The Perfect Plants for Your Dachshund: Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden

Understanding the Unique Needs of Dachshunds

The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, is a beloved breed known for its long body, short legs, and big personality. When creating an outdoor space for a doxie, it's important to understand their unique needs.

Dachshunds have a powerful sense of smell and love to use it exploring the garden. They also have a strong prey drive and will dig or burrow in search of critters. Their short legs make it difficult for them to traverse uneven terrain or climb over obstacles. As long-bodied dogs, dachshunds are prone to back problems if they jump down from high perches.

When designing a dachshund-friendly garden, focus on plants and features that engage their nose, are safe to dig around, and avoid encouraging jumping. Prioritize easy access and flat, steady footing over steps and rough ground. This will allow your pup to confidently navigate and enjoy every corner of the yard.

The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Outdoor Space

Creating a garden designed with your doxie in mind provides many benefits for both you and your furry companion.

For dachshunds, an outdoor area allows them to explore using their powerful sense of smell, dig and burrow to their heart's content, and expend pent-up energy in a safe, controlled way. It gives them room to roam off-leash and the mental stimulation that comes from investigating new sights, sounds, and scents.

For owners, a dog-friendly garden is a chance to spend quality time with your pup. You can play fetch, go on scent walks, or simply relax outdoors together. A secure yard also gives your doxie a potty area and freedom to move about when you're unable to walk or supervise them. Plus, welcoming your dog into your gardening routine makes the experience more fun for everyone.

## Choosing the Right Plants for a Dachshund's Garden

When selecting plants for a dog-friendly garden, avoid anything poisonous and opt for durable varieties your pup can safely sniff, dig near, brush against, and play among. Here are some great options to consider:

Herbs

Herbs like lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, dill, and parsley engage a dachshund's sense of smell. They're perfect sensory plants. Many are also drought-resistant. Just be sure to avoid toxic mint.

Ornamental Grasses

Grasses like bamboo, liriope, and carex provide visual interest and texture. Their sturdy nature can withstand energetic dogs. They grow well in sun or shade.

Shrubs

Try dog-safe shrubs like spirea, lilac, hydrangea, forsythia, and jasmine. They add fragrance, color, and screening to create distinct garden rooms. Prune to avoid low-hanging branches.

Flowers

Go for sturdy, low-growing flowers like geraniums, petunias, coreopsis, dianthus, alyssum, sunflowers, zinnias, and snapdragons. Avoid thorny roses.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers like ajuga, sedum, vinca minor, and ivy make excellent lawn alternatives. They tolerate some foot traffic and require little mowing.

Vines

For vertical interest, plant vines such as clematis, honeysuckle, and coral honeysuckle. Ensure they can grow well on your structures without needing harmful trellises.

Vegetables & Herbs

If you want to garden edibles, certain vegetables and herbs are safe for dogs. Try beets, carrots, radish, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, basil, dill, parsley, and more. Use raised beds to designate off-limits areas.

Plants You MUST Avoid with Dachshunds

While selecting dog-friendly plants, be sure to avoid these common toxins:

- Lilies - Extremely poisonous, even in small amounts

- Tulips

- Azaleas

- Oleander- Sago palms

- Hydrangeas

- Daffodils

- Iris

- Morning glories

- Foxglove

- Yew shrubs

- Rhubarb leaves

- Tomato plants

Also avoid thorny plants that could injure your doxie. Take care with mulch as well, opting for pet-safe versions.

Designing a Secure Garden Layout for Dachshunds

When planning your garden's layout, keep these tips in mind:

- Use fencing to cordon off hazardous areas like ponds, pools, or chemical storage.

- Stick with short fencing dachshunds can see over but not escape through or get stuck in.

- Avoid small gravel that could get lodged between paw pads. Opt for hardscape materials easy to walk on.

- Prevent access under sheds, porches, or decking where they could become trapped.

- Built-in planters, raised beds and border edging help define spaces.

