Pro Panel: How to Make Your Small Urban Garden Dog Friendly
Follow this advice from three UK design experts to make the most of your petite plot for you and your four-legged friend
Kate Burt
20 August 2022
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
Even if you live close to a park or green space, chances are you and your pup will still rely on your garden, whether it’s for a between-walkies scamper, a post-park laze or to answer the call of nature at bedtime. However, turning your green patch into a place both you and your canine can enjoy can be a conundrum.
“I’ve had a lot of instances where clients want me to consider their dogs,” says Georgia Lindsay of Georgia Lindsay Garden Design. “They often want a stylish space, but one that works with the dog in mind.”
So how do you combine a garden unhindered by the likes of yellow patches on the lawn, dug up flowerbeds and flattened plants with a fun-packed canine chill zone? Read on to find out, with this professional advice from UK-based landscape architects and garden designers Lindsay, Amanda Shipman and Laara Copely-Smith of Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design.
So how do you combine a garden unhindered by the likes of yellow patches on the lawn, dug up flowerbeds and flattened plants with a fun-packed canine chill zone? Read on to find out, with this professional advice from UK-based landscape architects and garden designers Lindsay, Amanda Shipman and Laara Copely-Smith of Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design.
Consider faking it
Artificial grass is a topic that divides opinion, but could it be worth considering? “I’m in two minds about artificial grass,” says Lindsay, “but in small spaces it can be really good [because on a real lawn you’ll notice yellow circles where the dog’s urinated].
“People say it’s putting plastic into the environment, but it doesn’t require watering, nor weedkiller or pest control,” she says. “It feels counter-intuitive to put fake plants in the garden, but it does have benefits. I suggest you use quite a short pile with dogs – any wee soaks through and solids can be lifted off and the whole lot hosed down. It’s a very clean environment.”
On keeping the surface clean, Lindsay has some more tips. “There are various sub-bases for artificial grass. Avoid a cushioned base, which can harbour smells,” she says. Instead, Lindsay suggests choosing an aggregate to level out the surface with a seven- to 10-centimetre layer, topped with two centimetres of granite dust. That way, any liquids will just drain through.
Artificial grass is a topic that divides opinion, but could it be worth considering? “I’m in two minds about artificial grass,” says Lindsay, “but in small spaces it can be really good [because on a real lawn you’ll notice yellow circles where the dog’s urinated].
“People say it’s putting plastic into the environment, but it doesn’t require watering, nor weedkiller or pest control,” she says. “It feels counter-intuitive to put fake plants in the garden, but it does have benefits. I suggest you use quite a short pile with dogs – any wee soaks through and solids can be lifted off and the whole lot hosed down. It’s a very clean environment.”
On keeping the surface clean, Lindsay has some more tips. “There are various sub-bases for artificial grass. Avoid a cushioned base, which can harbour smells,” she says. Instead, Lindsay suggests choosing an aggregate to level out the surface with a seven- to 10-centimetre layer, topped with two centimetres of granite dust. That way, any liquids will just drain through.
Go lawn-free
Shipman suggests forgoing a lawn entirely, and Copely-Smith says, “I’ve had clients with dogs that have had no grass at all”. But what are the eco-friendly alternatives that will work for you and your pup?
Copely-Smith suggests that if you want to have a paved area, you could equally have a decked area, which is not only soft enough to be comfortable for your hound to lounge on, but also allows water to drain away. You can choose from a variety of materials, including several types of recycled decking boards.
Find a landscape architect or designer near you on Houzz to design a pet-friendly outdoor area
Shipman suggests forgoing a lawn entirely, and Copely-Smith says, “I’ve had clients with dogs that have had no grass at all”. But what are the eco-friendly alternatives that will work for you and your pup?
Copely-Smith suggests that if you want to have a paved area, you could equally have a decked area, which is not only soft enough to be comfortable for your hound to lounge on, but also allows water to drain away. You can choose from a variety of materials, including several types of recycled decking boards.
Find a landscape architect or designer near you on Houzz to design a pet-friendly outdoor area
Give them somewhere to go
Another idea is to tuck away a little zone where your pup can spend a penny in peace. “I recently did a consultancy for some people with a dog,” says Copely-Smith, “and that was part of the brief. Their dog was trained to use a specific place.”
This is easiest, of course, if your dog is currently a puppy, but with consistency, some older dogs can learn new tricks, too. If you can screen off a little area with a trellis or some shrubs so it’s out of sight, all the better. Sweet-smelling plants nearby won’t hurt, either.
Choose a surface that’s easy to clean and make sure the hose will reach it so you can clean it every day.
Another idea is to tuck away a little zone where your pup can spend a penny in peace. “I recently did a consultancy for some people with a dog,” says Copely-Smith, “and that was part of the brief. Their dog was trained to use a specific place.”
