People who love dogs and love gardening are often faced with a dilemma. How do you keep your garden safe from your mischievous troublemaker? The last thing you want is for your dog to trample through your garden, digging up delicate flowers and trampling seedlings. On the other hand, how do you ensure that nothing in your garden is harmful to your beloved pet? This article will give you some tips for both.
Making Your Garden Dog-Proof
Here are some tips on keeping your garden safe from your dog.
Dog Training
One of the best ways to keep your garden safe from your dog is to train them. You can start with basic commands like sit and stay. Once your dog has mastered these commands, you can then move on to teaching them not to dig in the garden or to chase after wildlife.
If you have difficulty training your dog, get help from a professional dog trainer. Find one who will also coach you on how to train your dog so that you can continue adding commands. With patience and consistency, you can train your dog to respect your garden space and keep your plants safe.
Fencing
Another way to keep your garden safe from your dog is to fence it off. Choose a high enough fence so that your dog cannot jump over it, and make sure that the gate is always locked.
You can even make the fence and gate decorative to enhance the look of your garden. Depending on the style of your house and garden, you can make a picket fence and matching gate, use iron grills, or a combination of a low stone wall and a wooden gate.
Dog-Proofing Your Compost Bin
If you have a compost bin, make sure to dog-proof it. Dogs are attracted to the smell of rotting food and may dig through the bin to get to it. To prevent this, make sure the bin is securely covered and that there is no way for your dog to get inside.
Keeping Your Dog Entertained
One of the best ways to keep your dog from getting into mischief in the garden is to make sure they are entertained. This can be done by providing them with toys and regularly taking them for walks.
Including Your Dog in Garden Activities
While you are gardening, let your dog play outside the fenced garden area. That will help tire them out and stop them from getting into mischief. It will also strengthen your connection and bond while establishing clear boundaries.
Ensuring a Dog-Friendly Garden
Dogs have an innate sense of curiosity, and gardens are full of new and interesting smells, textures, and tastes. Unfortunately, many of them can be poisonous. Here are some tips to ensure that your garden is safe for your dog.
Checking for Toxic Plants
Many common plants are toxic to dogs if they ingest them. These include azaleas, chrysanthemums, rhododendrons, and wisterias. If you are unsure whether a plant is safe for your dog, check with your veterinarian or do an online search.
It is best to avoid having these plants even if your garden is fenced off. There is always a possibility that your dog can slip through, and a single instance can have dire results.
Checking for Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to dogs if they ingest them. It is best to avoid using these products altogether. Look for non-toxic alternatives to drive away pests and weeds.
For instance, you can use vinegar, soap, and gin as alternative herbicides. A mixture of liquid soap and hot pepper can be an alternative pesticide.
Creating a Dog-Friendly Outdoor Area
Now that you know how to make your garden safe for your dog, you can start making a dog-friendly outdoor area. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Creating a Play Area
Create a designated dog-friendly area in your garden where they can run around and dig without damaging anything. This must be fenced off from the garden but adjacent to it so that your dog can be near you while you are gardening.
Dogs need this outdoor space to get adequate sunlight and fresh air and stay healthy. They also need to expend excess energy and explore their surroundings.
Adding a Dog House or Bed
One way to make your outdoor space more comfortable for your dog is to add a roofed dog house or bed. This will give them a place to rest and escape the heat while playing outside.
It is important to choose a location that is not in direct sunlight and is well-ventilated. You can also put a bed in your garden shed for your dog to sleep in if you do not want a dog house.
Adding a Water Bowl
Another way to make the outdoor play area more comfortable for your dog is to include a water bowl. This will ensure that they stay hydrated when they are outside. Make sure to clean the bowl regularly and refill it with fresh water.
It is important to choose a size and appropriate material for your dog. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best since they cannot be tipped over easily.
Enjoy Your Dog and Your Garden
Making a dog-proof and dog-friendly garden is possible with careful planning and consideration. By following the tips above, you can create a safe and fun space in your yard. There will be something for you and your dog to enjoy separately and together.
