Just like people, dogs can have different temperaments, and it's important to keep that in mind when setting up your yard. A friendly, easy-going dog might be happy with just about anything, while an energetic dog might need many toys plus space to run. If you have an unfriendly dog, plan ahead to minimize problems and set your dog up for success. Below, you'll read about six essentials for your yard that may help you if you have an unfriendly dog.

1. Fencing

A well-built fence can keep your dog contained. In addition, a fence can keep others out of your yard, and this can reduce the chances that your dog might get into an unfortunate situation with a person or another animal. It can be more ideal if a fence is tall enough so that animals can't jump over it. In addition, a fence would be more effective if it doesn't have any gaps beneath it where animals could crawl under it. To achieve this, your yard might need to be leveled before a fence is installed.

For some households, it could also be a smart idea to fence off two separate areas of the yard. The dog could use one area, while people could take advantage of the other, using this space for playing, relaxing, gardening, or entertaining. If the dog stays in a separate area all the time or only when necessary, fewer problems may arise.

2. Visual Barriers

If you have a dog that responds to visual stimuli, he/she might react to people walking in front of the house or even just driving by. For this reason, consider setting up a visual barrier that prevents your dog from seeing what's beyond your yard. You can do so by installing a solid fence, such as a wooden one. If you have a chain-link fence or another kind of see-through fence, you could put up a privacy screen. Another idea is to plant dense shrubs that block the view.

3. Signs

To minimize the potential of any trouble, contemplate putting up signs on your property that alert others to your dog's presence. When people see your signs, they may realize that they shouldn't get too close and potentially agitate your dog.

4. Engaging Toys

It's helpful when dogs can focus their attention on positive behaviors, as this can reduce the chances that they'll engage in negative behaviors. You could think about setting up an area in your yard where your dog can run around and get plenty of exercise. Dog toys can keep many dogs entertained, and when they're happy, they may be less likely to cause trouble.

5. A Comforting Spot

Many dogs also enjoy relaxing. Give some though to the items and configuration your dog might appreciate. Would your dog like a shady place to relax? Does your dog need a small shelter to call his/her own? When your dog feels safe and comfortable, it might showcase fewer aggressive behaviors.

6. Surveillance

You could have greater peace of mind if you can keep an eye on your yard at all times. Of course, that's impossible to do all by yourself. However, if you set up a camera system, you'll be able to see everything. Some camera systems can continuously record, notify you when movement is detected, and/or provide access to a live video feed.

You may want to set up your home similarly. Consider investing in a crate, kennel, and/or gate so that you can keep your dog contained whenever necessary. Also, remember that your dog might appreciate having a cozy, comfortable area to rest in, as well as interactive toys that can keep him/her busy. Some people like to reward their dogs when they're engaging in positive behavior, and this might be something you'd like to implement as well.

If your dog ever does bite someone, be ready to jump into action. Secure your dog in a contained area to prevent further issues. This could help you keep other people as well as your dog safer. Then, assess the condition of the person who was bitten. They might require professional medical attention, or they might need minor assistance. At the very least, cleaning up the bite could reduce the chance of infection. Note that you may need to report the incident to the local authorities in some cases. If this were to apply to your situation, be open and honest about what happened. No matter what, be willing to make changes to reduce the risk of another incident.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Law Offices of Mitchell R. Fried