Tips to Preventing Your Dog From Digging Up Your Garden

Dogs are notorious for digging in the garden. This drives most owners crazy. They spend days and even weeks planting their gardens, only to have their dogs dig them up. There are ways to keep the dog from do this though. They are constantly trying to find ways to prevent their pooch from digging up their plantings. Below are some tips to help.

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Make your dog its own dig area. Similar to a sandbox but can be with dirt. In this area bury dog toys and dog treats. Soon they learn this is their area to dig in. Just make sure to mix in new dog treats from time to time. There are chemical mixtures sold to put on your garden area to keep the dogs out of them. They are perfectly safe to the animals and are designed to last for several months. Check at your local plant nurseries to see if they carry these mixtures. Moth balls or crystals in the garden help to repel dogs and other animals away from this area. Don't leave these in full view though if you have kids; cover them with a bit of dirt. Alum powder spread on the garden is another dog deterrent. Spend more time outdoors with your dog so that you can do some hands-on training. Gently reprimand the dog if it goes to dig in your garden or flower beds. Examine what you are using to fertilize your garden. Animals can be drawn to garden areas fertilized with manure products. Change to a plant compost material if this is your problem. Also blood meal can attract animals, look for alternatives. Be sure whatever you use though is safe for your dog. Oil of clove can be put around in your garden and even your potted plants. Some people put the oil on cotton balls and then lightly cover them with dirt. You can always fence in your garden areas with chicken wire to keep the dogs out. This is particular good for large areas. Exercise the dog by taking them for walks or playing ball with them. They might be digging because they are bored. Also they will have less excess energy after being exercised. This could lead to a nap instead of digging. Sometimes simply having the dog spayed or neutered will stop the digging. Sometimes the urge to mate drives the dogs to doing the digging. Another thing that may work with dogs is burying chicken wire where they dig. They may not like when they hit into the wire and change to another area of the yard to dig. These are just a few tips for preventing your dog from digging up your garden. You can probably come up with a few of your own solutions too. Whichever way you choose, just make sure your dog is safe. You need to know as a dog owner that some breeds are also more inclined to dig than others. Some breeds for years have been bred to dig into animal burrows as hunting dogs.

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Tips to Preventing Your Dog From Digging Up Your Garden

Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts an online dog boutique - the place to shop for dog gifts and unique dog toys.

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Preventing Dog Bites and Aggressive Behavior

Dogs can make a wonderful addition to any family. They provide continuous love, companionship, and even protection. However, it is important to always remember that while we may think our pets are perfect creatures incapable of inflicting harm, they are still animals that have natural instincts that can manifest in aggressive behavior towards strangers, other dogs, or even their owners.

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An estimated 800,000 Americans seek medical attention each year for injuries connected with dog bites. In light of this statistic, it is important to not only be aware of how to avoid dog bite injuries, but what to do if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog.

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Before You Get Your Dog

If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, there are some safety facts to consider before making this important decision:

· What type of breed will fit your family best? You should speak to a professional about different types of dog breeds. Some breeds are genetically more aggressive than others, and some breeds are known to not respond well to children. You will want to consider all of these factors when choosing a dog.

· If you have children, are they old enough to have a dog? You will want to make sure your children are not likely to harass or harm your dog, as this may provoke aggressive behavior in the dog that will be directed at your children.

Once You Have Chosen a Dog

After finding the perfect fit for your family, there are a number of things you can do to curb aggressive behavior in your dog and reduce the likelihood of biting.

· Have your dog spayed or neutered as soon as they are old enough. This will curb some aggressive behavior at a young age.

· Make sure your dog knows that you are the dominant figure in the household. They may want to become territorial, and you need to reinforce that you are in control.

· Do not play aggressive games with your dog. Excessive running inside or wrestling will only encourage aggressive behavior.

· Enroll your dog in obedience training.

Dog Bite Prevention

By following the above steps, you will hopefully curb aggressive behavior in your dog before problems occur. To further prevent injuries, here are some final things you can do to avoid dog bites:

· Do not run away from a dog or make sudden movements

· Be careful around unfamiliar dogs, and do not approach one

· Do not make eye contact with a dog

· If a dog is eating, sleeping or taking care of puppies, do not disturb them.

If you would like more information on dog bite safety or dog bit injuries, contact the Minneapolis dog bite lawyers of Terry & Slane, P.L.L.C. today.

Preventing Dog Bites and Aggressive Behavior

Joseph Devine

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