How to Build a Backyard Dog Park at Home | Hill's Pet (2024)

Do you have more property than you have time for? No time to take your dog to the park? Consider bringing the park to your pup by building a dog park or playground in your own backyard. It doesn't take a lot of time, and you can probably use items you already have. Keep reading to learn how to create awesome backyards for dogs.

Why Build a Dog Park in Your Backyard?

How to Build a Backyard Dog Park at Home | Hill's Pet (1)Typically, dog parks are more than just places for your pup to run and play off-leash. Many dog parks not only provide a variety of ways for dogs to exercise, but they also encourage mental stimulation and socialization opportunities.

Taking your dog to such a park isn't always an option, though. Your community might not have such a space. If it does, its hours of operation might not fit into your schedule. There could be dozens of things going on in your life that make it inconvenient or even impossible to load your pup in the car and chauffeur him to the dog park regularly.

Generally, public dog park rules include health, socialization and behavioral standards, and even breed restrictions that might exclude your dog from entering. Some parks set aside special areas for small breeds or elderly or disabled dogs to safely play away from larger, more rambunctious pups, but not all do, which might make the dog park unsafe for your dog.

While your dog might be perfectly happy hanging out in your backyard just as it is, transforming a section of your yard into a miniature dog park just for your pup and his friends, be they other dogs or his favorite people, will provide both him and you with the best of both worlds. Park-like backyards for dogs provide the convenience and safety of home and the entertainment, exercise and mental stimulation provided by a dog park.

Building Your Own Dog Park

There are a number of things you should consider beforehand when it comes to building a dog park in your backyard. Installitdirect.com advises planning your DIY dog park according to the following criteria:

  • Location. Consider your space and the layout of your yard. You probably don't want the recreation area to include your flowerbeds or the patio where you do all your grilling. At the same time, it should be in a location where you can keep an eye on him if you let him go out alone, preferably in easy view of a door or window. The play space should also offer plenty of room for a game of fetch. After evaluating your space, you might find that a side yard, accessible but set apart from the outdoor family living area, is the best location.


    It's a good idea to think about the space from your dog's point of view, advises Dogtipper. There should be plenty of space for him to run, jump and play. Obstacles and equipment shouldn't be placed too closely together. Consider whether there is anything in the space that might be dangerous to your dog, such as poisonous plants he might be tempted to nibble, or something that might tempt him to get into mischief, like an off-limits spot where he might be tempted to dig. If your dog has a high-prey instinct, it's probably not a good idea to install his park near your bird feeder.

  • Amenities. Your backyard dog park should be fun, safe and comfortable for your pup. With that in mind, here are a few amenities you might want to include:
    • A dog house or a shaded area where he can escape the elements.
    • An outdoor dog bed for lounging.
    • A water feature in which to splash around and cool off.
    • Food and water dishes, and a mat, platform or small patio on which to place them.
    • Comfortable paths for walking and patrolling. Using materials that will be comfortable for your dog's paws, such as smooth stones, bricks or concrete is ideal.
    • A designated restroom and a cleanup station. Consider using artificial turf here for easy cleanup and to protect your lawn from browning or retaining bacteria.
    • An obstacle or agility course.
    • A designated spot for digging, such as a sandbox.
  • What to avoid. When building a dog park, knowing what to leave out is as important as what to put in. Here's a list of things that could spoil the fun if allowed into the play area.
    • Toxic pesticides or herbicides. If you spray these in your garden, then your dog park should be placed well away from the garden.
    • Toxic plants or flowers. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers a list of plants that are potentially toxic to pets. Ensure that none of these plants grow within the confines of your pup's play space.
    • Spiny cacti or any plants that have thorns, burrs or needles.
    • Sharp edges, hot surfaces, or objects that might be a choking hazard.

    Additionally, make sure the fence surrounding your park is in good condition, without splinters, broken pieces or gaps through which he might escape. Avoid cluttering the area with too many obstacles or toys. In small spaces especially, less is more.

Using What You Already Have

Creating fun backyards for dogs doesn't have to cost a lot. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of what you need to build your own dog park, especially if you have kids. An unused kiddie pool can become a splash pool for your dog, or set up your backyard sprinkler for his enjoyment. Have your kids outgrown their sandbox? Fill it with dirt and invite your furry pal to dig to his heart's content. Assemble a dog obstacle course out of a plastic backyard slide, empty boxes, old tires, rain barrels and cast-off hula hoops. Get creative! Just be sure that any items you use don't have sharp parts, splinters or small pieces that could detach and pose a choking hazard.

With some careful planning, a little sweat and a lot of ingenuity, you can transform your backyard into a dog-friendly playground where your pup will be happy to spend his days — no travel required. It will also give you more time to spend playing with your lovable pooch, and you can customize your DIY dog park to suit your personal needs and his favorite activities.

