Training Dogs and Cats

Training dogs and cats away from garden areas

Training dogs and cats away from garden areas Don’t let dogs and cats become a nuisance in the garden. You can stop their messing, digging and chewing with a bit of care and attention. Just train your pets to behave the way you want! You’ll succeed with wandering neighbourhood animals as well, but it might require a little more effort and persistence.

So how do you train your pets? Even an old dog can be taught new tricks by rewarding good behaviour and discouraging bad habits. Give your dog or cat a "play area" and teach them to use it. And remember that pets have to go to the toilet too! You can encourage them to void in a particular part of the garden.

At the same time, protect other areas of your property with some defensive gardening. Wire mesh will stop dogs from digging. Low hedges will keep out strays. You can choose your plants to suit your pets. For example, cats avoid Geraniums, Petunias, Marigolds and Fuchsias but are attracted to Thyme, Catnip, Ground Ivy and Evening Primrose.

Try some of these popular home-made dog and cat deterrents:

Pepper: You can make a simple animal repellent with black pepper and chilli pepper. It’s best to grind your own because the smell will be much stronger. Spread the powder on annuals and perennials to keep pets away.
Mothballs: These contain naphthalene which will repel animals. They can be used as a barrier around flowerbeds, but take care with children about.
Citrus: Cats don’t like citrus smells. Scatter some orange or lemon peels to create no-go zones. Citronella oil is considered to be a good cat repellent but generally it does not appear to have an effect on dogs.
Ammonia: Dogs and cats absolutely detest the smell of ammonia. Buy some cloudy ammonia and dilute with 10 parts water. Spray around the garden and yard but always do a small test before applying to plants.

Many people swear by the "bottle of water" trick. Just fill a 2lt clear plastic soft drink bottle with water and lie it down in the garden. It looks awful but apparently dogs avoid it like the plague!

KEEP OFF dog and cat deterrent has been specially developed as a training aid by extensive laboratory screening. It contains a strong "perfume" which interferes with the animal’s sense of smell. It will also mask the residual odours of any previous excrement or urine. By following the simple guidelines printed on the pack you can train dogs and cats away from garden areas.