Dog friendly garden ideas: designs, tips and more

For dog owners, a garden can be one of the most important parts of a home. Whether your dog loves running around, digging, exploring every corner, or simply finding a sunny spot to relax, creating a dog-friendly garden can help make your outdoor space work for everyone.

Having a dog friendly garden doesn't have to mean giving up on your dream outdoor space. With a little planning, you can create a garden that's practical for your dog while still being somewhere you'll enjoy spending time.

From choosing the right plants and surfaces to creating a secure space to play, here are some dog-friendly garden ideas to inspire you.

What makes a dog friendly garden?

The best dog-friendly gardens are safe, secure and suited to how your dog behaves. Before making any changes, think about what your dog enjoys doing and how they behave. Once you know how your dog uses the garden, you can design the space with them in mind.

Here are some dog friendly garden design ideas:

Create different areas in your garden

You don't need a huge garden to create a space that works for both you and your dog. Dividing the garden into different zones can help you make the most of the space. A section of your garden could have a patio or seating area for entertaining, another section with a lawn for your dog to play on, and your plants in another area or around the edge.

If your dog loves digging, you could even create a dedicated digging area. This gives them a place where they are allowed to dig while helping to protect the rest of your garden.

Add a dog-friendly sensory area

A sensory garden can be a great way to encourage your dog to explore and investigate. Dogs experience the world through their sense of smell, so adding different safe textures and scents can make your garden more interesting for them.

You could introduce different surfaces, safe planting and areas where your dog can sniff and explore. Just make sure any plants you choose are suitable for dogs before adding them to your garden.

beautiful dog sitting by a sunflower field

Choose dog-friendly plants

Plants can completely transform an outdoor space, but some common garden plants can be harmful to dogs if eaten.

Before buying anything for your garden, check whether it's safe for pets. You could choose dog-friendly flowers, herbs and shrubs to add colour and interest while helping to create a safer environment.

Raised beds and planters can be great for adding different heights to your garden and can help keep plants away from curious dogs.

Make sure your garden is secure

A secure garden is essential for keeping your dog safe and for giving you peace of mind. Be mindful to check your fencing regularly for gaps or loose sections and consider whether your dog could jump over it.

Create a shady spot for warmer days

A shaded area can give your dog somewhere comfortable to retreat to when the weather is warm. This could be underneath a tree, beside a covered seating area, or in another shaded part of the garden.

Keep fresh water available

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean drinking water when spending time in the garden. A sturdy bowl placed in a shaded spot is a simple option, or you could add a pet-friendly water feature designed to provide a constant flow of fresh, running water for your dog.

Dog-friendly garden ideas for small spaces

Having a smaller garden doesn't mean your dog has to miss out. You can make the most of the space by keeping the layout simple and avoiding too much bulky furniture.

A small patch of lawn can provide space to play, while raised planters can add greenery without taking up too much room. You could also use vertical planting, wall-mounted storage and compact outdoor furniture to keep the floor space clear.

Close up Labrador Retriever dog holding toy football in mouth with background of laughing mother and son on the backyard l...

How to make your garden work for children and dogs

If you have both children and dogs, you may want your garden to work as a space for the whole family. You could have an area of paving or a seating area for adults, a space for children to play and an open area where your dog can join in.

Consider your garden when choosing your next home

If you're a dog owner looking for a new home, it's worth thinking about how the garden will work for both you and your pet.

Make sure to consider the size and layout of the garden, whether there is enough room for your dog to play and how easily it could be adapted to suit your needs.

A new-build garden can provide a blank canvas, giving you the perfect opportunity to create an outdoor space around the way you live. From choosing your planting and patio to creating a dedicated space for your dog, you can gradually make the garden your own.

Create an outdoor space you'll both love

A dog-friendly garden doesn't have to compromise on style. With the right design, you can create an outdoor space that's secure, practical and enjoyable for your whole household.

At Avant, our options and extras don’t stop at the inside of your home. Choose from a range of garden upgrades to create an outdoor space that’s perfect for you.