Contributor Bio

How to Build a Backyard Dog Park at Home | Hill's Pet (2)

Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is fiction author and freelance writer and editor living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She writes frequently about pets and pet health in her home office, where she is assisted by a lapful of furbabies.

How to Build a Backyard Dog Park at Home | Hill's Pet (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my own dog park? ›

Here are the steps on the road to making a community dog park a reality.
  1. Start with a core group of committed dog park activists. ...
  2. Hold a public meeting. ...
  3. Write a clear mission statement. ...
  4. Choose a site. ...
  5. Create a budget. ...
  6. Create a proposal. ...
  7. Get to know local officials, and be patient and flexible.

How to make a dog area in your backyard? ›

Read on for some amazing backyard ideas for dogs.
  1. Fence Off Key Areas. Even if you're keen to let your dog have as much space as possible, it's good to cordon off sections of your backyard. ...
  2. Replace Hard Surfaces. ...
  3. Add Obstacles. ...
  4. Add a Sandbox. ...
  5. Use Pet-Safe Plants. ...
  6. Add a Water Feature. ...
  7. Add Shade. ...
  8. Change Up the Grass.
Jul 28, 2022

What is the best surface for a dog park? ›

Crusher fines or washed stone dust are an appropriate surface choice for dog parks, as it has a moderate replacement cost, drains well, and holds up to heavy use.

What is a good size for a dog park? ›

According to park professionals and dog experts, a dog park should: Be about one to five acres in size, since a smaller space could result in overcrowding problems, while a larger area may be too large for controlling off-leash dogs.

How to make a simple dog kennel? ›

  1. Step 1: Preparation. Start by cutting and pulling apart a few pallets.
  2. I then created a rough plan for the build. ...
  3. For the base frame, I used the pallet stringers. ...
  4. Mark them out. ...
  5. Step 5: Base Frame + Floor. ...
  6. Add a center support. ...
  7. Attach a paling either end of the frame. ...
  8. Measure the remaining gap in the floor.

How to make a dog pee area outside? ›

Fill the potty area 1/3 of the way with a base layer of pea gravel. Pour the gravel inside of the frame and spread it out by hand so that the bottom 1/3 of the potty area is filled. The gravel will provide drainage for your pup's urine, to keep it from building up in the potty area over time.

How to set up an outdoor dog kennel? ›

The ground under the kennel or its base should be flat and allow for water to drain. Elevate your dog's bed or resting area, so your dog can nap on a dry surface. Keep a few durable toys in the kennel that are suitable for the outdoors. Provide several large bowls of water to keep your dog hydrated.

How to make a dog tunnel? ›

For an inside dog agility tunnel, we recommend using some combination of couches, chairs, and an ottoman or coffee table. One option is to use a couch and ottoman to create the sides of a tunnel and then place something over it, like a couch cushion, to form the top.

What time are dog parks least busy? ›

Mid-day hours during the week and late afternoons on the weekend are generally quiet times at the dog park. After work is always busy-avoid the park at these times if you are new or if your dog is under-socialized. Remember that many dogs who visit the dog park are not socialized to children.

What is dog park etiquette? ›

Obey the rules.

It's your responsibility to read and obey all posted rules. Cleaning up after pets, leaving bicycles and strollers at home, waiting to visit the park until you're confident in your ability to call your dog reliably away from distractions, and keeping sick dogs at home are common rules in many dog parks.

Should I take my dog to the dog park every day? ›

While there are dogs that go to dog parks and have a great time, there are sometimes behavioral problems that can arise from too frequent visits. The big issue with the dog park is dogs are engaged in “over-arousal” play and for long periods of time.

Can dog parks make money? ›

There are different ways to turn a dog park into a business idea. You can charge a fee for using your own park (either indoor or outdoor). Going with a dog-walking service would be the better decision on the off chance that you are lacking in the capital yet have heaps of time.

What is the best design for a dog park? ›

Benches and shade structures give pet owners a place to sit, relax and visit with others in the community with similar interests. Pet water fountains keep pets hydrated and eliminate the need for countless water bowls. Leash holders keep leashes neatly tucked away while the dogs run and play.

Can you make money with sniffspot? ›

How much can I earn with Sniffspot? We have hosts that are earning $3,000 or more per month with their unused yards or land. We provide a lot of guidance and feedback to our hosts to help you increase your earnings.

Is sniffspot profitable? ›

Kyle Kazmer creatively converts his large yard into a lucrative dog-friendly retreat through Sniffspot. Sniffspot offers Kazmer a turn-key solution for passive income; he's made over $40,000 since spring 2023, averaging up to $7,000 monthly in the summer.

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