Best Plant Picks, Landscape and Garden Design

How to Make a Dog-Friendly Backyard

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Pets and gardens have a reputation of being a bad mix, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Follow these dog-friendly gardening tips to keep your pet - and your plants - safe and happy.

A dog-friendly garden doesn’t have to compromise on beauty, but there are some things to consider when landscaping an area that your furry friend can access.

First, you need to consider your dog’s temperament and physical needs. Is your dog older and calm, or a high-energy puppy? Do they have a history of jumping or digging? Also, think about what your dog likes best about the backyard. Is it playing fetch, sniffing, or patrolling? All of these factors are important to think about while planning your garden or landscape design. A happy, fulfilled dog is a lot less likely to cause damage to your garden.

Dog-Safe Plant Selection

Dogs are known for being hard on gardens, so it’s a good idea to landscape with plants that can stand up to some abuse. If you are planning on planting directly into the ground rather than into a decorative container, start with more mature plants (#1 size or larger) and, if possible, plant in dense clusters. Older plants are generally more durable, and most dogs will avoid densely-planted areas.

While there are many types of plants to choose from, these are some popular choices for their ease of care, durability, and vitality. Nature Hills loves dogs, so we've made sure to include the hottest dog-friendly plants in our catalog:

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

Aster
Coral Bells
Coreopsis
Hibiscus
Ice Plant
Liriope
Ornamental Grasses
Red Hot Poker
Thyme

If you want to include plants that aren’t dog-friendly, use a Bitter Apple spray and use voice commands to train your pup to “Leave It” alone. You’ll be pleased at how fast they learn to avoid the plants that taste yucky. Stay outside with the puppies and read on for more ideas.

Elements of a Dog-Friendly Landscape

Now that we know what plants we may want in our dog-friendly garden, here are some good strategies to ensure the best outcome for both your pets and your plants:

Grow less-sturdy plants in large containers or raised beds. If there are some tender plants that you want to grow, you might need to get creative. Consider growing in window boxes or large containers to keep your plants out of reach. (In fact, many popular dwarf shrubs and trees grow very well in pots!)

Have a high, sturdy fence for areas you want to block off completely. Many dogs are known for their ability to dig as well as jump, so if you have an escape artist on your hands, you may want to take extra precautions. Underground barriers may be required. Or, try spending time outside playing with your pup. That’s all they really want, anyway.

Gentle hardscaping can make a big difference. For truly tough areas, you can’t go wrong with a little “zero-scaping.” This can include river-rock gravel areas, flagstone garden paths, and placing decor like boulders and logs. These elements can discourage digging, cover muddy spots, and act as barriers to areas in the garden that are off-limits.

Try a sandbox for your dog to get their digging needs met. Include outside toys and bury treats to up the fun for your furry friend. A bored dog means Big Trouble, so think of ways to keep them occupied.

How about installing a series of large rocks as a natural jungle gym? Plant Ornamental Grasses to brush the rocks as a natural partner for a gorgeous, easy-care look. Use Lilacs or Crape Myrtles behind the rocks to add an enormous amount of visual interest.

Mulch matters. When choosing mulch for your garden, choose a type that is easy on paws. Small cedar chips (AKA “playground mulch”) are easy on the sensitive paws but still large enough to avoid sticking to your pet’s fur.

Pets need to go potty. Make sure your dogs have an adequate space to do their deed that is safely removed from your precious plants. You can help them out with some training, and by providing a couple of “marking areas,” such as a piece of driftwood or an old stump. A regular routine of long walks also takes the pressure off your plantings.

Garden paths through or around sensitive areas. You can help protect your perennial beds by offering easy ways around them, such as a paved pathway. Dogs will avoid densely planted areas if they are able, so making sure they have an alternate route is a good idea. Your plants will thank you the next time your dog gets the “zoomies!”

Oh, and if your dog has already established paths through your yard, we’d recommend just rolling with it. Far easier to rethink a section of the garden design than try to change your dog’s habits.

Shade is a must. Although most dogs love to lounge in the sun, they can also overheat much more quickly and easily than we can - and they may resort to digging in an effort to keep cool. Planting some shade trees or setting up a shaded sitting area will help ensure both humans and pets alike are comfortable. Don’t forget to always have fresh, clean water available.

Landscaping a dog-friendly garden takes some planning. Finding a balance between keeping your plants safe and your dog happy is the key. As long as your dog’s needs are met, your garden is much more likely to be a place for the whole family to enjoy. Happy gardening!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which trees and shrubs are safe to plant in a backyard shared with dogs?

There are many beautiful trees and shrubs that are safe for dog-friendly yards, and Nature Hills carries a great selection. Dog-safe trees include Amur Maple, Canadian Hemlock, Crape Myrtle, Dogwood, Honeylocust, Linden, Star Magnolia, and Willow. For shrubs, consider Bottlebrush, Dogwood Shrubs, Forsythia, Lilac, Mock Orange, Rosemary, Roses, and Rose of Sharon. When planting, choose more mature container sizes (number 1 or larger) and plant in dense clusters to improve durability and discourage dogs from trampling new growth.

What outdoor plants are non-toxic and safe for dogs to be around?

