A secure garden lets your dog enjoy the outdoors safely, preventing escapes, poisoning, injuries, or exposure to hazards. Proper planning, monitoring, and using preventative measures ensures your garden is both stimulating and safe, allowing your dog to explore freely while you enjoy peace of mind.
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Our Top 10 tips for dog-proofing your garden
Check fences and boundaries – Inspect fences for gaps, holes, or weak points. Reinforce any areas your dog could squeeze through or dig under. Ensure gates close securely with latches your dog cannot open.
Remove toxic plants – Identify and remove or fence off plants harmful to dogs, such as foxglove, lilies, or daffodils. If unsure, consult your vet or a plant database to prevent accidental ingestion.
Secure chemicals and tools – Store fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, and machinery out of reach. Use locked sheds or high shelves to prevent poisoning or injury.
Create shaded areas – Provide covered spots or shaded areas where your dog can rest safely during hot weather. Combine this with fresh water bowls or a small splash area to prevent overheating and dehydration.
Reward calm behaviour – Encourage safe outdoor behaviour with praise, treats, or enrichment toys when your dog explores calmly. Reinforcing positive interactions helps your dog learn boundaries.
Supervise digging – Monitor areas where your dog tends to dig. Provide a designated digging pit or sandbox, redirecting this natural behaviour to a safe zone, which prevents damage to your garden and reduces the risk of buried hazards causing injury.
Remove sharp objects – Check for broken branches, thorns, garden stakes, or ornaments that could cause cuts or paw injuries. Keep all walkways and play areas clear and safe, inspecting regularly for debris that could harm your dog.
Protect ponds or pools – Install barriers, shallow edges, or ramps to prevent accidental drowning. Always supervise your dog around open water, teaching safe entry and exit points to ensure confidence and safety near water features.
Manage compost and waste – Keep compost bins and rubbish containers securely closed. Many types of garden waste can be toxic, including spoiled food or mouldy items. Securing bins prevents ingestion of harmful substances.
Check for wildlife hazards – Remove or restrict access to areas where wild animals, snakes, or insects may pose a risk. Be aware of burrows, hives, or nests that could result in bites, stings, or fights, and block access where possible.
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Summary of this article
Effective garden-proofing involves checking fences, securing gates, removing toxic plants, storing chemicals safely, creating shaded areas, providing water, supervising digging, and removing sharp objects
From the experts – Create specific sensory zones in your garden to stimulate and engage your dog's senses. For example, designate a corner with different textures like smooth stones, coarse gravel, and soft grass. Integrate scents by planting dog-safe herbs like mint, lavender, or rosemary. Incorporate interactive elements such as a low-height agility obstacle or hanging toys for mental stimulation. These zones not only enrich your dog's outdoor experience but also help to focus their energy positively within the garden environment.
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