How to Dog-Proof Your Garden, Plants & Outdoor Space
Whether you’re just about to bring home a puppy or you’ve moved into a new property, it’s important to know how to properly dog-proof your garden to keep them safe, but also to protect your precious green space.
No matter what type of garden you have, there could be potential dangers lurking for your curious canine, like toxic plants or escape routes through your driveway.
You want your home to be a haven for your puppy to explore and grow without a care in the world, but if you don't know how to dog-proof your garden, it can be more of an obstacle course of hazards than a walk in the park.
We’ve included everything you need to know about creating a safe and friendly outdoor space for your furry friend. With these simple tips, you can keep both your garden and your dog happy and healthy.
Let Huck Nets Help You Dog-Proof Your Garden
At Huck Nets, we stock a wide range of dog-proofing solutions to keep your dog and your garden safe from each other. From custom driveway and barrier fences to plant netting that helps keep curious pups away from your crops, you can easily create a dog-safe space.
No matter how big (or small) your outdoor space is, we have exactly what you need to dog-proof your garden.
Browse Dog Fencing for Gardens
1. Check Your Boundaries & Garden Gates Are Secure
Letting your dog out to explore your garden in the morning is a tradition for most dog owners. But if your boundaries aren't secure, curiosity can get the better of your four-legged friend, and they could be off on an adventure before you know it.
Walk around the perimeter of your garden and check for any gaps or weak spots in your fencing.
Make sure there are no loose panels, holes or spaces large enough for your dog to squeeze through. If you have a particularly small pup, consider adding wire fencing for dogs to the bottom of your fence to prevent them from digging under it.
Also, don't forget about your garden gates! Check that they close securely and can't be pushed open by a determined pup. Install locks or child-safe latches if necessary.
Our Recommendations for Dog-Proof Garden Fences
To keep your garden and property boundaries safe for your furry friend, we recommend installing our galvanised steel weldmesh along the bottom of the fencing to prevent digging or squeezing through small holes. Available in rolls or panels, depending on your needs.
If you have larger open spaces, such as the end of a driveway, our Driveway Barrier Safety Net is available in custom lengths to keep your driveway secure without inconveniencing you getting vehicles in and out.
2. Use Netting Over & Around Ponds & Water Features
If you have a pond or a mini pond in your garden, it's likely to be a magnet for your curious pup with all the interesting scents they can smell, so it's important to make it safe for them to avoid any slips or accidents.
Consider installing a fence or barrier around the perimeter of your pond to prevent your dog from getting too close. If you have smaller, shallow ponds, cover them with a mesh pond net to prevent your pup from falling in.
Our Pond Protection Recommendations
While you might already have bird netting or leaf catch netting on your pond to keep birds and debris out of the water, our pond safety netting can keep your furry friend out of your pond.
With a breaking strain of approximately 300kg per mesh, whether your dog slips or jumps into your pond, they'll be caught and supported until you can get them out and dried off!
3. Keep Your Pup Out of Your Plants With Plant Netting
We take a lot of pride in our flowerbeds or vegetable patches, and while your dog might be trying to help, they can end up causing a lot of damage if they like to dig around. That's why it's so important to prevent them from accessing your plants and messing up your hard work.
Even if you're not garden-proud, it can be important to keep your dog away from your plants and crops, as there are a few common garden plants that can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. So save yourself a large vet bill and protect your plants and your dog.
Whether you just want to guide them away from your flowerbeds with some low fencing or you want to completely close off your vegetable patch, it's easy with Huck Nets.
Our Recommendations for Plant Protection
We recommend using weldmesh as a sturdy and durable fencing solution to keep your dog from digging in your borders or nibbling on your plants.
Weldmesh is strong enough to withstand curious paws and can be easily installed to suit the layout of your garden. It provides peace of mind while maintaining visibility so your garden retains its beautiful, open, and airy feel.
For your fruit and vegetable patches, our Fruit Cage Netting is the ideal solution, offering durable and long-lasting protection for your garden produce.
Discover Our Garden Netting Range
4. Put Up a Decking Barrier to Keep Your Puppy Safe From Falls
If you have a decking area in your garden (or any elevated area), it's important to ensure they're safe for your pup to explore without the risk of falling through any gaps.
Even though the distance from the deck to the ground might not seem that big, it can still cause injuries, especially if your dog gets limbs caught on the railing posts, which is why it's so important to check to see if you need any extra fall protection measures.
Even if your decking has a railing, dogs can easily slip through them if they're small enough, so installing some preventative measures, like netting, can help keep them safe.
Our Decking Protection Recommendations
Our made-to-order decking netting is specifically designed to provide a reliable solution for preventing your dog from falling through larger gaps in your decking railings.
