Learn how to design pet-friendly backyards that make life easier for parents, fostering harmony between kids and pets.
Why Pet-Friendly Backyards Are Easier for Parents Too
You’re standing at your sink, looking out into the backyard, and what you see looks like it belongs in a comedy. Your toddler is trying to climb the dog’s ramp, and the dog is trying to dig up the same muddy spot for the 10th time. It’s the same spot where the kid just fell last week, so this can’t be good.
Something can go wrong within seconds, and that’s how you know your backyard simply doesn’t work.
When it comes to pet-friendly yards, people focus on keeping the dog from running off, but that’s it. It drops there. Then the dog ends up dragging mud inside the house, and your kids are fighting the dog over the same puddle.
Still, you think nothing can be done, it’s the way it is.
But what if something COULD be done? What if you could make the backyard work for the kids, the dog, and make your life easier in the process?
When the Backyard Starts to Work Against You
What a relief it is to even have a backyard, right? There’s somewhere for the dog to run around, and there’s a nice little patch of grass for your kids to burn off some energy before dinner.
So, how did it go from relief to chaos?
You’re dealing with mud inside the house every day, and even the toddler has gotten in the habit of dragging it in. The dog’s rope and half-chewed tennis ball are right next to the kids’ toys, and wherever you step, there’s a chance you’ll break your neck because it’s like an obstacle course out there.
Your backyard isn’t the problem.
The problem is the layout that works against you and everyone else who steps into the space.
You’re mopping the same patch of floor several times every day because of the mud, and if there’s nowhere to walk in the yard, you’re always stepping over toys and hoping you won’t slip and break something. Another issue is that, when the layout doesn’t work, it’s harder to see what goes on out there, and you need to walk out every few minutes. Supervision is so much easier when the sightline is clear.
If you have a deck, then it’s a little easier to supervise without actually being in the backyard, but decks and patios can be problematic if they’re not designed well.
Cheap materials can really put a damper on enjoying your deck, and it happens a lot because people try to save money or get the construction done as fast as possible, not thinking about climate and weather.
Here’s a quick example of why that’s important:
Say you live in a climate that gets a lot of rain, heat, and an occasional freeze-thaw cycle, like Tennessee. If you get in touch with a deck contractor Rutherford County TN residents rely on, they’ll tell you that you need quality, water-resistant materials to handle all that. But that takes both time and money, so you go for someone (and something) cheaper.
The result is a deck (or a patio) that makes the issue with the backyard even worse.
The Little Things That Can Make Your Backyard Better
Here are a few little things you can do to help everyone out.
Create One Area for Entering the House
Unless you like mopping that one spot all day, every day, you may want to fix that.
You can’t tell your dog not to walk in with muddy paws, but what you can do is throw a couple of outdoor mats right in the entry. Also, hand some hooks for leashes and towels to make that space work a little harder.
A bench for shoes is also a nice addition, if you have the room for it.
Keep Seating Close to Areas for Playing
Patio furniture looks nice when it’s way off to the side, but that’s not really useful. You can’t see anything from there.
The fix is obvious: just move the chairs to where you can see the kids and the dog at the same time. And keep a shaded area close to where they all play.
This way, you can relax and drink your coffee while also making sure everyone’s safe.
Leave Open Space
You have a birdbath in one corner, a fire pit in another one, a big flower pot in another one, kids’ toys scattered here, dog’s bones over there, and what you really get from all that is clutter. Not only does this stress you out, but you also can’t really use your backyard because there’s stuff all over it.
Kids and pets need space to move, and so do you. Add some breathing room, and you’ll do everyone a favor.
Conclusion
So, in short, clean some stuff up and put a mat where kids and pets drag in mud. It’s great if your backyard looks beautiful in Instagram photos, but more often than not, that doesn’t work in real life, and that’s what your main concern should be.
An easier yard means more free time for you because supervision gets easier, and you spend less time mopping after everyone.
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