Designing a garden around dogs
Gardens for Dog Owners
Dogs use gardens differently to people. They run boundaries, dig in shade, toilet in habit spots and go out in every kind of weather.
Designing around those behaviours works far better than trying to change them.

Surfaces that cope
Pet-grade artificial grass with a permeable backing and free-draining base ends the mud cycle and washes down easily. A bound path along the run line takes the worst of the traffic.
Avoid loose bark and sharp gravel, which get carried indoors or into paws.
Boundaries and safety
Secure fencing with no gaps at the base, self-closing gates and no climbable furniture near boundaries prevent most escapes.
Check planting for species that are toxic to dogs before putting them in.
Comfort and routine
A shaded spot, a water point and a designated toileting area with an easily rinsed surface make the garden work for the dog as well as the household.
Rinsing artificial grass periodically keeps it fresh with almost no effort.
Frequently asked questions
Will my dog dig up artificial grass?
Properly fixed edges over a compacted base make it very difficult for most dogs.
How do I stop mud in winter?
A bound path on the run line plus artificial grass or paving removes the source.
Related reading
Garden ruined by the dog?
We install pet-spec lawns and dog-proof boundaries.