How to Keep Dogs Out of the Garden?

Do you have a dog that loves to dig in your garden? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves dealing with this issue. Dogs love to dig in the dirt, and they can be very destructive when it comes to gardens. In this article, we will discuss some tips for keeping dogs out of the garden. We’ll cover everything from fences to plants that will keep them away. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your garden without worrying about your dog!

Why You Should Keep Dogs Out of Your Garden

Dogs are beloved pets for many people, but they can be a nightmare for gardeners. Dogs are intelligent animals and can learn quickly. They also have a strong sense of smell. This means that they can easily find things that interest them, including food in the garden. Dogs are attracted to gardens for many reasons. Some dogs like to dig, and some are just curious about what’s going on in the garden. But no matter what the reason, it’s important to keep dogs out of the garden so they don’t damage your plants.

They can trample your plants

Dogs are much larger than most garden pests, so they can do a lot more damage to your plants. They can trample delicate seedlings, dig up bulbs, and chew on leaves and stems. This can ruin your hard work in the garden and set you back weeks or even months.

They can also attract other pests

Even if your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t damage your plants, they can still attract other pests to your garden. Dogs often bring fleas and ticks into the garden, which can then infest your plants. Additionally, their waste can attract rodents like rats and mice that will also damage your plants.

They can dig your garden

Dogs love to dig. It’s one of their favorite things to do. And if you have a garden, chances are they’re going to try to dig in it.

They can dig your garden

This can be a big problem because dogs can easily damage your plants. They can also spread diseases and pests that can harm your plants.

They can eat on your plants

The next reason why you should keep dogs out of your garden is because they can eat on your plants. Dogs are attracted to gardens because they can find food there. If you have a garden full of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, then your dog will be tempted to eat them. Dogs can also dig up roots and bulbs, which can damage your plants.

General Tips About Keeping Dogs While Having a Garden

Even if your dogs don’t bother your garden, it’s still important to follow these tips to keep them safe while you’re gardening.

Be sure to clean after your dog

This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog safe while you’re gardening. Dogs can easily spread diseases and pests that can harm your plants. So, it’s important to clean up after them. This includes picking up their waste, washing their feet, and brushing their fur.

Don’t use pesticides

Pesticides are poisonous, and they can be harmful to your dog if they eat or play in your garden.

If you must use pesticides, be sure to completely remove them from your garden before letting your dog back in.

Don’t plant poisonous plants

Similarly, you should avoid planting poisonous plants in your garden. Dogs are curious creatures and may try to eat them. Make sure to research which plants are poisonous to dogs before planting them in your garden. [1]

How to Keep Dogs Out of the Garden

Of course, since dogs aren’t always welcome in the garden, you’ll need to take steps to keep them out.

How to Keep Dogs Out of the Garden

However, since dogs aren’t pests, you can’t just use any old pest control method. You’ll need to be creative and come up with some dog-specific solutions.

Install a fence

One of the best ways to keep dogs out of the garden is to install a fence. A fence will keep dogs out of your garden and protect your plants from damage. You can use a variety of different types of fencing, including wood, metal, or plastic. You can use any type of fence, but it should be at least four feet tall so your dog can’t jump over it. You may also want to consider adding a gate so you can easily get in and out of the garden.

Another option is to create a barrier around the perimeter of the garden with chicken wire or another type of fencing material. This will keep your dog from being able to dig under the fence and into the garden.

If the dog is small, make sure the gaps between the slats in the fence are small enough that the dog can’t squeeze through. [1],[2],[3],[4]

Consider raised beds

Raised beds are a great way to keep dogs out of the garden. They provide an extra barrier that dogs can’t get through. Plus, they help to protect your plants from damage. You can build raised beds with wood, metal, or stone.

Another option is to use containers or pots to grow your plants. This will also keep dogs out of the garden and protect your plants.

Just be sure to choose containers that are big enough for your plants and have drainage holes so your plants don’t drown.

