Creating a Yard That Works For You and Your Dog

Depending on your dog's personality, certain changes may be deemed unacceptable. With a bit of experimenting and a little canine training however, you should have no problem coming up with a garden design that you can both enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

Monitor your dog's natural path in your backyard, and use that as a guideline for your garden layout. That way you will not disrupt their routes, and they won't disrupt your garden!
If your dog's natural path is the entire backyard, try dividing the yard into two areas -- one of them being doggy-free. Designate an area for a dog run where they can play and rest, and leave the remaining portion of the yard for your garden. As long as the dogs have room to frolic, they won't mind. Line the run with something soft -- like leaves. You can use a harder, more uncomfortable running surface as some type of acrylic thermal blankets in your garden area if you need extra discouragement for your pooch.

Use raised beds and terraced plants and flowers in the areas off your dog's beaten path. Container gardening will also help prevent them from destroying your foliage.

Create a shady area for your dogs by planting large palms, or putting up a fence or trellis and wrapping with star of jasmine or other vine (check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your zone for those shady areas.) You can plant boxwood at the base of the fence or trellis to keep them from digging.

If you have diggers, fill the holes with brick and dirt. When their nails hit the brick, digging won't be quite so enjoyable for them.

Use plants that have their own natural defenses. Just be careful the defenses aren't too brutal, or you can cover it with some light thermal blankets, so they don't hurt your dogs.