10 garden ideas for dogs to create a pet-friendly space

white and tan dog digging holes in the lawn with white picket fence and house
(Image credit: PM Images/Getty Images)

If you're a dog owner you'll know the garden is one big adventure playground for your pet, offering the perfect opportunity for exploring nature, having a good roll on the lawn, and investigating the flower beds. My dog is with me every minute I'm out in the garden, and it's definitely her favourite place to be.

I want to create a dog-friendly design that's a beautiful space that I'll enjoy just as much as my pet does, and I'm sure the same goes for you too. Keeping your dog safe is top of the list too, as there's lots of potential for mischief, whether that's eating plants they shouldn't, digging holes in the lawn or getting into trouble in the shed.

Hannah Wright
Hannah Wright

Hannah Wright is the Guide Dog Programme Lead at Guide Dogs, where she ensures the effective, ethical delivery of the charity’s services. With a PhD in dog behaviour and a strong background in research, practice, and charity operations, Hannah brings a science-led, but practical perspective to guide dog training. She is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist and continues to contribute to academic teaching and professional standards in the field.

Jen Wormleighton
Jen Wormleighton

Jen Wormleighton is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has in depth experience working for a large pharmaceutical company since leaving veterinary practice, providing expert discussion on animal medicine. As the Head of Veterinary Services at Animal Friends, Jen takes great pride in her role, making positive contributions to animal health and welfare.

Loren Taylor
Loren Taylor

Loren Taylor is an expert in gardening and landscaping design. As the owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, he has spent 17 years honing his craft, transforming outdoor spaces into serene, beautifully landscaped environments.

Jess Simmonds
Jess Simmonds

Jess Simmonds qualified from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in 2016, and has an MSc degree. She has experience in farm and companion animal first opinion practice, as well as clinical skills teaching. Her current role is prescription operations manager with Animed.

Dr Brian Faulkner
Dr Brian Faulkner

Petplan veterinary expert Brian Faulkner has worked as a clinician for over 30 years. He is an Associate Professor of Nottingham Veterinary School and Past President of the UK Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. He is a regular speaker at all the main veterinary conferences and has coached hundreds of veterinary colleagues through his work as a consultant.

Jamie Shipley
Jamie Shipley

Jamie Shipley is currently managing director at Hedges Direct, a position he has held since 2018. He has extensive knowledge and experience of the horticulture and landscaping industries.

Sarah Wilson
Garden writer

Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson writes about flowers, plants, garden design and gardening trends for Homes & Gardens. She has studied introductory garden and landscape design and floristry, and also has an RHS Level 2 qualification in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development. She is a regular contributor to Homes & Gardens and Livingetc. She has also written for Real Homes, Modern Gardens, Country Living, and Country Homes & Interiors magazines. Her first job was at Elle magazine, during which time a trip to the beautiful La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in writing about all things botanical. Later as lifestyle editor of Country Homes & Interiors, she loved the captivating country gardens that were regularly featured.