How to Keep Dogs From Digging in Flower Gardens

Keep your dog from digging in your flower garden.

Although they are man's best friend, canines severely damage flower beds and gardens, putting an end to months' worth of effort. They view flower gardens as a personal opportunity to dig, stomp, chew and trample, destroying precious flowers that were once a gardener's pride. Whether your dog digs to expend excess energy, cure boredom or to expose cool soil in the summer, prevent it immediately before the digging becomes a habit. Although the process seems hard, determination and patience on your part can help the canine live with your attractive flowers without the urge to dig them out.

Things You'll Need

• Fence
• Ball or Frisbee
• Motion- or light-activated deterrent system
• Red pepper
• Cumin
• Alcohol
• Cayenne pepper
• Shovel
• Sand
• Mud
• Doggy toys and treats

Instructions

1. Fence the flower garden to prevent entry to the canine. Whether it's your pet or your neighbor's that likes to frequent your flowers, installing a barrier that impedes access deters the animal. Install a wooden or wire mesh fence or any type that prohibits entry. Keep it high so the canine cannot jump over it, and bury the lower side into the soil so the dog cannot wriggle or dig its way through.

2. Walk the canine around the block at short intervals during the day to direct its energy elsewhere. Instead of one or two long walks during the day, break up the schedule to include many smaller walks. Take a ball or Frisbee along if there is a local park nearby and play a quick game with your dog to help it exert its energy.

3. Put a motion-activated light or sound system in your flower garden. These commercially available systems are easy to install and designed to startle the target with sudden light or sound, driving it out of the area. For instance, an unexpected spray of water startles the canine and discourages it from visiting the garden again. Alternate the activity every time so the dog does not become accustomed to it.

4. Sprinkle crushed red pepper and cumin throughout the flower garden. Alternatively, spray flowers with alcohol and cayenne pepper that induces the sniffing dog to sneeze, discouraging it from visiting again.

5. Grow thorny rose bushes, cacti and other plants with large thorns around the perimeter of your garden. The dog may successfully cross the sharp, injurious barrier, but it will think several times before opting for it again.

6. Make a special mud or sand pit for your dog where it can dig and expend its energy. Dig a trench on a side of your garden large enough for your dog to roll over easily. Add sand for drainage before packing the trench with mud or sand. Place a few of the dog's favorite toys and treats to encourage it to use the pit and become accustomed to it.

References

• Dog Topics: How to Stop Your Dog Digging up the Flower Beds
• The Daily Puppy: Tops to Keep Dogs Out of Flower Beds