You can also use mulch to create a barrier around your plants. This will help to keep the area around your plants free of weeds and pests. Plus, it will add nutrients to the soil. [2]

Install plant barriers

You can also use plants to create a natural fence. Hedge rows are a good option because they’re dense and difficult for dogs to get through. You can also plant thorny bushes around the perimeter of the garden to deter dogs.
Make your dog occupied with something else

If you have a dog, one of the best ways to keep them out of the garden is to provide them with something else to do.

Dogs are curious animals and will often investigate things that interest them.
If you give your dog a toy or a bone to chew on, they’ll be less likely to pay attention to your garden.

You can also try training your dog to stay away from the garden. This may take some time and patience, but it’s worth it if it keeps your dog out of the garden.

Whenever you see your dog in the garden, say “no” in a firm voice and lead them away from the area. Reward them with a treat when they listen to you. With enough practice, your dog will learn to stay away from the garden.

Create a designated area for your dog

Another way to keep dogs out of the garden is to create a designated area for your dog. This can be a fenced-in area where your dog can play and do their business. You can also use this area to train your dog not to go into the garden.

If you don’t have the space for a designated dog area, you can try using a leash or tie-out. This will allow your dog to move around while still keeping them in one place. Just make sure you supervise your dog if they’re on a leash or tie-out so they don’t get into trouble.

Create a designated area for your dog

Don’t forget to design the area with your dog’s needs in mind. Include plenty of toys and water so your dog can stay cool in the summer. You may also want to add a shady spot for them to rest in.

Make sure your dog will be entertained by providing them with toys, such as a chew toy or a ball.[4]

Install a sprinkler

Dogs dislike getting wet, so installing a sprinkler can be an effective way to keep them out of the garden. Motion-activated sprinklers are especially useful because they’ll startle your dog and deter them from entering the area. Sprinklers also have an added benefit of watering your plants.

Just be sure to position the sprinkler so it’s not pointing towards your house or you may end up getting wet, too!

Only use this method if you’re comfortable with getting wet yourself. Dogs may not like getting sprayed with water, but they’ll quickly learn that it’s no big deal if you’re not around to stop them.

Use unfriendly scents for dogs

Dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, so they can be deterred by strong scents. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are a good option. You can either place these fruits around the perimeter of your garden or make a citrus spray to use as a repellent.

To make the citrus spray, mix together one quart of water, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of orange juice. Spray this mixture around the perimeter of your garden. You can also buy commercial dog repellents at your local pet store. [2]

Use spice deterrents

Dogs absolutely hate the smell of certain spices, so you can use this to your advantage. You can use this to your advantage by using spice deterrents.

Cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chili powder are all effective at deterring dogs. Just sprinkle them around the perimeter of your garden. You can also put them in a spray bottle and spritz them on plants that you don’t want dogs to urinate on. Keep in mind that you’ll need to reapply these spices after it rains or if the plants grow too much. [2]

Keep an eye on them

If you are outside with your dog, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times. Dogs can be sneaky and may try to sneak into the garden when you’re not looking.

If you see them sniffing around the garden, or if they start digging, give them a firm “no.”
You may even need to leash them up when you’re outside so that you can better control their movements.

Keep in mind that this method is only temporary. If you really want to keep your dog out of the garden, you’ll need to take some more permanent measures. [3],[4]

Bring some toys for dogs to the garden

Dogs are attracted to gardens because they see it as a place to play. If you provide them with some toys, they’ll be more likely to stay out of the garden. Try putting some toys in the garden itself, or near the entrance. This way, when a dog sees the garden, they’ll see it as a place to play with their new toy, instead of a place to dig up your flowers.

Toys aren’t just for keeping dogs out of the garden, they’re also for keeping them from barking. If you have a dog that likes to bark at people walking by, try giving them a toy that’s specifically designed to keep them occupied. These kinds of toys are usually filled with treats, so the dog has to work to get the treats out. This will keep them from barking, and it will also give them something to do so they’re not as likely to dig in the garden.

