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Whether you have a Shih Tzu or a Saint Bernard, your dog will want time outside. Giving them
free rein of the backyard means you don’t have to go out with them every time and they get a
level of autonomy many pets don’t. They’ll be free to tucker themselves out chasing squirrels,
chewing sticks or just watching the world go by in the fresh air.
However, you need to prepare your yard before giving your dog unlimited access to it. Animals
might eat something off the ground that smells interesting but is deadly, dig and escape their
enclosure, or even go off with a stranger without thinking. Here’s how to get your backyard
ready so your furry friend can have free rein.
● To give them free rein, you must first make your yard safe.
● Your dog should also learn how to behave outside.
● Cameras are a valuable extra set of eyes when you’re not always able to pay attention.
Clear Out Any Toxic Plants
Before letting your dog out, look at a plant guide to identify any potentially toxic plants you’ve
planted yourself. Many flowers, fungi and greenery that are pleasant-looking to humans can be
dangerous if your dog consumes them. Check your local plant guides for any naturally occurring
plants that are toxic to dogs. While you may not be able to eliminate these completely, you can
keep their growth under control as part of your regular lawn care to keep your furry friend safe.
Install a Good Fence
One of the best ways to ensure your dog stays in your backyard is to install a fence. Avoid just
grabbing some wooden posts and hammering them into the ground. Instead, give the
construction a good bit of attention to make the safest possible area.
To keep larger wildlife out, the fence should be at least 6 feet tall. The higher it is, the better for
deterring outsider entry and your dog’s escape. Welded wire is an excellent choice of material
for bigger areas because of its rigidity, while its gaps allow your dog to look beyond the yard.
Remember to dig the fence deep enough so it’s not easy to tunnel under. Additionally, consider
adding precautions like coyote rollers or fencing with a top that curls inward. These features
help keep your pet from hopping the fence if they’re athletic enough to climb it.
Deter Potentially Harmful Animals
Like native plants, you can’t completely deter nearby snakes, coyotes or other wildlife that could
harm your dog. What you can do is keep your lawn clean to stop them from coming around in
the first place. Use the following steps:
● Trim vegetation short and manage clutter to eliminate potential hiding spots.
● Manage rodents as much as possible so their predators won’t come near your home
when seeking food.
● Avoid keeping pet food and water outdoors to prevent other animals from being tempted.
● Keep your trash and crawl spaces secured.
● If you have productive plants, collect the fruits or vegetables when they’re ready and
discard fallen or rotting produce regularly. Remove fallen leaves, as well.
● Utilize natural methods to make your space less appealing. For example, snakes will
avoid the smell of eugenol, cinnamon oil and clove oil.
Train Your Dog to Be Outside
to give them free rein of your yard.
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T0Wo
While it may sound silly to train a dog to be outside, you can’t expect an animal to enter a
setting full of interesting new things and not go a little wild. Maybe they’ll want to dig holes, eat
produce from the garden or try scaling the fence. To curb those behaviors, you’ll have to spend
time outside as well, training them on what to do and not do.
This training involves redirecting them away from bad habits. When they start doing something
you don’t want them to, call them back to you and encourage them to play with a toy. Reinforce
them with attention and treats when they make good choices. Dogs may learn that their
negative behaviors are acceptable when you’re not around if the training only focuses on what
they shouldn’t do. Positive reinforcement teaches them through rewards rather than fear.
Your backyard should be a fun space for them, too. Give your pet some special outdoor toys
they only get to play with outside or puzzles that give them something to engage with. When
they have enough to do, they could be less tempted to tear through your flower beds or lunge at
every passing car. As they continue showing they can behave outside, gradually extend the
amount of time you leave them on their own.
Install Security Cameras
Anything can happen — a car accident could break your fence and your dog could get out, a
deer could make its way in, or someone could take advantage of you leaving your animal
unattended. In all these cases, cameras help you see what happened. You’ll be able to tell
where your pet might’ve gone and how something or someone could’ve gotten in. Cameras are
also valuable because it’s best not to leave your dog fully unattended, even if they are
trustworthy.
Give Fido the Free Space They Deserve
Many dogs love being outside. While you want to give them that space, they also need help
staying safe from external forces and themselves. Use these tips to confidently let your dog
roam free in your backyard and enjoy the great outdoors as they please.
