Protecting Your Pooch and Your Garden With Expert Care, Part 2

You feel like you have tried everything; and, no matter what, your dog continues to tear up your beautiful garden. You have worked so hard, but now you are back at the beginning. Maybe you have identified the reason your pooch is digging, but your efforts to stop the problem at the source have failed. Sometimes you just have to move on and try new things.

Putting up a fence isn’t always a bad thing. If designed with time and taste, a fence can add to the beauty of your garden. Yes, it can be expensive; but, it will allow you to spend less time redoing what you have already done and more time focusing on the garden itself. Look for fencing that compliments your home. You can put up an iron fence, a white picket fence, a wooden fence, or anything else you desire. Some garden lovers recommend deer fencing, because it is fairly unnoticeable. The fencing looks similar to mesh, is easy to put up, and is much less expensive than traditional fencing. Whatever you choose, make sure that your dog will not be able to jump over the fence. If he can climb over or crouch under, then the presence of the fence is pointless. If fencing is not an option, then at least consider protecting each individual plant with chicken wire or deer fencing.

Putting up fencing is beneficial in other ways. Fences can help protect your dog from what may be inside the garden. There are numerous plants that are poisonous to animals. Although it is not ideal to have the plants and the animals in the same household, sometimes one may slip by or you may need to plant it anyway. In cases such as these, a fence can keep your dog from eating a poisonous plant. You may also choose to use fertilizers, pesticides, or similar chemicals in your garden. These chemicals can also be fatal to animals; so, once again, a fence proves its use.

Once you put up fencing, then you may have to reorganize your garden. It is important that you do not have plants close to the fence. A curious dog will be tempted by the close proximity of the plant and try his hardest to get to it. Keeping the plant away from the fence also ensures that other animals cannot access the greenery. You can plant shrubs around the outside perimeter of the fence to deter your pet. Depending on the location of the garden, shrubbery can add more beauty to the area.

Installing a fence around your garden is not assurance that your pet will stay out. You should continue to practice proper training with your pet. Let him know that not only the garden but also the fence are off limits. Establish a border area outside the fence, and do not let your pooch inside the area. Continue practicing voice commands when you are near the fence. Training is often the best way to combat a problem, even though it can take a while. If you would like for your pet to enter the garden when you are present, then create a walking path. When strolling through, make sure your dog sticks to the path. This is a great time to practice and further establish voice commands. When watering, weeding, or planting, do not allow your pet to watch what you are doing. He’ll want to be near you and do what you do. Make sure that your dog does not have access to the area when you are not present. A bored or overly energetic dog may resort to digging, so it is not uncommon for your pet to beat the protectiveness of the fence. Keeping your dog occupied, exercised, and providing an adequate amount of attention can help keep his mind elsewhere.

When combating the source of the digging problem is not enough, you may have to resort to fencing. Fencing can be a compliment to your garden, but it can be expensive. However, the presence of a fence can also protect your pooch from chemicals or poisonous plants inside the garden. Keeping plants away from the perimeter of the fence and continuing to teach your pooch voice commands are great tools to help establish and maintain garden rules. This article was provided by PET-SUPER-STORE.COM a site featuring dog training products from PetSafe Radio Fence, Innotek and Tri-Tronics.