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Fido’s Private Observation Deck
Posted by Elizabeth Bublitz at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Let’s face it: Dogs are busybodies! They are social creatures who want to know everything about their environment. Thankfully, it takes very little to satisfy this instinct and create a happy environment for them.
One solution that I discussed in a previous post was to install doggie windows in fences. But many of my clients cannot create doggie windows, perhaps because of homeowner’s association restrictions, because of the material the fence is made out of, or because they simply do not like the look of them. For these clients, I would suggest another appealing alternative: creating a doggie observation deck. This allows dogs to perch up high and safely view their neighborhood.
I’ve asked numerous vets and animal behaviorists why dogs like to perch, but nobody really has an answer except that they almost all like to do it, regardless of their size. Whether they like lying on the back of your couch or sitting on an arm chair to look out the front window, most dogs seem to enjoy being elevated.
Here’s how you can help your home’s pooch reach new heights.
For backyards, you can install mounds of soil for dogs to play on and look over. Although dogs enjoy dirt, I would advise that you always use a landscape fabric or stepping stones so that dogs don’t track mud and the hill won’t erode. Depending on the slope of the hill, you can also install plants, mulch, or vegetation (nontoxic and nonthorny) so that dogs can enjoy their new post.
Other observation decks include elevated patios, decks, and boulders. Many dogs can simply use a boulder to stand on and view their entire neighborhood.
Observation decks can be made out of numerous materials—whether it’s mulch, decking/patio material, topsoil, or a simple boulder. But regardless, Fido will appreciate the effort, whether great or small, that you put into it so that he can watch over his domain.
Posted to Home & Garden | Posted to Tags: Dogs, Elizabeth Bublitz, garden
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Christina says...
October 2nd, 2009, 1:20 pm
My doggie goes out on her observation deck every day. I’ve surrounded it on the inside with unnoticable chicken wire secured by more wire to the boards.
What I really want to point out is that for the winters I have out on her deck the largest HEATING PAD I could find protected under her pillow underneath the doorway overhang, with the wire and on/off control fed into the house. The heating pad is designed to take becoming wet as well. I forget what they called that feature, but I picked up the heating pad for about $17. I also considered an electric blanket, but my deck isn’t entirely sheltered from the elements. I’m looking for an extra large, opened plexiglass shelter to place out there for her and may have to construct it out of such materials myself…
Nikki Marie says...
October 2nd, 2009, 3:16 pm
i absolutely love the idea of the dirt mounds. i’m definitely going to have to try doing this. i think both of my dogs would love it.
Elizabeth says...
October 20th, 2009, 10:34 pm
Hi Nikki: That’s what I did - my dogs LOVE their dirt mounds - not sure why dogs prefer dirt but they do!
Good luck! - Elizabeth
Elizabeth says...
October 20th, 2009, 10:38 pm
Hi Christina: If I understand correctly, you may consider a shade cloth/tarp. They’re very durable and hold up in the winter to prevent snow from getting on the deck as well as in the summer to provide shade.
Good luck! BTW - I love the way you hooked up the heating pad, your baby girl sounds very lucky to have you as an owner! - Elizabeth