Backyard for dogs?

[April and Zeke]

Has anyone done anything special to their backyard to make it fun for dogs? I'm thinking like add a sandbox or kiddie pool or obstacle course or something. I'm looking for ideas, something you've done, blogs you could point me to, etc. This is the first time I've actually had a fenced backyard (have had dogs in a condo for years) and I don't have little kids and I don't use the yard much so I sure would love to make it a doggy paradise of sorts.

[Carol and Banjo]

It's great you have a backyard for your dog.   We don't have anything special in our yard.   Banjo seems perfectly content to get out there to run around fetching sticks, balls, frisbees, snowballs or whatever else I can throw for him.   Personally, I nearly shuddered when I read sandbox or kiddie pool......to me, that just means "doggie clean up" time every time we come inside.    Normal daily grooming is enough for me.   On very hot days we do bring out the kiddie pool and/or sprinkler and he does love that.   But it requires a good drying time before coming back inside the house.     Enjoy your new yard!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree completely Carol.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Chippy!  You know, we buy all kinds of toys, fence in the yard, have a kiddie pool, but nothing beats a good chipmunk to make a dog happy.

Yesterday, we were sitting at the kitchen table talking and Spud suddenly LEAPS off the patio, over the patio fence, and soars five feet in the air, right past our window.

I said, " did a dog just fly by the window?"  

Chipmunks make a great backyard stimulant!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Add woodchucks, more on that later, rabbits and you've got paradise of a sort without doing a thing.

[Charlotte and Bo]

Bo seems happy stalking and chasing squirrels, balls, and sticks.  He likes to dig craters and visit through the fence with the kids next door.  So far he isn't too interested in water but I may try a kiddie pool this summer.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

One of our members put up some pics quite a while ago showing a playground she built in her backyard.  I do think she does some daycare though as well. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/nc-doodle-romp-sat-may-23-the

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is one of my all time favorite DK videos, and it also shows a backyard heaven for doodles. Sharon also has a blog explaining how to make the toy trolley seen in the video:
Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

Crciket's Homemade Toy Trolley instructions: http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/crickets-homemade-toy-tr...

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

OMD, it made me tired watching Cricket play.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know. I loved Sheri's comment that that video should be shown to everyone who is considering getting a doodle puppy, with the title, "Are You Ready for This?" ROFL

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Too true, it should be on the 'What to look for in a Breeder' page lol

[F, Calla & Luca]

Me too.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Me three!