Dogscaping is a hands-on guide to provide dog lovers with information on how to reclaim their land from their four-pawed digging machines. This book combines green gardening techniques and design tips for dog lovers to create the yard they have always wanted, while also providing a safe and beautiful place where their dog can just be a dog.

Barthel, a Michigan based Master gardener, takes the needs of your canine friend such as shade, shelter, fencing, space for exercise, digging, clean water, and a place for them to do ‘their business'.

Working with, instead of against, a dog’s natural inclinations can save a lot of energy and frustration. For instance, with digging, you can discourage digging in planting areas by providing a designated digging area. You can make it attractive but keep in mind that your dog has to find it attractive too (for digging that is). Putting a small plastic pool of water (or wet sand) in a shady area will cool off your canine pal on those dog day afternoons. Another hint, bury some surprise treats such as toys, bones, with an aromatic treat on top of the area to lure him there. To keep your planting areas safer from doggie destruction, bury chicken wire over the bulbs and roots with a thin layer of topsoil or bark, then secure it with landscaping staples. Plants will grow through the wire just fine and its a good way to keep squirrels from digging up the bulbs.

Go with the flow and use wood mulch or stone pavers on those favorite canine trails through the yard. And for safety sake, know the poisonous, toxic plants to keep out of your canine friendly garden.