Protecting Your Garden

• If you have a garden, you will want to keep it protected from trampling by your dog without taking away space your dog can use to roam in. There are several ways to do this. Create a walkway around the garden made of softer, more inviting stone. Flagstones are ideal. A cedar chip path is another way, since many dogs are attracted to the scent of cedar. Driftwood pieces placed around the border of your garden can often discourage your dog from wandering too close to your plants.
  
  

Dog Path

• Consider building a soft, definite path around the perimeter of your yard with a wooden statue or two that might offer a good place for your canine friend to mark his territory, as dogs tend to do. Keep these tempting statues near the back of your yard. Plant long varieties of grass for your dogs to stop and nibble on around the perimeter of the path.
  
  

Plenty of Shade

• Plant shade trees. Dogs enjoy the shade during hot months, especially those with thick coats of fur. The more large shade trees you have, the easier it will be for your pet to keep cool. If you don't have trees, use large decorative umbrellas to ensure your dog has a way to escape from the heat. A sandbox in the area of the umbrella works well, since a dog will roll around in the sand to help stay cool.
  
  

Landscape Charcteristics

• Dogs enjoy running and playing, so it isn't necessary to level your landscape. Take advantage of hills in your yard to provide variety and more exercise for your pets. Plant trees and shrubbery on these hills to encourage your dog to run up and down them or roll in the grass. Avoid sharp or hard, loose stones. Areas of cool dirt alternating with dense grass work best.