So you're trying to find outdoor decor ideas that your dog will love. That's understandable: they'll likely spend more time in the backyard than you. An artificial outdoor pond or pool can give your dog a fun place to relax and cool off during the summer.

Breeds That Like Swimming

Your dog may hate baths, but that doesn't mean they'll hate taking a dip in a backdoor pond during the hot summer months. In fact, many dogs really enjoy swimming: the following breeds are just some of the most water-friendly dogs:

  • Newfoundland
  • Poodle
  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • Irish Setters
  • English Setters
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Schipperke
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Vizsla
  • Weimaraners

Even if you don't have a water-friendly dog, you can still train just about any dog to enjoy swimming. Essentially, you can't force them into the water or they'll feel like they are being punished. Instead, get into the pond first and wait for them to come to you. Laugh and act like you're having fun and they won't be able to resist.  

Creating A Dog-Friendly Pond

Before integrating an outdoor pool for your dog, consider these simple decoration ideas. They are designed to not only give your pool a little style, but to also make your pond more dog-friendly. Consider these and other pond decor ideas:

  • Rocks scattered around the edge and through the pond to serve as literal stepping stones for play
  • A dock out across the water that lets your dog get in and out of the pond with ease
  • Artificial animals, such as flamingos or cranes, with which they can interact
  • Elevated waterfall which they play or wash off under
  • Ramps up the dock and on the side of the pool for easy access for your dog

These simple decorating tips can help create a great swimming spot for your favorite canine buddy. Make sure to place towels near the pool which you can use to dry them off before letting them back in the house. You can also integrate artificial turf near this area to give them a place to dry off on their own.

Maintaining Your Pond

If your dog quickly embraces your pond, you need to make sure to perform regular cleaning and maintenance procedures to keep them from getting sick. Sadly, there are a variety of diseases and parasites that grow in outdoor water. Regularly cleaning your pond can ensure that they stay healthy. It can also help keep your pond from developing algae, which destroys its beauty. Clean your artificial pond every few years by following these steps:

  • Turning off any water-producing items, such as the waterfall pump
  • Draining the pond with a water pump
  • Removing debris, such as trash or dog hair
  • Spraying the pond with a 1,500 psi pressure washer
  • Rinsing out the pond with a hose and turning on the clean-out pump
  • Removing the filters (check your pond manual for location) and cleaning by holding under a stream of water
  • Turning on your pond's water supply to refill it with water
  • Adding a dechlorinator to remove any damaging chemicals that can impact the health of your dog

Make sure to lock your dog in the house or have a friend take them for a walk during this process to ensure they don't interfere. After all, they may not understand what you're doing to their favorite swimming spot and may want to stop you or even jump in the pool as its being cleaned.

Now that you understand the ways you can integrate an outdoor pond into your decor for the benefit of your dog, why not call a professional decor company right away? They can help you find an artificial pool that works for you and your yard needs.

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