Landscaping Rocks That Are Good for Dogs

A Dog-Safe Landscape

• Selecting rocks that aren't too tall is safer for small dogs, to reduce the risk of falling injuries if the dog climbs on the rocks. Creating rock gardens makes a yard dog-friendly by reducing frustration if the dog or dogs tend to dig or run through traditional bedding areas. This style of landscaping saves water, too.

  Some techniques for creating an appealing landscape also improve dog-safety, such as embedding a rock in the earth. Anchoring the rock in the land makes it look more natural -- as though it's always been there, instead of a boulder sitting on the ground out of context.

Embedded Boulders

• A boulder or large rock embedded in the earth is safer for humans and dogs because there's less risk of injury from a rock shifting, rolling or sliding. Embedding a rock requires digging a hole 30 to 50 percent the height of the rock, for example, a 12- to 15-inch hole for a 36-inch boulder. Large rocks and boulders can add interest to the landscape, reduce erosion on hillsides and discourage a dog from digging in planted areas.

Large Flat Rocks

• Large flat rocks create a sunning surface for dogs to lie down on. This is especially soothing for older or arthritic dogs, providing a soothing dry-heat treatment. A single rock or group effect works well as part of a natural landscape feature. As with embedding boulders, creating a shallow trench 2 to 3 inches deep makes large rock slabs look natural. To create a dog-friendly group of flat rocks, place them close together, to ensure the dog's paws can't get caught between them. Filling any gaps with soil or clay and tamping it down well provides safe footing.

Rock Garden

• For a rock garden, choose rocks that are large enough that there's no risk of the dog eating them or carrying them. Creating a rock garden offers a natural landscape feature that protects plants from being dug up or trampled. Testing each rock to ensure it can't fall will keep your pet safe. Pouring potting soil between the rocks creates a natural-looking rock garden for planting herbs, flowers or succulents. Having a planting area that keeps the plants fairly safe allows you to enjoy plants and devote more of the yard to a dog run. Avoid gravel and any rocks small enough to eat in all areas of the landscape; these are the most dangerous landscaping rocks for dogs.