Owning a dog is a wonderful, life-changing experience in most cases. There are stories upon stories of those owners who didn’t want a four-legged friend but fell in love the moment they arrived. Some stories offer tales of those who took a little longer to warm up to their new family member but did so fiercely. Dogs can help you get through tough times by being an ear to listen. They provide hours of entertainment with all their crazy antics. They can also get themselves into a bit of trouble every now and again.
Taking care of your dog is more than just feeding them and letting them outside. One thing you want to do is ensure their safety when they are in the home and when they’re in your backyard. While some dogs are very low in energy, some require a bit more of a workout, so they don’t get into trouble inside the house. This means you may want to upgrade your backyard design to assist them in having a safe and exciting time every time they go out. There are several things you can do to help both you and your dog enjoy your outdoor time. Look at these additions below that will have you both spending more time outdoors.
Add More Shaded Areas
One way you can help your entire family have a more relaxing time outside is by adding in more shaded areas. This could be in the form of adding in trees, canopies or upgrading your beadboard patio ceiling. This will allow you to have a fresh new look while also adding in a shaded spot to get out of the heat while enjoying the backyard. You can also install a gazebo area that gives shade and a place to sit and enjoy the sounds of nature as you relax in your backyard oasis.
Install a Water Feature
Consider installing a unique water feature in your backyard. A pond with a few koi fish in it is a great way to relax both yourself and your canine friend. You can also consider installing a backyard sprinkler for your buddy. There are many options that allow them to play in the water so they can cool down and have fun. Dog sprinklers work by needing the pup to step on it to start it spraying. There are many examples on the market, and they are a fun time for everyone involved. When you’re installing a water feature, be sure that you also take time to upgrade your drainage. That is important as standing water can cause issues. There are many options such as permeable paving that can help remove the standing water from your yard while putting it back into the soil.
Build a Deck
A deck is the perfect backyard update for both your canine and you. This addition allows you to have time outside with your friends and family enjoying a BBQ, the weather, or some coffee first thing in the morning. The deck gives your furry friend a place to sit and watch the yard without getting down into it if you’re not wanting them away from the house. You can add safety gates for the little ones to keep them from going down the stairs as well.
A deck-building calculator makes it easy for you to determine all the materials and items you need to make the perfect size deck for your backyard. Decks not only offer a perfect place for a patio table set; they can also provide shade for your pup when they are outside.
Upgrade Your Fence
One piece of equipment in your backyard that is vital to safety and enjoyment is a fence. When you have children or pets, a fence can provide a much-needed barrier between them and danger. It keeps them in the yard and away from traffic or other obstacles around your home. It also functions to keep dangers out of your yard as well, such as other dogs or animals. By keeping your fence updated and repaired, you give your family, all members, a great place to relax and have fun. Whether you choose to use pressure-treated fencing or a chain-link fence, fencing is important around your backyard.
These are just a few of the additional designs you can add to your backyard for your pets, and for you, to enjoy.
Jordan Swift is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. He is a blogger and a content writer for the building materials industry with an interest in landscaping and outdoor remodeling. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.