Before you start planting or building, landscape architect Phillip Withers suggests mapping out high-traffic areas – of both paws and feet – and creating pathways out of gravel or stone to save wearing out grass. “Consider tough plants that can withstand active dogs smashing through them,” he suggests.

Take this writer’s lived experience. After years of reseeding grass and replanting bushes to undo the craters left by our enthusiastic digger called Frank, we’ve reworked a few areas of our garden to cater to his natural golden retriever tendencies, rather than battle against them. For us, that’s meant installing pavers along his running track and loosening the soil in an out-of-sight area to give him his own dedicated digging patch. Finally, we’re able to come home to a pothole-free yard and give our loveable goofball a pat.

“Often dogs try to dig to irrigation pipes that flow with water – it becomes an adventure – so make sure that irrigation pipes are dug in properly,” Withers adds.

At the same time, it’s important we maintain secure fencing so our pets stay home. “For dogs, that means no holes and no splintered wood that they could injure themselves on,” says Dr Jessica Wilde, Head of Veterinary Services at The Lost Dogs Home. “For cats who can jump, you can fence them in with some netting to keep them in your own space.”

And just as we might set up trampolines or slides to keep our children entertained, Dr Wilde says we need to think about keeping boisterous animals busy. “If they’re a digger, you might take them somewhere they can dig regularly, like the beach, or construct a sandpit and bury some balls or treats to make it exciting for the dog,” she suggests. “Make sure the dog’s got plenty of things to do while you’re not there. Regular walks and having regular interaction with them is important too.”