Bring some toys for dogs to the garden

Of course, you can’t just leave a toy in the garden and expect the dog to find it. You’ll need to train your dog to stay out of the garden. This is where a lot of people make mistakes. They think that if they just put a fence around the garden, the dog will know not to go in. But dogs are smart, and they quickly learn that if there’s a gap in the fence, they can just squeeze through and get into the garden. So instead of relying on a physical barrier, you need . [1],[2],[3],[4]

Use animal decoy

One way to keep dogs out of the garden is to use an animal decoy. This can be anything from a fake dog to a life-size statue of a coyote. The idea is that the dog will see the decoy and think that there is another animal in the area, which will deter them from entering the garden.

Use ultrasonic deterrents

Dogs have very sensitive hearing, so something as simple as a radio can be effective in keeping them away. Just make sure to keep the volume at a moderate level, so as not to disturb your neighbors.

However nothing can compare to ultrasonic sound emitters. While they won’t harm the dog, they will be very annoying, and hopefully, the dog will stay away from the area.

Use ultrasonic deterrents

There are a few things to keep in mind when using ultrasonic deterrents. First, make sure that the device is actually emitting sound. Some cheaper models don’t work very well. Second, keep in mind that the sound will only travel a short distance. So, if you have a large garden, you may need more than one device. Finally, remember that some dogs are more resistant to these types of devices than others.


FAQ

What is a natural deterrent for dogs?

There are a few things you can do to deter dogs from coming into your garden. One is to use natural deterrents such as citrus peels or vinegar. Another is to use spices such as cayenne pepper. You can also try commercial dog repellents.

How do I keep my dog from digging in my garden?

One way to keep your dog from digging in your garden is to separating the area with a physical barrier such as a fence. You can also try using deterrents as mentioned above. Finally, you can train your dog not to dig in the garden.

What is a good dog repellent?

There are many different dog repellents on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to both dogs and humans, while others simply don’t work.

One of the most effective and safe dog repellents is citrus. Dogs dislike the smell of citrus, so spraying your plants with a citrus-based repellent will help keep them away. You can also try using essential oils, like lavender or peppermint.

How do I stop my dog eating my plants?

The first thing you need to do is identify which plants are toxic to dogs. Once you know which plants are off-limits, you can take steps to make them less appealing to your pup. Try spraying the plants with cayenne pepper or lemon juice, or covering them with coffee grounds. You can also try placing chicken wire around the base of the plant.

Another way to keep your dog away from your plants is to provide them with an alternate food source. Dogs like to chew on things, so give them something else to gnaw on, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or a chew bone.

How do I keep my dog away from an area?

There are a variety of ways that you can keep your dog away from an area. One way is to use physical barriers such as fences or gates. Another way is to use repellents or deterrents such as spray bottles filled with water or vinegar, citrus-scented sprays, or motion-activated sprinklers. You can also train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training.

Useful Video: 10 Surefire Ways to Keep Dogs Out of Your Garden or Flower Beds

Conclusion

Dogs are wonderful animals, but they can wreak havoc on a garden if they’re not kept out. Not only can they dig up delicate plants, but they can also trample them and leave behind unpleasant “deposits.” In this article we have covered a variety of ways to keep dogs out of the garden, from physical barriers to deterrents. Of course you can prevent the issue by properly training your dog, but sometimes that’s not possible. No matter what method you choose, the most important thing is to be consistent. With a little patience and perseverance, you can keep your garden looking beautiful – even with a dog in the house. Do you have any other tips for keeping dogs out of the garden? Share them with us in the comments below! And if you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends on social media. Thank you!


References:

  1. https://www.thespruce.com/keep-dogs-out-of-flower-gardens-39013174
  2. https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/how-to-keep-dogs-out-of-garden/
  3. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/keep-dog-out-of-garden.htm
  4. https://www.k9ofmine.com/how-to-keep-dogs-out-of-garden/