Is There Any Kind of Plant or Herb to Keep Dogs Out of My Yard?

There are two types of yards---yards that keep dogs inside and yards that keep dogs outside. But what happens if yards don't do their job? A lot of money has been spent on fencing to keep dogs in or out. For some reason, using plants or herbs to keep unwanted dogs out of yards has not been popular but is much cheaper, natural and safer.

  1. How Plants and Herbs Repel Dogs

    • Once the neighbor's dog gets into the habit of doing his morning duty in another yard, his behavior needs to be changed as its owner's will not. The most natural way is with herbs and plants. According to Gardening Know How, changing dogs' behavior will take awhile--dogs out of habit will seek familiar scents they are used to.

    Plants

    • Hedges are one possibility; dogs do not usually jump over hedges if they have an easier way. Try quick-growing flower hedges along sidewalks or driveways: marigolds, forsythia and honeysuckles. Other possibilities include lilac hedges, Wall of China, lemon grass, thorny roses or rose fountain grass, green-leaf coleus, all citrus plants, cayenne, lemon myrtle, lemon bottlebrush and garlic.

    Herbs

    • The advantage of growing herbs over plants is that they can also be prepared and used internally for the health of people and animals. Some excellent herbs are lemon mint, peppermint and lemon eucalyptus.

    Dangerous Plants and Herbs for Dogs

    • Make sure the plants you choose aren't poisonous to dogs. These include azalea/rhododendrons, marijuana, tulip/narcissus bulbs, oleander, castor bean, Easter amaryllis, autumn crocus, and chrysanthemum.

    Where to Plant Dog-Repelling Plants &Herbs

    • Placing herbs and plants along driveways or sidewalks are best in order to prevent a dog from entering the property. Think "fence" as you are planting.