5 Essential Steps to Dog-Proof Your Garden

Dog-proofing your garden is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner and is important to ensure you, your dog, and your neighbours can remain happy. Here are 5 steps to fortify your garden for the arrival of a new puppy or prepare your new house for your beloved pet.

Step 1 – Secure Your Property Perimeter

Dog-proof fencing is the most important step in dog-proofing your garden to ensure you have an enclosed area for puppies and dogs to explore without escaping. If you already have a continuous fence in place, scout for any areas that may need repair before you bring your pooch home. At Walford Timber, we provide bespoke measurements to fit any garden gaps perfectly. For this or other fence repairs, contact us on 01989 563614. Otherwise, we have a wide range of panelling to suit any garden design needs.

To prevent dogs from climbing or jumping out, six feet is the recommended height for most breeds. We would recommend our durable Closeboard Panels, Lap Panels, or Tongue and Groove Flat Top Panelling as the best fence panels for dogs, for their lack of horizontal slats (which clever dogs may use as a ladder). For those that would prefer a wire fencing instead of solid timber, we recommend Kennel Fencing.

Smaller breeds may be adequately enclosed by shorter fencing such as Palisade Fencing, while more ambitious dogs may require a seven or eight-foot fence which we are happy to provide on special request. Similarly, some dogs are bred for burrowing, so you may need to ensure that your dog cannot escape by digging under your fence. In this case, you can use chicken wire or Kennel Fencing to create an underground, dig-resistant solution.

Step 2 – Preparing Your Plants

When it comes to choosing your flowers next spring, it is important to consider that many common plants are poisonous to dogs. This list by Blue Cross outlines all the plants you should avoid, as well as symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs so that you can be aware of the warning signs, and what to do if the situation occurs.

Aside from keeping your dog safe from your plants, you will need to keep your plants safe from your dog! Fencing off flower beds with Palisade Fencing is a great option, as the gaps between the slats allow for an unobstructed view. This will shield your plants from being squished under paw and safe from your dog’s toileting routine. Palisade fencing is also a good option for securing dogs out of swimming pools and ponds to prevent dogs from falling in if left unattended.

Step 3 – Store Dangerous Items Properly

A Shed or Tool Tidy is vital to properly secure sharp objects and harmful substances away from your dog such as gardening tools, fertilisers, and antifreeze. These items can cause serious harm to your pet if left lying around, so is a worthwhile investment compared to the stress of a poorly pup (and costly vet bills). What’s more, a shed is fantastic for storing excess dog food and mucky toys, keeping unpleasant smells and dirt out of your home. Walford Timber sheds are made of sustainably sourced timber and our wide range offers pet protection to suit any budget.

A Wheelie Bin Store is also a great organisational tool that will prevent dogs from rooting through rubbish, making a mess, and potentially hurting themselves in the process. It’s also an effective deterrent for keeping out pests like foxes and seagulls.

Step 4 – Keeping Your Dog Safe

Some other things to consider are…

• Compost and grass clippings can harbour harmful bacteria and mould that is best kept away from dogs. You can do this easily by storing your garden waste in a Compost Bin, in turn creating nutrient-dense soil for years to come.
• Keep dogs away from lawns that have recently been treated with chemicals like insecticide, weed killer or growth promotor as these can irritate dog’s paws and cause stomach upset. If you must use chemicals in your garden, look out for pet-safe alternatives or fence off the affected area for the following few days.
• Check your fencing after strong windy weather or storms to ensure no new potential escape routes have appeared.
• Prevent your dog from overheating by keeping a water bowl outside and providing shaded areas – particularly on hot days.

Step 5 – Keeping Your Dog Happy

Once you’ve taken these necessary steps, you can rest assured that your garden will keep your faithful companion safe. It is still important to remember that dogs are less likely to exhibit bad behaviours if their best friend is there to keep them company. By supervising your dog’s outdoor time and engaging in regular play and training sessions, you’re making lasting memories and keeping your dog happy and safe.

For more bespoke garden solutions, partner with experts in the business for the last 78 years. Call Walford Timber today on 01989 563614 or visit our website at https://​walford​tim​ber​.co​.uk.