Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

People with dogs are strongly encouraged to take their pets out on walks daily as much as possible. Without question, daily walks are important to keep dogs active both physically and mentally. Dog walking is also beneficial as the human can get regular exercise while sharing quality bonding time with his or her pet.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

If you have a spacious lawn, you may consider creating a special area where your dog or dogs can enjoy happy play time every day.  Why not!  There are many advantages.

Imagine how convenient it would be if you could spend a few minutes with your dogs out in the sun each morning without having to take your pooch to the dog park.  Dogs won’t feel bored due to a lack of things to do.  You can provide toys outdoors and not worry about finding your home a mess upon your return.  Yes, having a play area right in your own backyard is wonderful especially if you have two or more dogs.

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Tips on Creating A Dog Playground

If creating a playground is possible, the most important thing is making sure that the area is properly enclosed so your dogs can’t run off the streets or the neighborhood which can prove to be unsafe. See to it that the walls or fence is high enough and sturdy enough to keep even the largest dogs inside.

Are your dogs of small breed? See to it that there are no holes or cracks. Don’t forget that dogs are skilled diggers, and even a small gap can quickly become an opening big enough for a dog to get out from.

Installing one or two playground equipment is also recommended as these can help strengthen their bodies, and stimulate their minds. Choose an equipment that is especially made for dogs. See to it that the equipment has no sharp edges which can accidentally hurt your dog.

Examples of playground equipment are the double tunnel, hole jump, double tunnel, “A” bridge, S-tunnel, hoop jump, high and low, up and down ramp, and more. These are often used in dog agility training competitions and dog shows, and found in public dog parks. You may also add a shaded area where your dogs can freely roam even on a rainy day.

Shade structures are simple structures with a series of poles that support a large canvas piece on top. Most shade structures are made for larger spaces but homeowners can find smaller structures that should fit their lawn or backyard.  You can place a dog house or crate right in the shaded area for times when you’re not home and you don’t want your dog or dogs to be spending the whole day in the house on their own.