You have a nice, big lot and you can't wait for your dog to play. New fence, new toys, and new dog house: everything is ready. But before you toss your pooch out back, there are a few things you should do to make sure your dog is as safe as he can be.

The first thing to check is the fencing. Even if you have installed a new fence, it is still important to make sure your pet will be secure. Take a walk around the inside of the fence. Make sure there are no holes in the ground or places where your pooch can get through. If the fence is older, then make sure there are no splinters or fragments of the fence that can scratch your pooch. Check the fence regularly, especially after your dog has spent some time in the lot. He may have dug holes that you need to fill in.

The size of the fence is very important. Your dog should not be able to jump over the fence. It should also be high enough where he can't hurt himself trying to jump over it. Fences that are just out of your pet's reach are even more tempting for your dog to try to jump. There should not be gaps in the fence wide enough for your pet to escape or get stuck trying to escape.

The placement of your fence can also determine the wellbeing of your dog. If the fence is easily accessible by neighbors or neighborhood children, then you should consider moving your pet's lot back away from your property line. Often, children or others may taunt your pet when you are not home. This can lead to unwanted aggression or anxiety in your pooch. The best place for a fence is directly behind your home. That way, the dog will not be a temptation to others in the neighborhood.

Your dog should have a proper dog house situated on the lot. It should be large enough for him to fit comfortably and turn around in. The dog house should be a place where your dog can sleep, get out of the cold, or seek shelter from the rain. It should be sturdy and able to withstand the weather. You can also throw in a couple of blankets or bedding to make it more comfortable for your pooch!

If you are keeping your dog on a chain, then you must be very careful. First, research local animal laws. Many communities do not allow dogs to be tethered and view the act as animal cruelty. If chaining is allowed in your area, then make sure your pooch spends most of his time off the chain. While he's on the chain, there are things you can do to keep your dog safe. Your dog will be curious throughout the day, and he may get his chain twisted or caught on something. If you are not home, then he may not be able to get to his food or water bowls. To make sure his chain doesn't get caught, clear out the surrounding area. Make sure there's nothing he can get hung up on.

Make a list of the plants that are present in your dog's lot. Many plants are poisonous to animals if eaten, and the last thing you want is a sick dog. Research the plants for their toxicity to animals. Ivy is one such plant known for its fatal effect if swallowed. If you find that your outdoor plants are toxic, then you should have them removed or relocated to a different area of your home.

Although you don't want your yard full of poisonous plants, you do want to make sure your pup has a place to cool off. There should be plenty of shade in your yard. He should be able to curl up under a bush or lay under a tree. Don't be alarmed if he digs holes near your plants. Lying in holes dug in the ground can help keep you dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

There are many things to do when you are dog proofing your lot. The fence should be maintained and checked regularly to keep your dog safe. There should be a dog house on the lot that can provide appropriate shelter and sleeping arrangements for your pooch. It is also important to make sure there is enough greenery to provide shade for your dog. You should check the plants for animal toxicity before you leave your pooch unattended. Dogs love to be outside, and you'll be happier knowing he is in a safe environment!