How to Keep Dogs Out of Mulched Flower Beds

Dogs love to dig, but you may not always like where your dog chooses to do so. One of the reasons your dog might be prone to digging in your flower bed is because the dirt is soft, which makes digging easier and more fun, and because you may have used fertilizer, to which your dog is attracted. Even if you lay mulch over your flower bed, your dog may still be anxious to get in there and dig up all your freshly planted flowers. With just a little time and effort, you can keep your dog out of your mulched flower bed.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft dirt or sand
  • Coarse mulch
  • Dog toys and treats
  • Fence or retaining blocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your dog. Dogs that respond to simple commands like "sit," "stay" and "lie down" are much more likely to stay out of your flower bed when you want them to. Teach these commands with positive reinforcement. When your dog understand and follows the command, reward him with attention and perhaps a treat. Then, when he's in the garden, you can use these commands so he stays still and doesn't dig, but still can spend time with you.

    • 2

      Supervise your dog while in the yard. If he knows basic commands, you will be able to keep him out of your mulched flower bed when he's in the yard.

    • 3

      Give your dog a spot in your yard to dig. This way, he'll be less likely to dig through the mulch to get to the soft garden dirt. Set up an area with soft dirt or sand in your backyard and allow him to dig there. If he goes near the garden, use the "stay" command to keep him out. Encourage your dog to use his area by rewarding him when he does and by making it more attractive by placing a dog bone or treats in the dirt.

    • 4

      Change your mulch. If you have a soft mulch in your garden, this may be encouraging your dog to dig there. Switch to a hard or coarse mulch that you would not want to walk on in your bare feet. This will discourage your dog from walking on it to dig.

    • 5

      Make the atmosphere in your backyard pleasant and stimulating for your dog. Dogs might dig when they're bored, lonely, hot or in need of exercise. Play with your dog and give him plenty of toys to keep him from being bored. Give him lots of attention so he's not lonely. Make sure there's a cool spot in the yard for him to retreat to on a hot day, and make sure he gets plenty of exercise every day.

    • 6

      Block off your garden from your dog if nothing else works. A fence or retaining blocks can keep your dog out of the garden. Make sure your dog is not able to jump over the barrier you use to block off the garden.