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Fido Was First
Fido or the garden, which came first? If your pet has
been ruling the roost don’t expect him to be crazy about sharing his space
with flowers. Be aware of favorite lookout points, favorite pee spots, and
heavy traffic areas. If you want to save yourself some time and anguish
don’t plant your prize plant where he relieves himself every morning.
Creating pathways from existing routes can help immensely so that they stay
on the right path. A little compromise can go a long way towards solving
problems in the future.
New Dog Introduced to An Old Garden
Animals can be trained to stay out of flowerbeds
without use of abuse or constant scolding. Pets become confused when we are
angry and are more likely learn from positive words of encouragement than
angry words or abusive behavior. When training my own dogs I established
borders around the flowerbeds. You can use a simple brick border,
landscaping timbers, or low decorative fence. I developed the general
philosophy that if the dog has to lift their paw even a little bit to enter
a bed takes more effort and thought than no border at all. If they enter the
garden demand in a firm voice that they, “Get Out”. Once the animal has left
the bed reward the animal with a few praises for being good. If the animal
doesn’t budge physically remove the pet from the garden and place it in a
neutral zone. (For those of you with Great Danes I apologize since this
clearly will be a problem.) Never chase the dog because it will assume you
want to play and innocent flowers will be trampled.
Cats
Cats on the other hand are a different story. They are
more likely to blatantly ignore your commands, be a menace to backyard
wildlife and use your mulch as kitty litter. Keeping your feline friend
indoors is the best bet if you are trying to attract anything that moves to
your garden. If neighborhood cats are your problem I suggest good old
squealing. No, I don’t mean running after them while squealing like a pig,
although that works too. Many cities have leash laws, believe it or not,
even for cats. Because felines can sometimes be a nuisance some cities would
like owners to keep cats indoors. Ask your neighbor to keep his/her pet
inside and if they ignore your request send in the law. If you aren’t one
for starting feuds with your neighbors there are a few things you can try to
get the cat to move on, and perhaps your garden will become one of its least
favorite spots.
Unusual but Peaceful Ways
Spray a little water at the cat. Not home? Install
motion detectors to the sprinkler, also works on unwanted flower pickers.
Other deterrents are talcom powder or mothballs sprinkled along the borders
of your garden. Pet repellents that you spray on plants can be purchased at
local nurseries. Electronic devices can be used to annoy animals so that
they leave the area. I would not use the electronic devices if it were a pet
of yours that is restrained to the yard. It is cruel to electronically repel
the animal if it has no place to go. Finally, planting your plants closer
together will help deter areas that might be used as a potty box by felines.
Advice contributed by 'Boo' |
