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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 may work 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 talcum powder or orange peels sprinkled along the borders of your garden. Pet repellents that you spray on plants can be purchased at local nurseries. Also, planting your plants closer together will help deter areas that might be used as a potty box by felines. Removing the kitty poo is a must since you don't want to entice other kitties to start using the area.
Like every healthy relationship there should be a little compromise. If you're like me your pets mean just as much or more to you than your garden. Implementing them into your garden design can make everything easier down the road.
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