Sensory Gardens for Dogs
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To be happy and fulfilled, our puppies and dogs need more than structured walks and simple training commands. One way of meeting that need is by building a sensory garden for them to spend time in.
The challenges they experience there widen their understanding as well as help them relax and be calm.
You become not just their provider, but their companion on a journey of discovery that lasts a lifetime.
A dog's most important and super-developed sense is their sense of smell.
Dogs need nosework, brainwork, mental stimulation and opportunities to problem-solve. They become smarter through scenting, and brain development continues throughout life. Stress levels are lower, and immune systems stronger.
This isn’t possible if all they have the chance to do is go on fast-paced walks or play 'fetch'.
The result? Happier dogs.
A dog on a log
What's a sensory garden for?
In a word – enrichment.
A sensory area in your garden can stimulate or it can calm your dog’s brain. It can reduce stress, encourage natural canine instincts and build confidence.
As well as tantalising their senses, sensory spaces encourage dogs to interact with their surroundings and provide both physical and mental challenges for them.
Ideas to consider
logs, tree stumps or hay bales to jump on and jump over
old cushions with surfaces of different textures
a sandpit for digging. This could be as basic as a kids’ paddling pool or a large tyre, or a structure made from wooden planks for the sides and lined with weed-free membrane over a concrete base. (Use child’s grade sand rather than sharp builders’ sand and think about covering it so cats don't use it as a litter tray. Check for toilet activity and be prepared to clean regularly.)
an area of tyres planted with dog-friendly plants (see below for suggestions)
wind chimes hanging from a tree, high enough to provide the sound, but not the temptation to grab
a sundeck, raised up and accessed by steps and/or ramps – somewhere for the dog to go on to or underneath. This could be as simple as wooden pallets covered with astroturf
differently surfaced areas – stones, bark chippings, grass or AstroTurf, rubber matting, straw
tunnels made from big drainage pipes half sunk into the earth, covered with grass (or not)
a patch where the grass is left to grow longer for scatter-feeding – nature’s snuffle mat.
If you have space!
Let your imagination take a wander and see what it comes up with.
Plants
Zoopharmacognosy is the process by which non-human animals self-medicate using their sense of smell.
It's influenced by their physiological and psychological needs.
Many of the dog-friendly plants listed below are thought to be helpful in this way.
Barley grass
Basil
Birch – to help with muscular and inflammatory discomfort
Catnip – has both relaxing properties and can stimulate playfulness in dogs
Chamomile – calming
Dandelions
Jasmine
Lavender – reduces anxiety and encourages scar-tissue regeneration
Lemon balm
Marigolds – help with grief and emotional distress
Meadowsweet – helps with digestive problems, arthritic and rheumatic conditions
Mint – N.B. NOT English PennyRoyal (mentha pulegium), which is thought to be toxic
Pansies
Peppermint – has cooling properties and helps with skin irritations
Rosemary – calming, helpful against fleas and ticks
Thyme – helpful with bacterial infections, skin irritations and diarrhoea
Valerian – calming
Violets – for nervous dogs (helpful after a house move)
Wheatgrass – selected by anxious and nervous dogs who may exhibit hyper behaviours
Willow – can help with pain
Pick a few, get started and see how your dog reacts.
Plants to avoid (from The Kennel Club)
There are many house and garden plants that are poisonous to dogs. Here are some of the most common ones.
· Aconitum
· Amaryllis bulbs
· Asparagus fern
· Azalea
· Bluebells
· Cyclamen
· Daffodil bulbs
· Day lilies
· Delphiniums
· Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
· Foxgloves
· Hemlock
· Hyacinth
· Hydrangea
· Ivy
· Laburnum
· Lily of the Valley
· Lupine
· Morning Glory
· Nightshade
· Oleander
· Rhododendron
· Rhubarb leaves
· Sweet Pea
· Tulip bulbs
· Umbrella plant
· Wisteria
If your dog chews or eats any of these, seek veterinary help immediately.
Helpful resources
Battersea Cats’ and Dogs’ Home
Caroline Ingraham (Zoopharmacognosy)
Also consider joining the Facebook group Sensory Gardens for Dogs