Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by ellen
Wondering how to keep dogs out of the garden? Check out these tips to keep dogs out of your yard and garden.
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How to Keep Dogs out of the Garden
If you enjoy gardening, it can be frustrating to find dog poop in your garden or yard. Or, even worse, you may find that a neighbor’s dog has destroyed something you planted.
Or, you may have a dog of your own and want to restrict their access to your garden. Either way, there are ways that you can discourage dogs from going into your garden.
What can I put in my garden to keep dogs away?
There are some deterrents that you can put in your garden to keep dogs away. You can buy commercial products or make your own.
One of the easiest and least expensive ways is to scatter citrus peels or use citrus oil to create a perimeter around the area where you don’t want dogs to go.
You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or garlic powder around the perimeter. This will give off an unpleasant smell and taste that dogs may find unappealing.
You can also plant certain plants that have a strong scent to repel dogs, such as marigolds, lavender, mint, and lemongrass.
If you have a larger area, you can also consider using an electric fence to establish a perimeter that dogs cannot cross.
What smells will keep dogs away?
Dogs have highly sensitive noses, so using certain smells can be an effective way to keep them away from your garden.
Citrus peels and oils, as well as garlic powder and cayenne pepper, will all give off strong odors that dogs don’t like.
You can also use commercial products such as citronella oil and special dog repellent sprays to create an invisible barrier.
Planting certain herbs, such as mint, lavender, and lemongrass, can also help by giving off a scent that dogs don’t like.
What else can I do to repel dogs?
There are a few other things you can do to help keep dogs out of your garden, such as installing physical barriers.
You can put up a fence around the perimeter of your garden or yard to physically block them from entering.
You can also use motion-activated sprinklers or lights to startle the dogs and make them think twice before entering your garden.
Some people have had luck with using coyote urine to scare dogs away. This will also deter deer, cats, and wildlife.
Finally, you can train your own dog to stay away from certain areas of your yard by using positive reinforcement and rewards when they follow directions.
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Can I use ultrasonic sound waves?
Check local ordinances to see if you can use ultrasonic deterrents in your area. This will keep dogs out of your flower beds, but it also deters other critters that belong in the wildlife.
Best dog repellent to keep dogs out of your garden
Vinegar works quite well to keep a stray dog out of your garden. However, you will need to apply it again each time it rains.
You can also sprinkle coffee grounds around the perimeter of your garden. This is one of my favorite home remedies as it makes great plant based fertilizer.
Most dog repellents will deter dogs if the smell is strong enough. But, it’s not going to last forever.
Plants that keep dogs out of your front yard
Certain plants can be used to keep dogs out of your garden. Marigolds, lavender, mint, and lemongrass are all good choices.
These plants have a strong scent that most dogs don’t like and will repel them from the area. These plants also attract beneficial insects which help protect your other plants from pests.
You might also want to consider planting prickly or thorny plants like raspberry bushes. This can detract from your curb appeal if not cared for properly. But, it makes a great natural barrier.
Install motion activated lawn sprinklers
Motion activated lawn sprinklers are another way to keep dogs out of your garden.
When the dog enters the area, it will trigger a spray of water from the motion activated sprinkler, startling them and making them think twice about entering again.
However, you should be careful with where you place these sprinklers as they can startle other animals or unsuspecting people.
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Protect plants with chicken wire
If you have certain plants or areas of your garden that you don’t want dogs to get into, you can protect them with chicken wire.
This is a sturdy and effective way to keep the dogs away from those specific areas while still allowing them access to the rest of your garden.
It also helps deter other animals that might try to get into your garden, such as rabbits and birds.
Create a pooch path
If you are open to having dogs in the garden but don’t want them to trample all over your plants, you can create a pooch path.
This is an area dedicated entirely to dogs where they can run around and play without destroying any of your plants or flowers.
This will help keep both the plants and the dogs safe while still allowing your furry friends to enjoy your garden.
Adding these unique solutions to keeping dogs out of your garden will help keep both the plants and pooches happy. They will ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the outdoor space without fear of damage or injury.
What else can I do to keep dogs out of my garden?
In addition to using deterrents and fencing, there are other ways you can discourage dogs from entering your garden.
Make sure that dog waste is cleaned up promptly, as this can attract more stray dogs.
If you have a dog of your own and don’t want them in the garden, ensure that they are properly trained and supervised when outdoors.
Provide toys or other activities to keep them busy and away from the garden. You may also want to consider installing motion-activated sprinklers or alarms that will scare the dog away if it enters your garden.
Finally, talk to your neighbors and make sure they are aware of any restrictions you have on dogs in your area. If all else fails, talk to your animal control department for their help.
By following these steps, you can keep passing dogs out of your garden and enjoy a beautiful yard free from destruction. It’s not likely you will prevent dogs from entering the entire lawn, but it should discourage them from your garden.
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.