When Fido meets Flora

Can Fido find happiness among the fuchsia?  Will Fluffy stay out of the plant pots long enough for that flush of flowers you’ve been waiting for? Yes, with a little planning, dogs can coexist peacefully with your garden.

Kay Mangan is living proof that tending both a garden and dogs teaches one patience and tolerance.  On a quiet corner lot in Olympia Fields, she has been growing climbing roses, ornamental trees, conifers, hostas and scores of other perennials for more than 25 years. She’s an avid plant collector and a dog-lover who has always had one or two Great Danes by her side over the years. 

“None of my 12 dogs were ever diggers,” Mangan says “Danes are much more inclined to be a quiet dog, but they run like a racehorse along the fence after each and every squirrel, or they gallop around the perimeter of the grass for exercise, all the while with a soccer-size ball in their mouth.” Her garden is none the worse for the wear because it also gets a break when the dogs get walked around the neighborhood for a workout.

Given their own designated area and some training, dogs can comfortably share space with backyard flora and fauna, says Wauconda gardener Nancy Skeffington, co-founder of Prevent the Bite, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating children about dog safety. “Having the dog behave in the garden is part of a bigger training program--like training them not to jump over the fence,” she says.

Temporary fencing around planting beds can designate “off limits” areas during the training period. “Dogs are surprisingly visual and sensitive to barriers,” Skeffington says. “It’s helpful to have a visual aid to show them what’s off limits, like a chicken wire fence--a physical barrier that’s hopefully temporary.” 

Nancy Kuhajda, extension program coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension, knows what it’s like to try and protect posies from rambunctious Shelties in her Joliet garden. “The configuration of the multitude of fences in my backyard made Stateville Prison look like a resort,” she says, joking.

Hot, diggity dog

Whether you have a Great Dane, a golden retriever, Jack Russell terrier or other canine, those four paws on soil, plants or turf can cause problems. Digging and pacing in one place can compact the soil or tear up the grass. Turn your dog's favorite route into a decorative path and line it with raised beds or ornamental fencing.  A gap between fence and garden beds, lined with gravel, pavers or mulch, provides dogs a place to run without tearing up the beds. Don’t use coca mulch, however.  Chocolate products can be toxic to dogs.

If you have the space--in an out-of-sight side yard or behind the garage or vegetable garden--dedicate a small spot, even a sandbox, where the dog is allowed to dig. “You can initially bury bones, a toy or treats to entice them there.  You might even scoop or show them,” Skeffington says. “If your dog is a digger, he or she may kind of copy you when they see you digging in the garden.  It’s a natural instinct for them.”

Scents and Sensibility

Some plants are calling cards for male dogs looking to mark their territory. “People are often unaware of the perfume exuded by certain plants,” Kuhajda says. “They can smell like incredibly strong cat urine, especially newly pruned boxwoods.” Some salvias and Russian sage exude similar scents. “You’re better off to choose an area to ‘go to the dogs’ and mulch it or gravel it for easy ‘pick up’ duty,” she says.

To minimize damage on shrubs and lawn, Kuhajda suggests watering the spots thoroughly to dilute the urine.  And although it may be tempting to use dog and cat repellants, she cautions that some contain toxic ingredients.  Read the labels carefully.

When Mangan is gardening, both of her dogs seem quite content to lie in the grass and watch. “The warm months are always a joy in the garden and the dogs make more work, but not having a dog would be hard,” she says.  “I believe they give us more than they get.”

Happy Gardeners, Happy Pooches

Here are a few more tips on protecting your garden and your pup.

Compost piles are tempting places to dig or find a scrap to eat. Move them out of reach or enclose them.

Stop or correct the dog when you catch him in the act of digging or romping through plants. Use positive training methods and teach your dog good behavior. Dogs may dig to warm or cool themselves, to bury or uncover things or to pursue small critters. Digging is an instinctual part of life for some dogs, like Jack Russell terriers and beagles.

Play with your dog and provide safe, engaging toys outdoors. Don’t leave dogs unattended outdoors for long periods. Provide them with water and shade.

Thorny, prickly plants such as barberry, roses, yucca and holly may discourage a dog, but sharp thorns and points can cause injury. For info on toxic plants, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

For information on dog care and behavior, visit the American Animal Hospital Association’s web site, www.healthypet.com