Introduction:
I was recently honored to be a speaker at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, where I was invited to share insights on Dog-Scaping—planning and designing a pet-friendly garden. This topic is especially close to my heart because my own garden was carefully planned and planted for my beloved dog, Nellie, to explore and enjoy. My talk was dedicated to her memory, and I’m excited to share these valuable takeaways with you.
I'm also thrilled to announce that in March, I will be a two-day main stage speaker at the BC Home and Garden Show in Vancouver, BC! You can catch me on stage on Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 PM and Friday, March 14 at 2:00 PM. If you’d like to attend, you can purchase tickets here: BC Home & Garden Show Tickets.
What is Dog-Scaping?
Dog-scaping is the practice of designing a garden that meets the needs of both plants and pets. By carefully selecting plants, creating structured pathways, and designating specific areas for play, rest, and relief, you can build a harmonious environment that prevents damage while providing enrichment for your dog.
A well-planned dog-friendly garden isn’t just about preventing destruction—it’s about crafting an engaging, safe, and inviting space for your pet. Dogs love to sniff, dig, patrol, and relax, and a dog-scaped garden accommodates these natural behaviors in a way that complements your landscaping goals.
Top Tips for a Dog-Friendly Garden:
✅ Create Defined Spaces: Dogs love to explore, but without structure, they may run through your flower beds. Creating defined paths and separate areas for play, digging, and rest can help protect your plants while keeping your pup entertained. A shaded retreat with soft ground cover can provide a cooling-off spot, while a designated digging area—like a sand or mulch pit—satisfies their natural instincts.
✅ Use Durable Materials: Your pathways and ground cover should be dog-proof. Opt for strong, pet-friendly surfaces like decomposed granite, flagstone, or pea gravel for high-traffic areas. These materials prevent muddy paws while keeping your garden looking pristine. Avoid cocoa mulch, as it’s toxic to dogs.
✅ Train & Redirect: Instead of scolding your dog for digging or running through plants, guide them toward appropriate areas. Positive reinforcement works best—rewarding them for using their designated spaces will encourage long-term habits that preserve your garden’s beauty.
✅ Fence Smartly: If you have delicate plants or garden beds, consider low decorative fencing to serve as a physical and visual barrier. Raised garden beds can also help keep fragile plants out of reach while adding structure to your space.
✅ Provide Stimulating Features: Dogs love sensory stimulation! Incorporating interactive features like a water station, pathways with different textures, or a sensory garden with fragrant, non-toxic plants can enrich your pup’s outdoor experience while keeping them engaged and entertained.
Best Plants for a Dog-Friendly Garden:
These plants are safe, hardy, and add beauty to your space without putting your pet at risk.
🌿 Lavender – Non-toxic, calming scent, and hardy growth
🌿 Rosemary – Great for borders, drought-resistant, and naturally repels pests
🌿 Marigolds – Safe, vibrant, and excellent for deterring insects
🌿 Sunflowers – Fun, tall, and completely safe for curious dogs
🌿 Ornamental Grasses – Tough, resilient, and perfect for active pups who love to run through foliage
🌿 Zinnias – A colorful, non-toxic option that adds seasonal beauty to your garden
Plants to Avoid (Toxic to Dogs):
Some plants can be dangerous—even fatal—to dogs if ingested. Be sure to remove or avoid planting these species:
🚫 Lilies – Highly toxic and can cause kidney failure
🚫 Foxglove – Can lead to severe heart complications
🚫 Oleander – Extremely poisonous, affecting the heart and nervous system
🚫 Sago Palm – One of the most toxic plants to dogs, often fatal if consumed
🚫 Azaleas & Rhododendrons – Can cause vomiting, drooling, and severe illness
🚫 Daffodils & Tulips – Their bulbs contain toxins that cause digestive distress and more severe symptoms if eaten
Final Thoughts: Designing a Space That Works for Everyone
A dog-friendly garden doesn’t have to be a compromise—it can be a beautifully designed, enriching space that meets both your needs and your pet’s instincts. Thoughtful landscaping, smart plant choices, and well-structured pathways allow for harmony between your garden’s beauty and your dog’s natural behaviors.
By making mindful adjustments, you can create an inviting, secure outdoor environment that encourages exploration, relaxation, and play for your pup while maintaining the lush greenery and flowers you love.