Dogs: Things Seniors Should Know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some low-maintenance options for a dog-friendly backyard?
There are several low-maintenance options for a dog-friendly backyard.
You can consider installing artificial turf instead of natural grass, which will save you time on mowing and watering.
You can also use hardscaping features like pea gravel or flagstone instead of planting beds, which will require less maintenance.
How can I create a play area for my dog in my small backyard?
To create a play area for your dog in a small backyard, you can use a portion of your backyard to make a pet zone.
You can set up a playpen or obstacle course for your dog to run around in, and use toys and tunnels to keep them entertained.
What are some dog-friendly plants to incorporate into my backyard?
Some dog-friendly plants that you can incorporate into your backyard include marigolds, roses, sunflowers, and snapdragons.
Avoid using plants like lilies and azaleas, which can be toxic to dogs.
How can I make my backyard more comfortable for my dog during extreme weather?
To make your backyard more comfortable for your dog during extreme weather, you can use a dog house or a small shelter to keep them protected from the elements.
You can also provide them with plenty of shade and water during hot weather and use heated pads during the colder months.
What are some features I can add to my backyard for my dog to enjoy?
Some features that you can add to your backyard for your dog to enjoy include a sandpit or small pool for them to play in, an agility course for them to run and jump over obstacles, and a digging pit for them to satisfy their digging instincts.
How can I ensure that my backyard is safe for my dog?
To ensure that your backyard is safe for your dog, make sure that there are no sharp objects or dangerous chemicals they can access.
Keep your plants trimmed and well-maintained, and ensure that your fence is secure to prevent them from escaping.
You can also create a designated area for potty breaks and use natural pesticides instead of harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating a small backyard oasis for your furry friend doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With a little creativity and some of the ideas we’ve shared, you can transform your space into a doggy paradise.
Remember to keep your pup’s needs in mind, and don’t be afraid to get a little playful with your design.
With these tips, your backyard will be the envy of all the neighborhood pups!