Top Tips for a Dog Friendly Garden

Looking for top tips for a dog friendly garden? You’re in the right place! Whether you’ve got a playful pup who treats your lawn like a racetrack or a gentle older dog who loves snoozing in the sunshine, your garden is a big part of their daily life. It’s where they sniff, explore, play, and sometimes sneak a cheeky dig!

But let’s face it – not every garden is automatically safe or suitable for dogs. Some plants can be poisonous, fences can be too low, and garden products may pose hidden dangers. The good news is, with a little planning and a few simple changes, you can create a space that’s both beautiful and totally dog-friendly.

This guide is packed with top tips for a dog friendly garden – from avoiding toxic plants to building digging zones, and making sure your space is secure, fun and calming for your four-legged friend. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a few tweaks, these tips will help turn your garden into a tail-wagging paradise you’ll both enjoy.

One of the top tips for a dog friendly garden is being picky with your planting. Dogs love to sniff and explore – but that can lead them to chew on things they shouldn't. Here are some common plants that are a no-go:

Avoid these plants:

• Foxglove
  

• Daffodils
  

• Lily of the Valley
  

• Rhododendrons & Azaleas
  

• Yew
  

• Oleander
  
  

Dog-safe alternatives:

• Sunflowers 🌻

• Snapdragons

• Roses

• Camellias

• Marigolds

• Fuchsias

If you’re unsure about a plant, it’s always best to double-check with your vet or look it up via a trusted source like the RHS or Dogs Trust.

Next up on the list of top tips for a dog friendly garden: stop your dog from turning into a furry escape artist. Dogs are smart – and some are very determined. Here’s how to keep them safe inside the garden:

• Check all fences and gates regularly for weak spots or gaps.

• Choose the right height – some dogs need fences over 5ft.

• Bury chicken wire or slabs at the base of fences to prevent digging.

• Use self-closing gates so no one accidentally leaves it open.

If your dog loves to dig (and many do!), give them a space where it’s totally allowed. It’ll help save your lawn and keep them entertained.

• Build a small dig pit filled with soft soil or sand.

• Bury toys or treats to keep it exciting.

• Use praise to encourage them to use it.

A garden isn’t complete without cool, comfy chill-out spots. Especially in summer, dogs need shade just as much as we do.

• Use trees, pergolas or dog-safe parasols for shelter.

• Keep fresh water topped up in a non-tip bowl.

• Try a shallow paddling pool for splashing around on hot days.

Many lawn and plant care products aren’t safe for pets – so another of our top tips for a dog friendly garden is going chemical-free where possible.

• Use natural fertilisers and weedkillers .

• Avoid cocoa mulch – it contains theobromine, just like chocolate.

• Keep compost bins closed or fenced off – rotting food can upset tummies.

Dogs love to explore, so make your garden a sensory space with areas for play and patrol.

• Add a doggy path using bark, gravel or stepping stones.

• Build a basic agility zone or use old logs and tunnels.

• Use raised beds to protect delicate plants from stomping paws.

No one wants a thorn in the paw! Choose soft, non-spiky plants around your dog’s favourite hangout spots.

Plants to be careful with:

• Roses (unless kept well-pruned)

• Holly

• Blackthorn

• Barberry

Stick to softer shrubs and flowering plants that are safe and gentle.

Even energetic dogs need a chill-out space. One of the lesser-known top tips for a dog friendly garden is to give them a private nook where they can relax.

• Create a little corner with tall plants or fencing for privacy.

• Lay down a soft blanket or bed .

• A dash of lavender can add a calming scent (just make sure they don’t eat it!).

We hope these top tips for a dog friendly garden have given you plenty of inspiration to create a space that’s as safe as it is stylish. The best dog-friendly gardens are those that strike a balance – somewhere your dog can sniff, explore, and relax, without you worrying about escape attempts or trampled flowers.

Remember, your garden doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to work for your lifestyle and your dog’s personality. That might mean adding a few shady spots, choosing sturdy plants over delicate ones, or setting up a special digging corner to save your lawn. The little details really do make a big difference.

And don’t forget, your garden is a living space – just like your dog, it changes with time. As seasons shift or your dog gets older, you might find new needs popping up. Maybe that jump-proof fence needs adjusting, or that sunny spot is now too warm in summer. Keep observing how your dog uses the garden and tweak it as needed.

With some love, creativity, and these dog-friendly garden tips, you’ll soon have an outdoor space that both you and your furry best friend can enjoy together – all year round.

So go on, grab a cuppa, let your pup out for a sniff and a wander, and enjoy your own slice of dog-safe outdoor bliss. 🌼🐶