Here are a few clever ideas and helpful links to help you create something lovely that isn’t dug up, peed on, chewed, or other wise destroyed and that might actually make you and you dog happier.
Get the Plants out of the way!!
Using a relatively inexpensive bunk-bed frame, this garden was designed for a small concrete space with a dog. Maria Finn shares this project in her book, A Little Piece of Earth: How to Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces. The planters which were painted the same pretty purple as the bed frame are on top, out of the way of dogs, and they also provide for a nice small, space covered garden, seating area.
Vertical gardens are very popular and would also be a good option for getting the plants out of the way. But have you tried string gardens? Steve Asbell of The Rainforest Garden shares a great how-to for making pretty rainforest balls (or you can buy one). Imagine a whole balcony full of luxuriant green beauty that Dogs can't touch.
On the design side, forget putting planting beds against the fence. If you want to keep the greenery, Move. Away. From. The. Fence. In fact, take it one step further, and put a solid walkway along the fence. This will give dogs a place to run, it will keep little paws from getting muddy and by moving the plants away from the fence, you not only will have a better chance of keeping them alive, but when they thrive, they will likely obscure the fence and the dog path. Solid paths also can actually train a dog where to run, so get on the dog's level and watch where he goes naturally and design the garden around that.
Give them what they want!
Sunset magazine is always full of great ideas. If you have the space, why not consider a water feature that can also make for a dog splashing area? Also, they have the most comprehensive list I have seen for what NOT to plant in your garden as they are poisonous to pets.
You are trying to live more sustainably, why shouldn't the dog? These dog houses by Sustainable Pets are not only great modern designs, but each are built custom for your pet, come with a green roof, and are constructed from non toxic and recycled materials.
And if all else fails, I recommend Foo Dogs. Sprout Home has a couple great ones, and Amazon has a huge selection too. They are also known as the 'happiness dogs' who bring tranquility and serenity to the garden.
Images: Maria Finn, Rainforest Garden, Sunset magazine, sustainable pet and studio 'g'
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These are really great ideas, I couldn't keep my dogs out of the raised beds so I ended up making a string fence, I'm still trying to think of a prettier idea! http://flic.kr/p/9uBTqq
Oh my goodness. This is something I think I've neglected in landscape planning.
I really love the bunk bed garden! Not only for the dog-friendly aspect, but for the way it increases your planting area. It would be great for a small yard, too.
LOVE the bunkbed idea! It would be great if you could get a cheap used one.
This is great. I will try to pave a path next to the fence.
Not sure about the water feature. I am sure most dogs would love it, but doesn't Water + garden = muddy paws?
Now... can someone give some tips on how to have a beautiful contemporary bedroom when you're sharing it with 3 good sized dogs (30 lbs, 35 lbs, 70 lbs)?
I guess I have to forget the white sheets... :-(
I was hoping you'd talk about the urban necessary evil of having your dog pee on the concrete -- and the resulting smell! My tiny South Philly back "yard," a 10' x 14' concrete square, positively reeks in the summertime, because it's just not convenient *always* to take him out on the leash to pee. I hose it down, I spend tons of money of Nature's Miracle, and still, yuck.
Would taking out a block of the concrete and covering it with gravel, as a "pee spot," help the odor to dissipate?
I do love the bunkbed idea. I'm definitely going to consider this -- possibly as a base for an urban "tree" house for my son!
The bunkbed garden/pergola is so great! Another one of those "Duh! Why didn't I think of that?" ideas!
Invest in professional training (and the time that it takes) for yourself and your dog! ie: Our dogs actually go immediately to the towel we keep on the floor to wipe their own feet and/or wait for us to towel them off after it rains before entering the rest of the home. And, our dogs do not go into areas of the yard where we have trained them not to. Yes, it's a pain in the butt and takes a lot of time and reinforcement but it can be done, even with a dog we got that was 2 yrs old and an outdoor dog when we got him. Too many people take on the responsibility of pet ownership without committing to their pet's training.
i love this post!!!!!!
I still live in an apartment, but too love these ideas, especially the bunkbed garden! Filing them away for the future.
And seconding FengShui's dog training plea. Our pound dog learned fairly quickly to wait at the entry way until we wipe his feet clean. Sometimes we start sorting the mail and forget he's still waiting there, poor pooch...
It seems that this would be a giant mess after watering or rain. Where do the plants drain? onto the sitting area and patio? And the dirt would end up in the pooch path anyway. I love the looks, but question the application.
pinkalbatross for a comfy but dog-friendly bedroom you have to go with duvet covers ... I have three dogs each weighing 50-70 lbs and yes I love letting the sleep with me! I painted my bedroom a soft fawn color which is cozy but neutral, and I have three duvet covers in various patterns that I can swap out when I'm changing sheets. It makes managing the dog fur a bit easier to always have a spare duvet cover or two ready in the linen closet. I keep an eye out for duvet covers on sale and as much as I love the look of crisp white sheets and duvet ... well they'd never last in my house!
@tenleygwen - I'd definitely take out a patch of the concrete and transform it to an dog patch. Be careful with gravel or stone - it may heat up too much in the summer to be comfortable on the paws (heat that will also reflect back onto the house, as well).
pinkalbatross. . . I feel your pain. But in my house, all my sheets are white, though my dog is black--and 33 kgs. Personal preference, but also with white, I don't have to worry about wash fade, even though they spend as much time drying in the sun as they do on the bed.