Adding a dog yard to our property is one of my favorite improvements. We decided to create a dedicated yard area for our two dogs for three main reasons:
1. Safety
2. Cleanliness
3. Fun
Safety because our rescue Airedale terrier came to us wired to run. Her favorite game is to get loose and run around finding other dogs to visit and cats to terrorize, all while avoiding any humans who might want to spoil her fun. We have a ¼ acre backyard that is gradually getting new fencing, but our second pup has proved expert at finding weak spots in the older fencing and breaking through, setting the other dog loose before coming right back to us, pleased with her part in their criminal mischief.
Cleanliness because it rains a lot here in the Pacific Northwest. I love the rain. I do not love wet paws.
Fun because despite the fact that our dogs love to break fencing and run away from us, they are in fact spoiled rotten princesses who have no idea just how good they have it.
If you are thinking of building a dog yard you probably have images of bone shaped pools, intricate climbing structures, lush green turf, and all the neighbor’s dogs begging to play at your house because it is the envy of the neighborhood. This guide is to help you with the entire process, from practical design decisions that maximize function to installing artificial turf.
If you want to skip right to the turf installation process, click HERE.
Designing a dog yard
The elements of an awesome dog yard include:
Adequate shelter
Any space where dogs will spend time needs a way to shelter from the elements, whether that is sun, rain, snow, or whatever else might fall from the sky. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration. Paw pads easily burn on hot surfaces like asphalt, and even overheated turf. Be sure that shade and cover are available at all times of the day.
If shade is not readily available consider using inexpensive shade sails or a patio umbrella, like this one.
Secure fencing/enclosure
A secure enclosure ensures the safety of your pet and others. Many consider that they are doing something nice for their dog when they create viewpoints, whether it is high places where dogs can see over a fence, or openings where they can see out. Who doesn’t like a view, right?! But that nice gesture actually does more harm than good. A dog that can see out wants to be out.
Dogs are social, they are curious, and they are interested in the world about them. Smells change from day to day. New people and other animals pass by. Providing a way to see all of that is like putting a plate of chocolate chip cookies in front of your kids and expecting that they will appreciate watching others eat them.
Dog safe landscape
Be sure to check before adding any plants to a dog yard, or creating a play yard where there is existing vegetation. A number of plants are toxic to dogs. ASPCA has a full list of plants that are toxic to dogs here.
Consider that anything in the space may well end up in their mouth (sort of like babies, really). The structures I constructed for this space are all coated with natural oils. Our dogs do not typically chew on furniture, but better safe than sorry.
Ensure that all play equipment is securely anchored and structurally sound. Platforms, bridges, walkways, and the like are all great for dogs. Be sure that such surfaces will not become slippery or overheated.
Turf is a great option for a dog yard. Artificial grass turf is low maintenance and looks great year round. Not every turf is equal, however. Be sure to select a turf that is designed for pet use. These usually feature shorter blade lengths (though longer than sports-type turf.) It is essential that turf be properly installed on a substrate that allows for drainage.
The turf we used is called Smart Pet Plus. It is made by Smart Turf. We opted to use their drainage mat system underneath the turf because I believe in the principle of overbuilding. Even with drainage holes turf will quickly become smelly with use, particularly if any potty business is done on it. Spray down the turf with water, and spray it regularly with an enzymatic cleaner.
One of the main reasons we went with SmartTurf is because it is made with Microban integrated right into the material. Actually, that was the main reason, honestly. I couldn’t bear the idea of going to all the work of installing turf only to have it stink. I have a super sensitive nose. Because of the Microban and the separate potty area ours has not developed any odors and, I confess, I have not cleaned it even once. We do get heavy rains, and the turf has drained like a champ.
Sanitary area
A designated potty area does much to ensure the longevity of your dog yard. Having such an area separate from the rest of the space keeps down odors and minimizes maintenance. Bark dust, mulch, and pea gravel area excellent material for a potty area.
Access to water
Be sure that dogs always have a source of fresh water for drinking.
Pools are a popular choice for playtime fun and to keep cool, at least on Pinterest, but keep in mind that not all breeds are great swimmers. Personally, we chose to skip a pool because our dogs are long haired and water magically clings to them up until the moment they walk into the house and proceed to shake it onto every surface.
