YOUR DOG’S ULTIMATE DREAM BACKYARD
"When you set your dogs free in the backyard, many of us make sure that they can't get out, but don't pay too much attention for what's inside a yard that can be dangerous. Great Day reporter Cristina Kooker visited a dream backyard—great for dogs and their owners—and when both parties are happy, it's a tail wagging experience!"DEBORAH DUNCAN
Lanson B. Jones & Co. can transform any backyard into a dog’s ultimate dream.
Dog-friendly Backyard Before and After
Watching your dog or dogs run free, play chase and happily relax under a shade tree is any dog-owner’s dream. However, many backyards are not considered dog-friendly. Escape areas, sharp edges and potentially dangerous plants are a few backyard dangers many dog owners miss. Luckily, Great Day Houston reporter Cristina Kooker interviewed Lanson to find out how dog parents can create a low-maintenance, dog-friendly backyard that is fun and most importantly—safe.
Click here if you want to watch Lanson’s Great Day Houston interview or check out a few of his tips below:
1. Create a safe garden for your pet.
Non-toxic Plants, No Escape Points and No Sharp Edges
Non-toxic & toxic plants
Since dogs like to chew (and sometimes swallow) plants they find, it’s helpful to know what plants won’t harm your dog’s health. The VP of the Animal Poison Control Center based in Urbana, Illinois says, “A rule of thumb is that the prettier it is, the more likely it is to be toxic.” For example, Azaleas, English Ivy, Tulips, Oleanders, Cyclamen and Sago Palms are considered some of the deadliest plants to dogs. However, don’t let these plants discourage you! There are many gorgeous, non-toxic plants that Lanson and our team recommends, such as Holly Fern, Day Lilies, Marigolds and Roses!
No sharp edges
Over the years, we’ve learned clients do not realize the dangers behind sharp objects in the yard, especially when it comes to metal lawn edging also referred as “the hidden knife in your backyard.” As one blogger said, “It’s kind of like putting a huge knife outside with the sharp side up and hoping no one steps on it.” Like metal edging, gravel and decorative pieces may have sharp edges, too. So what’s Lanson’s solution? Installing a synthetic lawn that uses a wider edge that provides a smooth, flat exposed area. Lanson also recommends pairing the synthetic lawn with Black Star gravel because it’s elegant and is usually rounder compared to other gravels.
No escape points
Having a dog figure out ways to escape is a frightening problem that many owners unfortunately face. Whether your dog loves to chase, hunt or protect his or her territory, you’ll need to first figure out why he or she wants to roam away. After that is determined, look for your dog’s escape points. The importance of a secure, enclosed backyard is necessary for keeping our four-legged friends safe. Building a 6-foot wooden fence is usually sufficient. Since a wooden fence is not the most attractive site, we recommend jazzing it up by painting it our proprietary “River Oaks Green”… a secret recipe of Lanson B. Jones & Company!
2. Create a variety of pathways.
Black Star Gravel Outlining the Fence Path and an Asian Jasmine Jumping Hurdle
Provide a clean path along the fence line
Dogs need exercise. Creating a designated path for your dog is the perfect way to keep your pup healthy and happy. Sacrificing a few feet along your fence line can provide a clean path for your dog’s running instincts. However, some dog’s (like Lanson’s Australian Shepherd, Ruby) possibly chose their own designated path. If your dog has already created their pathway, don’t try to redirect them unless the path is a nuisance or dangerous. Instead, make sure it has a clearance that is large and safe enough for your dog. If you feel like spoiling your pooch a little more, adding pine needles on the path creates a soft surface for paws and it doesn’t stick to fur.
Use a variety of materials for your pup to jump over
If you can’t set up an obstacle course in your backyard, designated jumping areas can do the trick! Jumping from one flagstone stepping pad to the next or leaping over Asian Jasmine strips is the newest trend (at least to our clients’ dogs)! Say goodbye to agility toys that are considered eyesores and take up space. Creating outdoor obstacles by using a variety of plants and materials can entice your dog to stay active, while still maintaining an elegant backyard atmosphere. Using materials that reflects your home’s architecture will also result in a happy dog and a happy owner. Check out how this home’s landscape mirrors its architectural design.
Offer plenty of shade in the day and light at night
Like water, shade is a necessity. Yards without shade are bad for dogs and their owners, especially in a hot-humid state like Texas! Like humans, dogs can suffer from dehydration, sunburn and heatstroke. According to the SPCA, “A dog’s normal body temperature is 101 degrees to 102.5 degrees. Because they don’t sweat, they are at greater risk of hyperthermia if their body temperature goes above 105 degrees, which can happen in a matter of minutes and cause irreversible organ damage and a painful death.” Therefore, it is crucial that you provide adequate shade for your pups. Putting shade trees in your yard is a great idea, but it’s important to purchase them fully grown. If that is not an option, a doghouse like this one (for the very spoiled pooch) will do! Also, don’t forget night lighting! Night lighting is the perfect way to set a relaxing ambiance for your pup. Remember, a relaxed dog is a good dog.
3. Create great play surfaces!
Synthetic Lawn for A Dog’s Dream Backyard
Install a synthetic lawn
As you saw in this blog post, synthetic lawns have many benefits for humans and pets. For example, no more muddy paws and grass stains! Installing a synthetic lawn will make your grass always look freshly manicured, while increasing your dog’s safety and cleanliness. We can proudly say our synthetic grass is coated with an antimicrobial protection that creates a safer, cleaner and better smelling environment for you and your pup. While your dog does his or her business, the liquids quickly drain out and causes you no hassle thanks to our team’s drainage expertise. Also, picking up dog waste has never been easier! Solid waste rests on the surface, making it an easy removal with a pooper scooper.
Incorporating high points
Did you know all of our synthetic lawns have a high point? Thanks to our synthetic lawns being crowned-shaped, the center of the lawn creates a high point where dogs love to lay. Lanson’s dog, Ruby, enjoys laying on the high point as she relaxes and watches over her garden. High points allow dogs to observe their surroundings from a better view, which kicks-on their territorial instincts and makes them believe they’re the King or Queen of the yard! It’s the perfect way to boost your dog’s self-esteem. Fun tip: Did you know that adding a seatwall to your garden is another wonderful way to create a high point? By hiring our team to design your seatwall, you’ll be able to offer additional seating that is not only comfortable to your guests, but also your pup!
If you enjoyed these tips, you can learn additional tips here.
Lanson B. Jones Interviewing with Cristina Kooker
Creating your dog’s dream backyard can be an exciting experience for you and your beloved pup! However, if you want to ensure the process goes smoothly, we recommend hiring a landscape architect. Like you, we want to achieve your four-legged friend’s heaven on earth, while eliminating the hidden hazards.
If you’re ready to build your dog’s dream backyard, fill out a project form here or call 713.667.0709.