Custom-fitted to suit your decking's unique dimensions, this netting is both durable and practical, offering peace of mind for pet owners.
By securely covering any spaces between your railing posts, our decking netting ensures that even the smallest dogs are kept safe without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
5. Only Use Dog-Friendly Gardening Products
Using dog-friendly gardening products is essential to safeguard your dog's health, as many common fertilisers, pesticides, and weed killers contain chemicals that can be toxic if ingested.
Dogs are naturally curious, and whether they're exploring or chewing on plants, they can easily come into contact with substances that may harm them.
For first-time dog owners, it's particularly important to monitor your dog's time in the garden initially. This allows you to observe their behaviour and ensure that your gardening choices pose no risk.
By selecting pet-safe products and keeping harmful substances out of reach, you can create a secure and enjoyable outdoor environment for your furry friend.
Our temporary dog fencing can be a great solution to keep your dog out of certain areas until you're ready for them to have free reign.
Why You Need a Dog-Friendly Garden
Now you know how to make your garden dog-friendly, why is it so important?
There are many reasons why you might want to make your garden more suitable for your dog, but here are the main things you should consider when looking at improving your garden for your furry friend.
To Keep Pets Safe in the Boundaries of Your Home
Keeping your pets safe within the boundaries of your home is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind.
Cats and dogs are naturally curious creatures, and if left unchecked, they may wander beyond your property, putting themselves at risk of getting lost, injured, or even encountering dangerous traffic.
By ensuring secure fencing and gates, you can minimise the chances of such accidents.
Additionally, within a well-protected garden, pets can explore freely and satisfy their curiosity without the constant need for supervision.
This controlled environment allows them to enjoy the outdoors safely, whether it’s chasing a ball, sniffing plants, or basking in the sun, all while keeping their health and safety a top priority.
If you live in a flat with a balcony, our guide to installing cat netting can help keep your pets safe. It works for exuberant dogs as well and can be fixed without drilling. Perfect for renters.
To Keep Them Away From Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
Many common garden plants and products can be highly toxic to dogs, and keeping them out of reach is vital for their health and safety. Curious by nature, dogs may chew on leaves and flowers or even dig around roots, not realising the danger these can pose.
Plants such as lilies, foxglove, azaleas, and daffodils are just a few examples of flora that can cause serious harm if consumed.
Fertilisers, mulches, and pesticides can also pose significant risks if ingested, potentially leading to gastrointestinal problems or poisoning.
To prevent any dire outcomes, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the plants and products in your garden and either remove any hazardous items or ensure your dog cannot access them.
To Protect Nosey Snouts from Thorny Plants
Thorny plants, such as roses or bushes with spiky branches, can easily injure a curious dog's sensitive nose or paws if they venture too close.
By keeping your dog out of the flowerbeds, you can prevent these accidental pricks and scratches, ensuring their garden exploration remains a pleasant experience.
A safe and enjoyable outdoor space means more freedom for your dog to roam without the risk of painful encounters, making the garden a truly delightful place for them.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Garden & Your Pup Safe
While it might seem like your garden is subject to a list of never-ending hazards to your dog, it’s still important you take the time to properly dog-proof your outdoor space.
Pay close attention to all the areas your dog may have access to, and make sure to remove any potential dangers.
Dog Proof Your Garden With Huck Nets
At Huck Nets, we offer a wide range of netting and fencing solutions designed to keep your dog safe and secure in your garden. From temporary fencing to durable netting, our products can help you create a pet-friendly outdoor space, reducing the stress of dog ownership.
Whether you want to protect your plants or prevent your dog from wandering, our solutions are practical, reliable, and tailored to suit your needs.
Shop online today and get overnight shipping to secure your garden.
FAQs
How Do I Stop My Dog From Ruining My Garden?
Use durable fencing or netting to create designated boundaries in your garden. Provide your dog with toys and activities to keep them entertained, and train them to avoid certain areas to protect your plants and landscaping.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Stop Dogs Getting Loose?
While it’s not always a legal requirement, you are responsible for keeping your dog under control. Secure fencing helps prevent them from escaping, avoiding potential accidents or damage and ensuring compliance with local animal control laws.
How Do You Keep Dogs Out of a Garden?
If you’re trying to keep your dog out of your garden completely or just give them limited access to a certain area, a plastic mesh barrier is the most effective way to do so.
You can put up the fence from the door leading to the garden or section off a specific area.
Our Temporary Dog Fencing mesh is flexible and lightweight, making it easy to install and move around as needed.
Are Your Dog-Proofing Solutions Easy to Install?
Yes, dog-proofing the garden is easy with our solutions, which are designed for easy installation, requiring minimal tools and effort. Each product comes with clear instructions to help you secure your garden efficiently, ensuring both practicality and convenience for all pet owners.