Turning Sand Into an Area for Dogs

A trip to the beach can be fun for you and your pet, but it isn't always practical. If your dog enjoys digging, running or playing in sand, there are a couple different ways to turn sand into a safe play area for him. Choose the project that makes the most sense for your home environment, then get ready for some serious playtime introducing your dog to his own personal beach.

  1. Benefits

    • Dogs who dig are fulfilling a natural instinct to do so. Some dogs dig for protection, some dig for prey and others dig to keep themselves entertained. Puppies may be digging to release their extra energy. With a sandy play area for dogs, digging won't harm your plants or grass. When you have a separate play area just for pets, you can begin to enforce a play space where certain behavior, such as digging or play fighting, happens only in that designated area.

    Easy Sandbox

    • A child's sandbox can be easily repurposed for a sandy play area. This idea works well for renters, folks with concrete backyards and people who don't want to create a permanent sandy area in the backyard. Lidded sandboxes also prevent neighborhood cats from using the area as a litter box. To turn a sandbox into a dog play zone, just fill it with sand, dirt or a mixture of both. Add toys and let your dog loose to dig.

    Backyard Sand Area

    • Make the play zone more permanent by creating a sandy digging zone. Simply add sand to an area of your yard, or make use of existing sand. Place dog toys and treats in the area. Bring your dog to the sand area and encourage him to play there. If you find him digging in another part of the yard, bring him back to the sand pit.

    Tips

    • When left alone and heated by the sun, sand can become very hot to the touch. Combine dirt and sand together for a cooler sand mix that won't burn your pet in the summertime. If building your own sand area, fence it off using chicken wire, a wooden fence or another material to keep play activities in the sandbox. It will be easier to teach your dog to dig only in the play area when it is fenced off from the rest of the yard.