The Best Grass for Gardens with Dogs

For many dog owners, a perfect lawn doesn't stay perfect for long. Between games of fetch, energetic zoomies and well-worn paths to the back gate, it's only natural for grass to take a bit of a beating.

The good news is that you don't have to choose between a beautiful garden and a happy dog. Choosing the right type of grass, along with a few simple maintenance habits, can help your lawn cope with everyday life.

Not All Grass Seed Is the Same

When buying grass seed, it's easy to assume one mixture suits every garden. In reality, different seed blends are designed for different purposes.

If you have one or more dogs, look for a hard-wearing grass seed mixture. These typically contain durable ryegrass varieties that establish quickly, recover well from wear and stand up to regular use.

They may not create the perfectly striped lawn you'd see at a stately home, but they're far better suited to an active family garden.

Think About How Your Dog Uses the Garden

Take a walk around your garden and you'll probably spot the same routes your dog takes every day.

Many dogs create natural pathways between the house, favourite resting spots and the gate. These areas receive far more wear than the rest of the lawn.

If possible, encourage your dog to use different parts of the garden by moving toys, water bowls or shaded resting areas occasionally. Spreading the wear can make a surprising difference over the course of a summer.

Repair Small Problems Early

A small bare patch can quickly become a muddy patch after rain.

Rather than waiting until autumn to repair every damaged area, consider overseeding small patches as soon as they appear. Keeping the area lightly watered while new grass establishes can prevent weeds taking hold and reduce the size of repairs later in the year.

Don't Aim for Perfection

It's easy to compare your lawn with the immaculate stripes seen in gardening magazines, but gardens with dogs are meant to be lived in.

A few worn patches after a busy summer are completely normal. A healthy lawn that your family and your dog enjoy is a far better goal than one nobody is allowed to walk on.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Regular mowing, occasional feeding and repairing worn areas before they become larger problems will help keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year.

Choosing a grass seed that's designed for hard-wearing family gardens also gives your lawn the best chance of recovering from the demands of everyday life.

Whether you've welcomed a new puppy or your garden is home to several energetic dogs, starting with the right seed makes all the difference.

Rural Supplies stocks a range of grass seed suitable for hard-wearing family lawns, helping homeowners create gardens that can cope with children, pets and everything in between.