Zoomies. HOA. Backyard Spa.

The Hounds and Houses realtor team has curated some great ideas and tips to help create a great environment for your dog, wherever you call home.

A cozy living room designed for both humans and do.

HOA

Home owner associations can set restrictions for the size of dog and in some cases the breed of dog that is allowed in their community. This is especially true of those that live in condominiums.

• Read the Fine Print: Before buying a home with an HOA, be sure you have thoroughly read the rules and regulations of the community. Some associations are quite rigid on adherence to their guidelines. Trying to sneak your dog in, or disregarding the size limits generally does not end well and can be quite costly, financially and emotionally.

Beat the Boredom

A bored dog is a destructive dog. Turn your yard into an interactive playground with these additions:

• The Sniffari Garden: Plant dog-safe herbs like lavender and rosemary to create a sensory trail for their noses.

• Agility Zones: Install a simple tunnel or a set of weave poles to challenge their coordination.

• Splash Stations: For water-loving breeds, a shallow plastic pool or a motion activated sprinkler provides hours of cooling fun.

• The Dig Pit: If your dog loves to dig, give them a designated sandbox or child's plastic pool filled with loose soil and sand. Hide topy to encourage them to dig there instead of in your flower beds.

Comfort & Cool-Down

After a hard day of zoomies, your pup needs a place to recharge.

• Shade Structures: If you don't have trees, a simple sun sail or dog specific cabana protetcs them from the harsh UV rays.

• Paws-Friendly Surfaces: Artificial turf made for pets or smooth river stones are easier on paws than hot asphalt or thorny ground cover.

• The "Lookout" Window: If you have a sold fence, consider installing a bubble window so your dog can safely watch the world go by without feeling the need to bark at every noise.

Access to Parks and Trails

A neighborhood with ample green space is ideal for dog owners. Look for:

• Public Parks: Cherokee, Parklands, Iroquois, Shawnee, Long Run, and Shelby parks are great options. There are many more in the Louisville metro area. Check out a list of parks within the Olmstead Parks system for more options.

• Dog Parks: These provide a safe space for your dog to socialize with others. Louisville offers a variety of dog parks throughout the metro area. You can find some of the popular dog parks here or a list of neighborhood dog parks.

  
  

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