There are many beautiful landscape plants that are safe for dogs, including trees like dogwood, crape myrtle, star magnolia, and linden, as well as shrubs such as forsythia, lilac, rosemary, rose of sharon, and bottlebrush. For perennials, consider planting aster, coral bells, coreopsis, hibiscus, liriope, ornamental grasses, or thyme, all of which are dog-friendly and widely available. When planting, choose 1 size or larger container plants and place them in dense clusters, as more established plants are more durable and dogs tend to avoid tightly grouped plantings. Browse Nature Hills' catalog to find these dog-safe varieties and select options suited to your specific growing zone for the best results.

Which common backyard plants should I remove or avoid because they are toxic to dogs?

While the article focuses on dog-safe plant choices rather than listing toxic ones, some commonly grown backyard plants that are known to be harmful to dogs include azaleas, rhododendrons, sago palms, foxglove, lantana, and yew shrubs. Bulb plants like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths also pose a risk, particularly the bulbs themselves. If you have plants in your yard that are not confirmed dog-safe, apply a Bitter Apple spray as a deterrent and train your dog to respond to the "Leave It" command. For a full list of toxic plants, consult the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database at aspca.org, and replace any high-risk plants with dog-friendly alternatives like roses, rosemary, coral bells, or ornamental grasses.

What are the best non-toxic flowering plants to use in a dog-friendly backyard garden?

There are plenty of beautiful flowering plants that are safe for dogs and tough enough to handle backyard activity. Great options include roses, lilac, forsythia, mock orange, rose of Sharon, aster, coreopsis, hibiscus, and red hot poker, all of which are non-toxic to dogs and widely available at Nature Hills. For best results, plant in dense clusters using 1 size or larger specimens, as more mature plants establish faster and dogs tend to avoid tightly grouped plantings. Browse the dog-friendly plant selection at naturehills.com to find varieties suited to your hardiness zone and get your garden started on the right foot.

How do I stop my dog from digging up flower beds and garden borders?

Digging is a natural behavior, but you can redirect it by designating a specific digging zone filled with loose soil or sand where your dog is encouraged to dig freely. For your flower beds, install a physical barrier such as decorative edging or a low fence at least 18 to 24 inches tall, or use large river rocks along the border since most dogs dislike the unstable footing. Planting in dense clusters with more mature plants (number 1 container size or larger) also discourages dogs from entering beds in the first place. Pair these strategies with consistent "Leave It" training and a Bitter Apple spray on any plants your dog targets repeatedly.

How do I create a dedicated digging area to keep my dog from destroying the rest of the yard?

To create a dedicated digging zone, designate a specific area of your yard, ideally at least 4 by 4 feet, and fill it with loose, sandy soil or a mix of sand and topsoil that is easy for your dog to dig in. Bury toys or treats just below the surface to encourage your dog to use the space and reward them enthusiastically when they dig there. Consistently redirect your dog to this spot whenever you catch them digging elsewhere, and use firm voice commands like "Leave It" to discourage digging in garden beds. Over time, your dog will learn that this is their approved space, protecting the rest of your yard and plantings.

How can I protect newly planted beds from dogs running through or trampling them?

Start with more mature plants in the number 1 container size or larger, and plant them in dense clusters, since dogs naturally tend to avoid tightly packed plantings. For newly established beds, a temporary wire border or low decorative fencing just 12 to 18 inches high is often enough to discourage casual intrusion while roots settle in, typically over the first growing season. Raised beds elevated at least 12 inches off the ground offer an even more reliable solution for tender or high-value plants. Focus your training during this establishment period by using Bitter Apple spray on foliage and reinforcing the "Leave It" command consistently outdoors.

What type of grass holds up best in a backyard with dogs that run and play regularly?

For high-traffic dog areas, tough turf grasses like Bermudagrass (zones 7-10) and Zoysia (zones 5-10) are excellent choices because they spread via rhizomes and stolons, allowing them to recover quickly from heavy wear. In cooler climates, tall fescue is a reliable option due to its deep root system and tolerance for both foot traffic and drought. To give any lawn the best chance of staying healthy with active dogs, overseed thin or bare spots each fall or spring and consider rotating your dog's play area to allow the grass time to recover.

What ground cover plants can handle heavy dog traffic without getting worn out?

For ground covers that hold up to heavy dog traffic, thyme and liriope are two of the toughest options available. Creeping thyme is especially resilient, tolerating foot and paw traffic while releasing a pleasant fragrance when crushed, and it thrives in zones 4-9 in full sun. Liriope spreads into dense, grass-like clumps that resist wear and recover quickly even in zones 5-10. Plant these in clusters for maximum coverage and durability, and browse Nature Hills' selection to find the right variety for your climate and soil conditions.

How do I design a backyard layout that gives my dog room to roam while keeping garden beds intact?

Designating a clear pathway or dedicated roaming zone for your dog is the most effective way to protect your garden beds while keeping your pup happy. Plant garden beds in dense clusters using more mature, number-one-size-or-larger plants, since dogs naturally tend to avoid tightly planted areas and established plants are far more durable if contact does occur. Raise tender or delicate plantings in large containers, window boxes, or raised beds to keep them completely out of reach. Start by mapping your dog's natural patrol routes and fetch zones, then build your garden layout around those paths rather than fighting against them.