Conquering the conflict between your dog and the garden is as easy as compromising, according to Perth dog behaviour consultant and former RSPCA instructor Kathy Kopellis McLeod. Ms Kopellis McLeod said dogs could turn a lovely garden into a disaster area and cause a lot of damage in no time at all, but it didn’t have to be that way.

‘Garden enthusiasts who own a dog and dog lovers with green thumbs know there doesn’t have to be a conflict between their dogs and their plants,’ she said.

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‘Creating a dog-friendly garden that you can be proud of and that will enrich your dog’s life starts with planning and taking into account your dog’s needs and habits.

‘All dogs bring their own, unique needs so plan around them – make a note of where your dog likes to relax, where its toileting area is, think about protection from the elements and where he or she likes to hang out, this might be at the fence next to the neighbour’s dog.’

Dog-friendly Features

• A designated digging pit – if digging is your dog’s favourite past time, set up a special area just for them.
• Shady observation deck – dogs like to sit in a place where they can keep an eye on the whole garden, so offer them a large, shady area to sit and observe.
• Wading pool – a pond or pool just for your dog can be a great way to help keep them cool during hot summer days.
• Toys and activities – if your dog likes to chew, offer them a safe alternative to your reticulation that helps to stimulate their mind, like a Kong toy, treat ball or treasure hunt.
• Separate toilet area – to help avoid urine marks on the lawn, create a boundary around the toileting area and train your dog to use it. It’s not always as easy as it sounds, but the younger the dog, the easier it can be.

Ms Kopellis McLeod said choosing the right plants meant considering the potential harm they could pose for your dog, as well as the potential harm your dog could inflict on the plant.

‘Most dogs won’t chew on all plants indiscriminately, but some dogs and many puppies put everything in their mouths, and some very common garden plants and products can be toxic to dogs like cocoa mulch – it’s poisonous to dogs because it contains theobromine, which is the same chemical found in chocolate,’ she said.

‘Durable plants that stand up to your dog are also an essential element of a dog-friendly garden, so look for appropriate plants for each area of your garden – high traffic areas will require hardier plants, while raised planters or flower beds can help protect the more fragile ones.

‘Lawns often suffer the most, so it’s a good idea to avoid the delicate varieties and choose a lawn that is more tolerant to traffic.’

Ms Kopellis McLeod said a tired dog was a good dog, and lifestyle was also a key consideration in protecting your garden as dogs who didn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation were more likely to get up to mischief in the backyard.

‘As well as compromise in your planning, take time to supervise your dog in the garden and train them how to behave correctly, which also gives you a great opportunity to spend time with your best friend,’ she said.