This is easiest, of course, if your dog is currently a puppy, but with consistency, some older dogs can learn new tricks, too. If you can screen off a little area with a trellis or some shrubs so it’s out of sight, all the better. Sweet-smelling plants nearby won’t hurt, either.
Choose a surface that’s easy to clean and make sure the hose will reach it so you can clean it every day.
Make it escape-proof
“Ensure your boundaries, fences and gates are secure,” says Shipman. As well as being something to do when you’re introducing a dog to your household for the first time, it’s a good idea to make periodic checks, too.
That said, Shipman adds that it’s also wise to consider other small animals that may use your garden. You might consider creating boltholes at the base of your fences for native wildlife to use.
Be careful, of course, if you have a very small dog – and make sure you don’t create holes beneath your fence that could be dug by a determined dog to create an escape route.
“Ensure your boundaries, fences and gates are secure,” says Shipman. As well as being something to do when you’re introducing a dog to your household for the first time, it’s a good idea to make periodic checks, too.
That said, Shipman adds that it’s also wise to consider other small animals that may use your garden. You might consider creating boltholes at the base of your fences for native wildlife to use.
Be careful, of course, if you have a very small dog – and make sure you don’t create holes beneath your fence that could be dug by a determined dog to create an escape route.
Let them dig!
“Many clients have requested a digging zone,” says Lindsay. This is done with the aim of attracting a dog to dig solely in a designated area (well away from beautifully planted garden beds like the ones above, of course).
“You can bury some interesting toys that have a smell and encourage the dog to dig in that area,” she says. “Keep burying new things and train them to dig for them there. Obviously, though, it does depend on the pet whether they’ll comply!”
Browse local garden designs with beautiful decks
“Many clients have requested a digging zone,” says Lindsay. This is done with the aim of attracting a dog to dig solely in a designated area (well away from beautifully planted garden beds like the ones above, of course).
“You can bury some interesting toys that have a smell and encourage the dog to dig in that area,” she says. “Keep burying new things and train them to dig for them there. Obviously, though, it does depend on the pet whether they’ll comply!”
Browse local garden designs with beautiful decks
Keep them cool
Most dogs love to lie about in the summer sunshine, but Shipman says to provide plenty of dappled shade to keep them cool, protect them from the sun’s harsh rays and let the light filter through. “And keep a deep plant-pot saucer filled with water,” she says. It’s a great way to keep at least one garden doggie accessory in tune aesthetically with your outdoor area.
In small gardens without the space for mature trees, shade can be hard to create. Lindsay suggests trees that will easily grow in pots and recommends acers or Japanese maples. “They’re small and form quite a low shade. They’re also very safe for dogs in case they munch on any of the leaves.”
Most dogs love to lie about in the summer sunshine, but Shipman says to provide plenty of dappled shade to keep them cool, protect them from the sun’s harsh rays and let the light filter through. “And keep a deep plant-pot saucer filled with water,” she says. It’s a great way to keep at least one garden doggie accessory in tune aesthetically with your outdoor area.
In small gardens without the space for mature trees, shade can be hard to create. Lindsay suggests trees that will easily grow in pots and recommends acers or Japanese maples. “They’re small and form quite a low shade. They’re also very safe for dogs in case they munch on any of the leaves.”
Swerve slugs
While on the topic of safe plants, Lindsay adds that varieties needing a lot of slug or snail protection are not an ideal choice if you have dogs. Both the creatures and preventative pellets are toxic to them. So how to avoid them?
“Having lots of tender plants is not a good idea,” she says, “but varieties such as salvia [seen here] are great – snails don’t like them and they’re safe for dogs if they eat them.”
While on the topic of safe plants, Lindsay adds that varieties needing a lot of slug or snail protection are not an ideal choice if you have dogs. Both the creatures and preventative pellets are toxic to them. So how to avoid them?
“Having lots of tender plants is not a good idea,” she says, “but varieties such as salvia [seen here] are great – snails don’t like them and they’re safe for dogs if they eat them.”
“Geums [the pale orange flowers pictured here] are also good – slugs don’t seem to like those, either,” says Lindsay. Slugs tend not to like “any leaf that has a slight furriness to it – such as geraniums. But leaves that feel like soft lettuce, or soft perennials such as cosmos, tend to be the ones slugs love,” she says.
“Red-hot pokers [Kniphofia, seen here] are absolutely great,” says Lindsay. “They have a base like agapanthus, but with these bright orange flowers that come out of the top, quite tropical. These also tick both boxes again in terms of being unattractive to snails and slugs and safe for dogs should they eat the leaves.”
Plant strategically
Soft leaves to lie on under the cover of a couple of shady shrubs – what dog wouldn’t want to climb into your carefully tended flowerbeds for a snooze? Flattened flowers can be a recurrent frustration for green-thumbed dog owners.
