Carolyn Jean Upshaw Discusses How to Pet-Proof a Garden

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 01, 2013

Carolyn Jean Upshaw, who trains and boards dogs, is offering comment on a new piece from The Huffington Post that explains how to go about pet-proofing a garden. Many gardeners who are also animal lovers run into trouble when their four-legged friends view the crops as the perfect spot to dig.

Cheryl S. Smith, who is a dog behavior expert and the author of Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs comments on dogs and gardens stating, "Breed can matter. Sighthounds, as long as they are given space to run, are really couch potatoes in between their spurts of activity. They generally love to sunbathe. Some of the small breeds specifically meant to be companions, such as Tibetan spaniels and Maltese, can have low or no impact on the gardens. On the other hand, terriers are quite literally 'earth dogs' and inclined to dig and chase vermin. Dachshunds go right along with them."

For those who are frustrated at seeing their hard work get dug up by excited dogs, there are some at-home solutions. An individual can check the property and take note of the areas where the dog has already created a path. By planning the garden around these paths, it is easy to plant flowers or vegetables without feeling frustrated as the canine tramples on these spots. Many dog-loving gardeners turn their pet's paths into part of the garden by laying stepping stones or mulch there.

When dogs continually run through vegetable gardens and flowerbeds, the American Kennel Club recommends putting up boundaries for the animal using picket fences and vocal commands. A pet parent must also take time to let pooch know exactly where he can and cannot tread in the garden. Just like housebreaking an animal, this kind of instruction takes patience, but pays off in the end once the dog learns what is expected of him or her.

Carolyn Jean Upshaw comments on this advice. "While the problem of a dog trampling in a garden is frustrating, it is really no different than when a pooch decides to make the living room carpet his bathroom. A pet owner must have patience when it comes to breaking the animal of this behavior. Providing thorough instruction about what is acceptable helps the dog to learn what not to do, therefore keeping a garden safe from sharp canine claws."

Dog owners are also advised to leave a bare patch of dirt in the yard where the animal can sunbathe and play without repercussions. This area should give the dog plenty of room to roam, without danger of the animal coming into contact with delicate vegetation. A person can use a tree stump or boulder as a marking area for the dog.

Carolyn Jean Upshaw advises, "In many instances, the most successful way to keep a dog out of a garden is by giving the pet other space nearby where they can play and rest freely. This helps to divert the pooch's attention away from the fragile garden." Carolyn Jean Upshaw recommends that pet owners take time to get the animal accustomed to their own space, so they will feel comfortable playing and sleeping there.

ABOUT:

Carolyn Jean Upshaw is the founder of Sit and Shake Dog Training. The facility offers obedience classes for puppies and adult dogs, and also provides agility training. Carolyn and her team do one-on-one lessons, as well as group classes. Carolyn regularly helps pet owners break their dogs of bad habits and learn ideal social behavior, all while helping the two form a strong bond.

Website: http://carolynjeanupshaw.com