- Mow lawn areas frequently or install artificial turf for potty convenience.

Your goal is making a comfortable, interesting garden your dachshund can't accidentally hurt themselves in. Keep access open to allowed areas and restrict off-limits zones.

Dog-Friendly Garden Features to Include

Here are some dog-approved features to incorporate:

Sniff Points

Mark favorite digging spots or hide treats to create "sniff points" encouraging natural behaviors. Change locations regularly to keep their curiosity piqued.

Tunnels

Let your doxie scamper through DIY tunnels made from PVC pipe or garden arches. They love confined spaces and feeling protected while playing.

Adjustable Ramps

Provide ramp access to higher platforms or porches to avoid injuries from jumping on and off.

Fences for Climbing

Add sturdy trellises or lattices along fences for safe vertical climbing. Ensure they're firmly secured.

Canopy Shades

Shade structures, canopies, and covered patios give doxies respite from the sun while still enjoying the garden.

Potty Areas

Designed potty spaces with artificial turf or pea gravel make bathroom time more convenient.

Water Features

Shallow bird baths or bubblers attract wildlife and provide refreshment. Prevent access to larger ponds.

Maintaining a Dachshund's Garden

While dogs and gardens both require work, with some planning it's easy to maintain your yard's beauty and dog-friendliness:

- Check for and remove plant debris after storms or winds that could cause injury if stepped on.

- Weed, prune, and trim plants regularly to prevent overgrowth around paths.

- Use organic pest control and dog-safe fertilizers. Avoid chemicals.

- Rake gravel or mulch areas to maintain an even surface avoiding holes.

- Remove feces promptly to prevent contamination and enforce good potty habits.

- Replenish sniff point digging spots with fresh soil. Rotate locations monthly.

- Clear dead vegetation frequently. Check for poisonous mushrooms if you have them.

- Keep fences, gates, and enclosures in good repair to prevent escape.

- Wash dog-friendly structures and hardscapes monthly.

With consistent but minimal effort, you can keep your dog's garden clean, healthy, and hazard-free for your doxie's safety and enjoyment.

Additional Tips for Dachshund-Friendly Garden Success

Here are a final few suggestions for creating the perfect outdoor space for your sausage dog:

- Install ramps or steps between any grade changes like slopes or retaining walls.

- Use pine straw or large wood chip mulch rather than small gravel your doxie could ingest.

- Group plants logically into "garden rooms" to create organized scent zones for seeking.

- Have an enclosed "temple of cooling" like a mudroom or finished garage for hot days.

- Provide plenty of shade and fresh water. Consider a cooling jacket in summer.

- Start training early not to dig in unwanted areas or jump on unstable surfaces.

- Rotate toys to keep their garden adventures stimulating.

Your doxie will thank you for taking their needs into account when landscaping your yard. Just use common sense along with these tips to make your garden as dog-friendly as it is visually delightful.

Let Your Dachshund Make the Most of Your Garden

Whether you want to design a full yard or just a corner with a potted garden, prioritize your dachshund's unique needs. Avoid common toxins and dangers while focusing on sturdy plants that engage their senses and awaken their curiosity.

Enhance your garden tailored for dachshunds with a touch of art. Our ceramic dog planter is not only a charming decorative element, but it also reflects your love for the doxies. Perfect for showcasing your favorite plants, this planter adds a unique charm to any garden. Celebrate your passion for your sausage dog and gardening at the same time. Check out here and let your garden's personality shine!

Then, let your devoted digger enjoy exploring the world of aromas and textures you've created just for them.

When your garden promotes natural behaviors in a safe environment, you will see your doxie's true personality blossom. A dog-friendly landscape allows your furry friend to play, seek, sniff, and dig as they please. As a bonus, gardening side by side also strengthens your bond and provides a relaxing, rewarding shared hobby. The effort to make your garden dachshund-approved will result in memories, fun, and new ways to enjoy the great outdoors together.