Toys/Sensory equipment
A bored dog is a trouble making dog. Yes, dogs need exercise, but they also need mental stimulation. One of the easiest ways to give them a fun area is a sand box. Giving them somewhere to dig, and occasionally adding toys for them to dig up, keeps them from digging elsewhere. Add new toys occasionally to keep it interesting.
Our sandbox has a wooden walkway around the back to offer a different surface area and make it more interesting for them. And both dogs love to sit on the bridge. Even that slight rise is interesting to them. In future we will add more levels for them to climb around. Such areas can be custom built, or added using materials like tires, those giant wooden spool things, and the like.
Whatever type of toy or equipment you add, keep in mind that your dog’s favorite playtime will probably involve you, so don’t forget to make the dog area something you can enjoy as well. Have a seating area or something for people.
How to install artificial grass turf
The biggest decision for a dog yard is what base – in this case turf – to use.
I talked with a number of people who have had turf installed around their homes, and the only negative feedback I got was 1. It gets stinky and 2. It can be get hot in the sun. The second one was not a concern as our area is shaded. The first gave me pause.
I learned that not all turfs are alike. You need a dedicated pet turf. I spent some time looking at options before learning about Smart Turf, a company that is here in the US. Our primary reason for choosing Smart Turf is because it has Microban, an antimicrobial protection, built right into the turf. It’s really hard to imagine anything more important. Smelly turf means bacteria is growing, and there is zero sense to me in doing all of that hard work only to want nothing to do with the space ever again.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t stink. Hallelujah.
This section is intended to give you a broken down, as close as possible bullet point list for turf installation. Feel free to print it up to help guide your process.
For convenience here is a list of the materials we used:
Turf: Smart Pet Plus, Smart Turf
Drainage mat: Also from Smart Turf
Infill: Wonderfill
Sub base under turf and mat: ¼ minus crushed gravel
1. Turf Selection
a. Select a turf that is designed for use with pets. Dedicated pet turfs are made with backing material that drains well. The best turf will also help control odors.
b. Be sure to measure your area carefully. Artificial turf, like carpet, needs to lay in a single direction.
2. Space Preparation
a. Your space should be smooth. It can be gently sloped, but it should be even. Ensure a proper foundation before moving on and adding substrate.
b. Ensure that the space has proper drainage. The grass turf should provide excellent drainage, but it will be only as good as the ground beneath it.
3. Substrate Work
a. Artificial turf needs to sit on a compacted bed of crushed gravel. Check with a local landscaping provider to see what is available in your area. Common material is ¼ minus crushed gravel. You will need enough to create a bed of about 3 or so inches.
b. Compact the gravel using a compacting machine. These are readily available to rent and simple to operate. If your area is small enough use a hand tamping tool. Use the hand tamper around all edges and in areas that the machine cannot get to.
4. Drainage Mat Installation (optional)
a. If you are utilizing a perforated drainage mat unroll the material and pin it around the edges and at the seams with landscape nails. Plastic material will need to be installed when it is hot enough outside to relax the material or it will create bubbles in the turf.
5. Turf Installation
a. Unroll the turf and cut to rough size. If necessary, allow it to relax in place to ease any creases.
b. Working with another person (or more than one), stretch and pin the turf in place along one edge using long landscape nails. Continue stretching and tacking around all of the sides. A carpet stretcher can be helpful in difficult to work areas.
c. Landscape spikes should be spaced about 4 or so inches apart. Work the nail down between the grass tufts so that the head is as concealed as possible. Cut and trim the turf to size as you work, cutting from the backside with a sharp tool such as a utility knife.
6. Infill Application
a. Infill is silica sand that helps to weight the turf, make the grass blades stand up, and control bacteria and mildew that cause odors. It should be applied at a rate of about 1.5 to 2lbs per square foot.
b. Spread infill around borders first using a shovel (a snow type shovel is ideal). Then spread the rest of the infill using a drop spreader. Holes drilled in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket works just as well as a drop spreader.
c. Work the infill into the turf using a hand or power broom. *Hint: power brooms are messy, so consider working it into the turf with a hand broom a bit first.
d. Use a leaf blower to clean off and work in the last of the infill
7. Maintenance
a. Artificial grass turf can be hosed off with a garden hose. Spray weekly, as needed with an enzymatic cleaner. For the greatest longevity, however, consider creating a dedicated potty area with bark chips or other material off the turf.