Plant Doctor Archive

Discouraging dogs

Question WE’VE got a 1-year-old dog that seems to pull out our rose bushes just because she can. She’s also keen on digging up my bulbs. I’ve tried using her own droppings in the garden, but she’s not phased. I’ve tried set but unbaited mouse traps, but once they’ve snapped shut she goes right on digging around them. Any advice?

Answer INGRID Ennis, dog lover and horticulturist suggests:

To protect the rose bushes you could try putting a small barrier between the dog and the plant, a lowish fence or screen, or another plant. It could be that just screening them from her sight may be enough.

To protect the bulbs you could put a section of wire netting over them, about 1–2 cm below the soil surface which will discourage your dog from digging them up.

Some people recommend sprinkling cayenne pepper over the soil to deter cats — it may work with dogs also.

Another thing is to give your dog lots to do in the garden, such as bones to chew, toys to play with etc, to distract from these other activities.

Good luck with that!