How do you prevent ticks?

There is a really good article on Fleas and Ticks by Bark. I've quoted some of the pertinent information below.

So, the key to successful tick control lies in your own back yard, where about 75 percent of tick bites are said to occur. Seeing one tick is not enough to launch weapons. Signs of deer near your home, though, may be an important clue. To discourage ticks and their hosts, mow regularly, remove weeds and leaves, and make sure garbage and composting containers are rodent-proof. Prevention might also mean removing exotic vegetation or other welcoming habitat. Invasive bush honeysuckle and Japanese barberry, for example, attract white-tailed deer and mice (and thus, their ticks), a study found.

Flea and tick medicine is cheap and sold at Walmart. Use monthly and follow directions carefully according to dog weight. Don't wash your dog immediately before or after applying. I also lay down tick/bug preventer around yard border. Some people swear by lavender or cedar chips in bedding.