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Dog vs. your garden!…Management and/or Training
I’m not a gardener myself any more, but am asking for a client of mine who’s looking to take on a professionally landscaped front garden bed. She has someone who has designed it and is going to do the work, but they are first-time dog owners and have a year old hound-Lab mix (Opal). We’ve done basic obedience privately with Opal, but she’s got the hound nose…
My thoughts are that this is a good opportunity to manage with creative garden fencing. I’ve also been thinking we need to teach boundaries to keep her out of those areas.
Wondering if anyone has other ways/ideas on dogs and gardening?!
Thanks so much!
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5 Replies
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Gardens and landscaping can be a big investment of time and money (it sounds like this one may be both) so I like your idea of management with a fence.
Training for these types of situations is tricky because even if you do a good job of teaching the dog not to dig, chew, or run after critters when you’re present – how often will the dog be unsupervised in this area? The behavior can change very quickly when no one is there, especially instinctual behaviors like digging, chewing and chasing.
I would also want to know the dog’s typical behavior patterns in the yard. If Opal is not much of a digger, chewer or chaser, it could be lower risk.
With my own dogs, if they start digging and I’m there to request that they stop, they’ll stop quickly. But if I’m not there, and there’s a good smell under the dirt, they see no reason to hold back! ???? -
@bernerlabreclectus This is a hard one depending on what the dogs enjoys doing like @david said. I agree with supervision in that area, it will have to be a must and management with a leash when they are near the area with training eventually like you said. Maybe a good leave it cue. Also if the dog likes to dig or what not. Maybe a kiddie pool or something filled with dirt in a whole different area they can play and dig in to get that enjoyment. Even hiding treats or treasures they can dig up. Just a thought… keep us posted what works, I would like to know if I come across this in the future:)
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@bernerlabreclectus I echo what David and Krista have said, and add that they might consider (before planting!) Opal’s running path and where she hangs out. Make the landscaping fit her activity, rather than the other way ’round. For example, plant bushes 2 feet away from the fencing and leave a path along the fence for her to run along and sniff. Don’t put high-dollar plants in high-traffic areas. Safeguard the “best” plants with boulders and use thorny plants as barriers where dogs are not wanted. There are landscape designers (and entire Pintrest lists) for dog-friendly ideas. You may find another pass at design to be helpful before they try to change the dog’s behavior.
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I am seeing a lucrative side-gig as a dog-friendly landscaping planner for you @catherine!
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You would not say such things, if you ever saw my backyard! @jenwalker ????
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