Has homeownership gone to the dogs? Yes! Features fit for furbabies are a must-have for canine-loving homebuyers — like these pet-friendly upgrades that add value.
Ramp-Up a Wood Deck
Wood decks add value. Adding a ramp will give pups of all sizes and ages an easy way to access the yard.
Tip: Building a deck? Avoid exposing your pet to toxins. Dogs, like kids, are sensitive to chemicals so opt for VOC-free wood, paints, and stains.
FYI: Two-thirds of homeowners have at least one furbaby.
Image: Mosby Building Arts
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberThirst-Quenching Feature
This idea hydrates parched pooches while enhancing the yard.
Tip: Pick a water feature that has a self-circulating filtration system. It will conserve water while providing pets with a clean, fresh drink.
FYI: A barking 81% of dog owners consider their pups to be equal members of the family.
Image: Scot Eckley, Inc.
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberRoom to Roam
A dog run will protect your garden while giving your pup some “me” space.
Tip: Chain-link enclosures can detract from your home’s value. This cattle wire fence is a durable and affordable solution that looks invisible from a distance.
FYI: Pets are the fifth-ranking reason that drives people to buy homes.
Image: Rose Peck
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberBuh-Bye Yellow Spots
Artificial grassprovides homeowners with a lush lawn that never needs watering. It also keeps paws mud-free and prevents diggity dogs from creating holes.
Tip: A pet-friendly turf is soft, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial with an instantaneous drainage system.
FYI: When it comes to their pets, homeowners spend almost three times more than renters.
Image: EasyTurf
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberPeek-a-Boo Window
Curiosity is bad for cats, but indulging your dog’s interest can prevent fence jumping and chewing.
Tip: You can also build a platform that provides your pup with a bird’s-eye view.
FYI: A whopping 77% of dog owners give their pooches birthday presents.
Image: Sandra Dodd
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberDIY Potty Station
Urine is a grass killer, but you can keep your lawn green and happy with this DIY potty station. It uses rock and gravel that you clean with a hose.
Tip: With consistent and positive training you can teach a dog to eliminate in a specific spot.
FYI: Dogs have soft spots — a cushy 62% have their own chair, sofa, or bed.
Image: WelcomePup.com
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberDog- and People-Friendly Yard
This small space accommodates three dogs and their people. Stone dust, a material known for reducing doggy odors, was used to create pet-friendly paths while plants beds were added for human enjoyment.
Tip: Although stone dust is an inexpensive and low-maintenance option, ¾-inch pea gravel is better for windy areas.
FYI: Indoor dog space is a growing trend; 13% of dogs have their own room.
Image: Geographia Landscape Design
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberWoof-Tastic Haven
Wood chips are a great dog run staple. It’s soft on paws, doesn’t get muddy, and makes cleanup a cinch.
Tip: Pick a pooch-friendly mulch. Cocoa bean mulch can be deadly if ingested. Mulches that contain fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides are also highly toxic. Cedar mulch is a great choice since it repels flies and ticks.
FYI: We heart hounds; 54% of Americans refer to themselves as pet parents.
Image: Mouse Meets Turtle blog
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberMake a Splash
Cool your hot dog down with this chill built-in. The insert is called the Bone Pool — it’s a chew- and UV-resistant wading pool for pups that you fill with a garden hose. Price: $369
Tip: Got a real pool? Non-chlorine chemicals like bromine are safer for dogs.
FYI: Pet spending is increasing. Pet products are consider a recession-proof industry.
Image: One Dog One Bone
Better Than a Dog Run — Yard Ideas for Your Four-Legged Family MemberPawsome Barkitecture
Here’s something to howl about: Americans are willing to spend money on pet features that complement their homes. So an aesthetically pleasing dog house that works with your home’s architectural style is a hot property.
Tip: Keep your local weather in mind when picking a canine crib. This dwelling was designed for a desert environment.
FYI: Pet-ownership is at its highest level.
Image: John Gilmer Architect
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