Lindsay suggests strategic planting, not to deter a snoozing pup but to withstand it. “Plants such as herbs are great for dogs,” she says. “Things like low-growing thyme are so robust, a dog could lie all over it and it’d be fine. Also try chamomile and mint.”
Lemon balm, part of the mint family, is another option to consider. Rosemary, Lindsay adds, is also really robust, and not as comfy, so it might double as a deterrent if that’s your aim.
Soft leaves to lie on under the cover of a couple of shady shrubs – what dog wouldn’t want to climb into your carefully tended flowerbeds for a snooze? Flattened flowers can be a recurrent frustration for green-thumbed dog owners.
Lindsay suggests strategic planting, not to deter a snoozing pup but to withstand it. “Plants such as herbs are great for dogs,” she says. “Things like low-growing thyme are so robust, a dog could lie all over it and it’d be fine. Also try chamomile and mint.”
Lemon balm, part of the mint family, is another option to consider. Rosemary, Lindsay adds, is also really robust, and not as comfy, so it might double as a deterrent if that’s your aim.
Design to deter
Alternatively, you could endeavour to keep your dog out of your flowerbeds. Copely-Smith suggests dense, clipped planting – or, better still, if maintenance is your strong suit, consider a topiary border. “Grow very thick, evergreen borders that will stop a dog getting in as the planting is so dense,” she says.
If you have a smaller dog, Lindsay suggests using sleepers – but arranged vertically rather than horizontally – as a stylish way to protect borders. “Rather than full-sized sleepers, use them at around 80 centimetres tall. They’ll look like an intentional part of the design, but will in fact create a border and screen it in a visually pleasing way.”
If you can hide it from view, she also suggests chicken wire. “It’s obvious, but it can ruin the look of a garden,” she says.
Alternatively, you could endeavour to keep your dog out of your flowerbeds. Copely-Smith suggests dense, clipped planting – or, better still, if maintenance is your strong suit, consider a topiary border. “Grow very thick, evergreen borders that will stop a dog getting in as the planting is so dense,” she says.
If you have a smaller dog, Lindsay suggests using sleepers – but arranged vertically rather than horizontally – as a stylish way to protect borders. “Rather than full-sized sleepers, use them at around 80 centimetres tall. They’ll look like an intentional part of the design, but will in fact create a border and screen it in a visually pleasing way.”
If you can hide it from view, she also suggests chicken wire. “It’s obvious, but it can ruin the look of a garden,” she says.
Don’t forget your front garden
“Normally, people have taps in their back gardens,” says Lindsay, “but one client with a dog asked for a front garden tap, so they could hose down the hound after a muddy walk. It’s a great idea if you’re renovating more widely.”
“Normally, people have taps in their back gardens,” says Lindsay, “but one client with a dog asked for a front garden tap, so they could hose down the hound after a muddy walk. It’s a great idea if you’re renovating more widely.”
Think twice about gravel
“Gravel can be a problem, as it can get stuck in the pads of their feet,” says Lindsay. “Resin-bound gravel [pictured here] is a very good alternative, as it’s also permeable. You often see it under trees in public areas.
“It provides a bit of cushioning and can easily be hosed down,” she continues. “I think it looks really great for paths – you can create interesting curves and get lots of different colours.”
Though do not try to attempt laying this yourself, Lindsay warns. “It’s quite a specific process and it needs a professional to lay it,” she says. “The same goes for artificial grass, which can otherwise easily become like a badly laid, bumpy carpet.”
“Gravel can be a problem, as it can get stuck in the pads of their feet,” says Lindsay. “Resin-bound gravel [pictured here] is a very good alternative, as it’s also permeable. You often see it under trees in public areas.
“It provides a bit of cushioning and can easily be hosed down,” she continues. “I think it looks really great for paths – you can create interesting curves and get lots of different colours.”
Though do not try to attempt laying this yourself, Lindsay warns. “It’s quite a specific process and it needs a professional to lay it,” she says. “The same goes for artificial grass, which can otherwise easily become like a badly laid, bumpy carpet.”
Your turn
How have you overcome pet-related garden design challenges? Share your tips in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need more garden inspiration? Brush up on The Art of Espalier: How to Train Fruit Trees Into 2D Sculptures
How have you overcome pet-related garden design challenges? Share your tips in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need more garden inspiration? Brush up on The Art of Espalier: How to Train Fruit Trees Into 2D Sculptures
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We chose to use pet grade artificial turf at our California house. We had a very small yard area for the dogs, the remainder was pool and concrete and the grass was torn up within a month of moving in. Once the artificial turf was installed, no more digging or grass tracked in and we were able to get rid of several sprinkler heads. Dogs loved it and it was easy to clean.
Great advice, my dog will surely be happy if I redo my garden for him.
I will used some of the advices for sure!