10 Dog Friendly Backyard Ideas on a Budget

For many active and adventurous pups, the best part of their day is spending time in the great outdoors. And, by great outdoors – we obviously mean the comfort of your own backyard. 

As pet owners we know the importance of physical exercise and activity for our best friends. 

So, why not make the backyard a fun place for them to roam, play and stay healthy?

If you’re looking to give your backyard a little makeover without breaking the bank, we have 10 dog friendly backyard ideas for you to try out. 

Let’s dig in! 

10 Dog Friendly Backyard Ideas on a Budget

‍Keep Your Dog Safe With Fencing

While we want our dogs to have fun outside, we also want to ensure their safety. 

No matter how well behaved your dog may seem, there’s no guarantee that they won’t leave the yard if something exciting catches their attention. In order to keep them from darting into the street to go frolic with the other neighborhood dogs, it’s important to set up a fencing area you feel comfortable with. 

While some pet fencing options may be expensive, there are plenty of dog friendly fences that will allow you to stick to your budget. 

If you want to keep the cost of fencing low, it’s best to select a designated area for your dog to hang out in your backyard. Think of your backyard as a mini dog run, set boundaries and barriers to let your dog have fun, but don’t give them free rein of the entire space. 

Or, if you want to let your dog go as they please – you can always utilize the electronic dog fence option that will simply let you set parameters for your pup. 

Here are a few options for you to check out:

A 32 inch dog fence that suits dogs of all sizes for $325. 

The Wireless Pet Fence that covers up to 1/3 acre. 

Stay Cool With a Water Station 

When the temperatures rise, we want to keep our pets cool and refreshed. That’s why you’ll need to add a water station to your backyard. 

Whether it’s as simple as setting up your dog’s water bowl in a designated spot and keeping it full or purchasing something a little more fun, like this outdoor water fountain made for dogs. 

Ensuring that your dog is hydrated while playing outdoors is the top priority. 

Sit & Relax In The Shade

A water station can help your pet quench their thirst, but what about if they need a little break?

For optimal rest and relaxation in between all of the activity, you should find a spot in your backyard where you can carve out some shade for your dog. 

This is definitely the most budget friendly idea on our list because it doesn’t require you to spend any money. Most backyards have an area for shade that can be designated for your pup to hang out. 

If for some reason your backyard doesn’t have a shaded area, you can always opt for something like this outdoor dog bed that comes complete with a canopy. 

Make Sure It’s Paw-Friendly 

One of the most important aspects in your backyard to pay attention to when it comes to prepping it for your pet, is the material of the ground. 

If your backyard is made up of grass, your dog probably won’t have any issues. 

But, if you live in an apartment complex or have an area without proper landscape, your dog’s paws may be at risk for injury. 

Some easy solutions to keep your dog’s paws safe from harmful elements are to:

• Install a backyard dog path
• Add an artificial grass turf to your outdoor surfaces

Enhance Activity With Toys They’ll Love

While your dog could probably run in circles for hours just from sheer excitement, it’s probably best to enhance their outdoor activity with toys. 

Whether you go full activity mode with an agility set up or you simply toss the frisbee around, keeping your dog entertained is a great way to keep them excited, give them the exercise they need and let them burn that extra energy. 

Here are a few budget friendly backyard toys your dog will love: 

• Fetch farther with this tennis ball launcher 
• Play catch and chase with this classic flyer toy

Don’t Forget The Treats

If your pup could play outside all day, there’s a guarantee that they’re going to work up an appetite. 

You could decide to set up an outdoor dining area or simply remember to stock up on backyard treats. Selecting a treat that is specific for outdoor playtime can be an effective way to train your dog into understanding the difference between outdoor and indoor activities. 

Here are a few dog friendly ways to give your pup a treat while playing in the backyard: 

• Throw this ball and dispense a treat for your furry friend
• Let your dog treat themselves with this Push-N-Pop toy

Let Your Dog Dig Their Heart Out

If your dog is a digger, there’s a good chance you’ve been worried a time or two about the lifespan of your newly installed flower bed or garden. 

While some pet owners will attempt to train their dog out of their digging tendencies, others recognize that it can be a tough habit to break. So, why not give your dog a designated space where they can dig for buried treats? 

Many dog parks have sand pits made for dogs to dig, setting up a dog-friendly backyard sand pit of your own can be easy and budget friendly. If you want to opt for a pre-made solution, check out this easy to assemble sandbox kit.

Make It Summer All Year Long With a Dog Pool

A dog-friendly backyard idea that’s guaranteed to be worth the money is a doggie pool. Easy to inflate and easy to store away during the colder months, a pool is a great way to keep your pet entertained and help them cool off. 

The best thing about a dog pool is that they come in various sizes, so you’ll always be able to find one that works well for your space. 

Here are a few dog pool options that are guaranteed to be a hit with your furry friend:

• Take a dive in this pool for dogs of any size
• For those extra large pups, check out this pool
• Want to take your pool on-the-go, opt for this foldable option for easy transport!

Keep The Toxins Away 

While we want our dogs to have a great time outdoors, it’s important to remember that many aspects of the environment can be toxic to our pups. 

If you’re going to allow your dog to play and roam in your backyard, it’s imperative that you assess your current botanical situation to ensure that none of your flowers or plants can be harmful to your pet. 

In the event that your backyard contains potential toxins such as Lilies or Azaleas, it will be more important than ever for you to create a sectioned off area specifically for your dog to roam. Even if you think your dog is well trained, giving them free range could easily turn their curiosity into an emergency veterinarian visit. 

In order to keep your backyard dog friendly and safe, survey your landscape and remove any elements that may seriously injure your pet. 

A Space To Mark Their Territory 

The final element to add to your dog friendly backyard setup is a designated space for your pup to mark their territory. 

This can be effective for several reasons such as training your dog to do their business in a specific area every time, easy clean up for you as a pet owner and giving you the ability to freely roam in your backyard without worrying about what may be under your feet. 

There are a few budget friendly ways to do this such as bringing your pet to the exact same spot every time they need to go outside or creating a specific barrier with fencing. 

As you can see, there are several ways to create a dog friendly backyard for your best friend on a budget. Try some of these out and let us know what you think!