How to make a playground for the dog near the house?

Do you have your own house? Give your dog his own little park by setting up a special play area in your backyard. It won’t take long, and besides, you will most likely be able to use the items you already have. In this article, you will learn how to create a cool playground for your dog.

Why build your own dog playground?

As a rule, a dog playground is not just a place where your dog can run and play without a leash. Many dog ​​playgrounds provide not only a variety of opportunities for physical activity and training, but also encourage the development of their mental abilities and socialization.

However, it is not always possible to take your dog to such a park. There may not be such a place in your area at all. And if it does, its hours of operation may not coincide with your schedule. Many things can happen in your life that make it difficult or even impossible to regularly take your dog to such a site.

Typically, public dog park rules include health, socialization, and behavioral standards and guidelines, and even breed-specific restrictions that may prevent your dog from entering the park. Some venues have designated areas for small breeds and older and disabled dogs so they can play safely away from larger, more violent breeds, but not all parks have this, which can make it unsafe for your dog.

While your dog seems quite happy frolicking in your backyard, if you turn your yard into a miniature dog playground just for her and her dog friends or loved ones, both you and your pet will benefit. On the one hand, yards equipped as playgrounds for dogs are the convenience and safety of being near the house, on the other hand, they are entertainment, walking, physical activity and the development of mental abilities, like in a real dog park.

Building your own playground for dogs

There are a few things you should think about beforehand if you decide to make a dog playground in your backyard. Installitdirect.com recommends planning your DIY park according to the following criteria:

• A place. Consider the space and layout of your yard. You probably don’t want your play area to include your flower beds or patio where you barbecue. However, it should be in a place where you can keep an eye on your dog if you let him walk on his own. It is desirable that it be clearly visible from a window or door. There should also be enough space in the playing area to play fetch the ball. The best option after assessing the territory may be, for example, a side yard, accessible, but separated from the open family recreation area.

  It’s a good idea to look at the area from your dog’s point of view, says Dogtipper. She should have enough space to run, jump and play. Obstacles and equipment should not be placed too close together. See if there is anything in the area that could be dangerous for the dog, such as poisonous plants that he suddenly wants to chew on, or a place where he can cause trouble, such as something forbidden, some place where he wants to dig . If the pet has a high hunting instinct, it is probably not worth building a site next to the bird feeder.

• Arrangement elements. Your backyard dog yard should be a fun, safe, and comfortable place for your dog. For these purposes, you can install the following objects:
  1. A doghouse or an area with a canopy where she can hide from the rain.
  2. Lounger for outdoor recreation.
  3. A water feature where you can splash and cool off.
  4. Bowls for food and water, and a rug, platform, or small porch where they can be placed.
  5. Convenient paths for walking and exploring the area. Cesar’s Way recommends using materials that are comfortable for the animal’s paws, such as smooth rocks, bricks, or concrete.
  6. Dedicated toilet seat and cleaning station. We recommend using artificial turf here, it is easy to clean and will protect your lawn from darkening or bacterial buildup.
  7. Obstacle course or projectiles to develop agility.
  8. A dedicated area for digging, such as a sandbox.
• What should be avoided. When building a dog playground, it is equally important to remember what to avoid. There are things that can spoil the fun if they end up in the play area:
  • Toxic pesticides or herbicides. If you use these chemicals in your garden, your dog park should be located far enough away from the garden.
  • Spiny cacti or any plant with thorns, spines or needles.
  • Sharp edges, hot surfaces or objects that can cause choking.

  Also, make sure that the fence around your area is in good condition, with no debris, broken parts, or gaps for a dog to escape through. Do not clutter up the playground with too many obstacles or toys. Especially in small areas – less is better, but better.

Use what you have

Creating fun playgrounds for dogs doesn’t have to be expensive. Chances are you already have most (if not all) of what you need to build your own dog yard, especially if you have kids. As a body of water where the dog can splash, you can use an unnecessary paddling pool or turn on a watering system for it. Have your kids outgrown their sandbox? Fill it with earth and invite your eared friend from the heart to dig there. Build him an obstacle course out of a plastic kids slide, empty boxes, old tires, rain barrels, and discarded hoops. Show your imagination! Just make sure the items you are using do not have any sharp parts, debris, or small parts that could fall off and cause choking.

With a little thoughtful planning, a little effort, and a lot of ingenuity, you can turn your backyard into the perfect dog play area where your dog will enjoy spending his days – without having to travel anywhere. This will also give you more time to play with your cute dog and allow you to tailor your homemade dog park to your personal needs and his favorite activities.