Top tips for a safe and stimulating dog garden

Charity Guide Dogs is giving owners expert-backed advice on creating a dog-friendly sensory space and the dos and don’ts when it comes to a dog-friendly garden.

Hannah Wright, Guide Dog Programme Lead at Guide Dogs, explains, "Whether it’s the joy of sniffing through flowers, herbs and foliage, rolling around on the lawn or digging in a dedicated sandpit, a few simple changes can turn an ordinary garden into a sensory haven for dogs. By embracing their natural behaviours, owners can create an environment where dogs can thrive.” 

1. Stay Aware of Heat Risks

Know the signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse. Never dunk your dog in cold water if overheated ,instead use room temperature water to cool them gradually. 

2. Plant with Paws in Mind

Choose dog-safe plants like lavender, sunflowers, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Avoid toxic blooms such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. These can be harmful if ingested.

3. Design a Sensory Space

Incorporate varied textures such as grass, bark, gravel, and stepping stones. Use scented herbs and flowers to stimulate your dog’s powerful nose and support mental wellbeing.

4. Make It Comfortable in the heat 

Provide shaded rest areas using dense foliage, pergolas, or small shelters - essential in warmer months. Set up a cool zone with access to fresh water, cooling mats or damp towels during hot weather. 

5. Encourage Natural Behaviours

Create a dig zone like a sandpit to allow for instinctual digging without ruining flower beds. Set up a foraging area by letting grass grow longer or hiding treats among leaves or grass.

6. Build in Fun & Enrichment

Offer rolling space on untreated, chemical-free lawn where dogs can scratch, roll and play. Hide toys or chews in the garden to create mini treasure hunts and keep your dog mentally active.

7. Make It Comfortable in the heat 

Provide shaded rest areas using dense foliage, pergolas, or small shelters - essential in warmer months. Set up a cool zone with access to fresh water, cooling mats or damp towels during hot weather.

8. Protect Sensitive Paws

Test surfaces like pavement and artificial grass on warm days - if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Stick to early morning or evening garden time in hot weather to avoid overheating.

8. Create a Doggy Loo Area

Train your dog to use a designated toilet spot to avoid burn patches on your lawn and keep the space tidy.