Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Do you have more property than you have time for? No time to take your dog to the park? Consider bringing the park to your pup by building a dog park or playground in your own backyard. It doesn't take a lot of time, and you can probably use items you already have. Keep reading to learn how to create awesome backyards for dogs.
Typically, dog parks are more than just places for your pup to run and play off-leash. Many dog parks not only provide a variety of ways for dogs to exercise, but they also encourage mental stimulation and socialization opportunities.
Taking your dog to such a park isn't always an option, though. Your community might not have such a space. If it does, its hours of operation might not fit into your schedule. There could be dozens of things going on in your life that make it inconvenient or even impossible to load your pup in the car and chauffeur him to the dog park regularly.
Generally, public dog park rules include health, socialization and behavioral standards, and even breed restrictions that might exclude your dog from entering. Some parks set aside special areas for small breeds or elderly or disabled dogs to safely play away from larger, more rambunctious pups, but not all do, which might make the dog park unsafe for your dog.
While your dog might be perfectly happy hanging out in your backyard just as it is, transforming a section of your yard into a miniature dog park just for your pup and his friends, be they other dogs or his favorite people, will provide both him and you with the best of both worlds. Park-like backyards for dogs provide the convenience and safety of home and the entertainment, exercise and mental stimulation provided by a dog park.
There are a number of things you should consider beforehand when it comes to building a dog park in your backyard. Installitdirect.com advises planning your DIY dog park according to the following criteria:
It's a good idea to think about the space from your dog's point of view, advises Dogtipper. There should be plenty of space for him to run, jump and play. Obstacles and equipment shouldn't be placed too closely together. Consider whether there is anything in the space that might be dangerous to your dog, such as poisonous plants he might be tempted to nibble, or something that might tempt him to get into mischief, like an off-limits spot where he might be tempted to dig. If your dog has a high-prey instinct, it's probably not a good idea to install his park near your bird feeder.
Additionally, make sure the fence surrounding your park is in good condition, without splinters, broken pieces or gaps through which he might escape. Avoid cluttering the area with too many obstacles or toys. In small spaces especially, less is more.
Creating fun backyards for dogs doesn't have to cost a lot. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of what you need to build your own dog park, especially if you have kids. An unused kiddie pool can become a splash pool for your dog, or set up your backyard sprinkler for his enjoyment. Have your kids outgrown their sandbox? Fill it with dirt and invite your furry pal to dig to his heart's content. Assemble a dog obstacle course out of a plastic backyard slide, empty boxes, old tires, rain barrels and cast-off hula hoops. Get creative! Just be sure that any items you use don't have sharp parts, splinters or small pieces that could detach and pose a choking hazard.
With some careful planning, a little sweat and a lot of ingenuity, you can transform your backyard into a dog-friendly playground where your pup will be happy to spend his days — no travel required. It will also give you more time to spend playing with your lovable pooch, and you can customize your DIY dog park to suit your personal needs and his favorite activities.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Large and giant breed puppies have different nutritional needs than other dogs. Learn how to provide the special care they need to grow up big and strong.
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.