Dogs are notorious for being plant killers. If left alone in the yard, they will quickly destroy any and all plants in their vicinity. But there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. In this post, we will discuss some of the best ways to stop your dog from destroying plants.
Why Do Dogs Love to Destroy Plants?
When a dog chews on or digs up plants, it can be frustrating for the owners who have to constantly replant or tend to the damage. But it’s important to remember that this behavior is usually not malicious – most dogs do it out of boredom, curiosity, or a need for attention.
The following are some possible reasons behind your dog’s planet-destroying behavior:
Boredom: Dogs can get bored just like humans, and when they’re bored they often look for things to do – even if that means destroying your beloved plants.
If your dog is left alone in the yard for long periods of time, they may start digging or chewing on plants out of boredom.
Curiosity: Dogs are curious creatures by nature, and they may chew on or dig up plants simply because they’re curious about them. This is especially true for young puppies who are exploring the world around them for the first time.
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Power of Emulation: Have you ever noticed that your dog often does things that you do? This is because dogs are highly social creatures and they learn by observing and imitating those around them.
If you’re constantly digging in the dirt or pulling up plants, your dog is likely to start doing the same thing.
Attention-seeking: Some dogs may destroy plants as a way to get attention from their owners. If you tend to scold your dog when they damage plants, they may see it as a way to get your attention – even if that attention is negative.
Possible Tummy Troubles: Some dogs may eat plants because they’re actually hungry, or because they have an upset stomach. If your dog is constantly chewing on or eating plants, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues.
A Combo of Factors: It’s also possible that your dog is destroying plants for a combination of reasons. For example, they may be bored and looking for something to do, but they may also be seeking attention from you.
How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Plants
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons behind your dog’s plant-destroying behavior, let’s talk about how to stop it. The following are some tips to help you keep your plants safe from harm:
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Provide an alternative
If your dog is bored or curious, give them something else to focus their attention on. This could be a chew toy, a food puzzle toy, or even just a bone. By redirecting their attention, you can keep them from destroying your plants.
Increase exercise
A tired dog is a good dog. If your dog has too much energy, they may start destroying plants as a way to release that energy. Make sure you’re giving them enough exercise – a long walk or run each day should do the trick.
Create a barrier
If your dog is constantly digging up or chewing on plants, you may need to create a physical barrier to keep them away. This could be a fence around the garden, chicken wire around individual plants, or even just rocks placed in the dirt.
Use aversion techniques
There are a variety of aversion techniques you can use to deter your dog from destroying plants. This could include spraying them with water, using an ultrasonic device, or even giving them a taste of their own medicine (bitter apple spray works well for this).
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Keep Your Dog Confined
If all else fails, you may need to keep your dog confined to a smaller area where they can’t reach the plants. This could be a dog run, a section of the yard fenced off, or even just keeping them on a leash when they’re outside.
While it’s important to remember that most dogs don’t destroy plants out of malice, it can still be frustrating and costly to deal with the damage. By understanding the reasons behind the behavior and taking steps to prevent it, you can keep your plants safe from harm – and save yourself some money in the process.
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Monitor your dog
If you can’t be outside with your dog, make sure you’re monitoring them closely. This could mean using a pet cam, hiring a dog walker, or just asking a neighbor to keep an eye on them.
With a little patience and some training, you can help your dog learn to leave your plants alone. Just remember to be consistent with your efforts and remain calm – getting angry will only make the situation worse. Good luck!
