Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Pets

Sadu writes~ I have a puppy that is digging in my yard. I was told to spray ammonia in the area that he is digging. My question to you is, will the ammonia kill my St. Augustine grass? I have put mothballs in some of the holes, but he just pushes those aside.

A. You can use the ammonia spray to deter your puppy, but a lot of spraying and/or drenching would harm the grass, just as the urine does from the animals! I hate to recommend something which can cause damage above and beyond your dog's effects. Here are some options, safe for your animal and grass:

Dog Solutions:
Homeowners often find themselves dealing with dogs digging, urinating and defecating in their landscaped areas. Chemical repellents are often used to minimize animal damage. An active chemical that is found in most dog and cat repellents is methyl nonyl ketone. This chemical has a strong industrial odor that is not offensive to humans. However, it is poisonous and cannot be used on food crops. If you should come in contact with the chemical, your skin should be washed thoroughly.

Model 5400/5401:
Liquid Repellents that repel dogs and cats from gardens, lawns and landscaped areas. This product repels by taste and odor. It has a pleasant lemon scent which is not offensive to humans. It last 7-10 days and should definitely be reapplied after a rain or new growth. Active Ingredient: Capsaicin Pepper and Oil of Mustard

Model 5402:
Repel dogs and cats in granular form. Working the same way as the liquid, the granules repel the dog and cat by taste and smell. It also has a pleasant lemon scent. Reapply every 7-10 days. Active Ingredient: Methyl Nonyl Ketone

Spray Away (Model 5265)
Motion Activated Water Repellent chases nuisance animals away from landscape and gardens. Spray Away senses the animal by using heat and movement for efficacy. Spray Away pauses for 8 seconds after firing, creating randomness, preventing the animal from becoming accustomed to the repellent. Protects 1000 sq. ft. Water shoots 35 ft. in length. Uses 9 volt battery power for thousands of activations.

http://www.havahart.com/nuisance/dogs/dog_repellents.htm

REPELLENT GRANULES KEEP PETS OUT OF FLOWER BEDS, TRASH CANS.

These animal repellent granules are especially effective to keep the neighbor's dogs and cats out of flower beds, gardens and trash. Great for training family pets, use it around areas that you want "off limits" like the sandbox, or your prize roses. 1 lb. container covers 250 sq. ft. EPA registered. Dog & Cat Repellent

http://www.whateverworks.com/dog_cat_repellent.htm

Q. Member Mel writes~
Just to add to your great advice on puppy digging. A puppy smells before they dig, I sprinkled table pepper on the plants and spots on my lawn my puppy chose to dig. It cured her from digging up the front lawn, she finally resorted to going by the fence row and digging because that was the only place she could dig that I didn't pepper.

A. Thank you for the added information and experience. I urge all gardeners to chip in whenever they please, so that as much gardening knowledge as possible can be spread to our readers!

Rose writes~ What can you put around a garden to keep dogs out, without putting up a fence? Something that won't harm them.

A. Here is a very long article chunk full of safe ideas to keep dogs out of garden areas:

http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page170.html

The products available include:

ROPEL GRANULES Ropel granules can be spread anywhere nuisance dogs are leaving their mess. Sprinkle it out and dogs stay away.

GRANULE GUARD
Will protect Ropel so you don't need to use quite as much as when it is out in the open subject to the rain and sun. They save money and enhance Ropel.

MOTION ACTIVATED WATER SPRAYER
Unique device is perfect for an aggressive yet safe approach to keeping the neighbors dog out of your yard! They save money and enhance Ropel. Ropel spray tastes terrible. Lightly mist any object or plant that nuisance dogs or other animals are chewing on and it will stop.

DEFENSE BUDS
Are attached to plants, shrubs or fence rows and release a scent dogs don't like. This will keep them off your property.

ULTRA SOUND REPELLER
Used to keep unwanted dogs out of your yard. Set it close to property lines where dogs are likely to enter onto your land and you will keep them away!

ULTRA SOUND PET BOUNDARY
Set this device up in the home to help control pet dogs and keep them entering rooms and other areas where you don't want them to go.

DOG SCATMATS
Thin pads which are placed in the path of pets and used to stop them from going in certain rooms, counter tops, etc.

ULTRA SOUND BARKER STOPPER
Used to stop neighborhood dogs from barking by training them to keep quiet or else endure an uncomfortable sound. Great for annoying dogs which insist on barking when you're around.

PORTABLE DOG REPELLER
Carry this device with you if the fear of roaming and loose dogs is making you uncomfortable and unsafe. Use it to keep them away.

DAWGON ODOR NEUTRALIZER
Will remove dog odors caused by urine and feces. Spray it where the odor is active for quick relief.

PORTABLE BLACK LIGHT
Use in the dark to help identify just where urine and other scents are located. Once found you are able to directly treat them with Dawgon for fast break down and control.

LAWN GREEN
Essentially a paint which is used for cosmetic purposes and is excellent at covering up animal urine damage to grass.

FAMILY OF SPRAYERS
Available with one which will assuredly suit your needs accordingly.

NH2361 LIVE TRAP
For dogs is sometimes necessary. This trap is good for small dogs which are short.

LT151842LIVE TRAP
Slightly longer and taller than the NH2361 and is better suited for taller dogs.

NH6602 LIVE TRAP
For dogs is sometimes necessary. This trap is good for medium sized dogs which aren't too tall.

LT152248 LIVE TRAP
Taller than the NH6602 and is better suited for medium sized dogs which are tall.

NH6701 LIVE TRAP
For dogs is sometimes necessary. This trap is good for really large dogs which are vicious and bite a lot.

LT202872 LIVE TRAP
Longer than any we have and the tallest of all as well. The best design overall and will work for any size animal.

CANINE BAIT
This special bait is great to use when trying to get dogs close to and inside your live trap. It combines smells they can't resist and works well for wary animals.

Sarah writes~
What plants are dangerous to dogs if ingested? I have a young dog that eats everything.

A. I could not begin to list problem plants indoors and outside. I have no degree in pathology. I suggest that you contact your local ASPCA and ask them. Sometimes they have a pamphlet which would prove useful for you. Here is their poison control center with a toll-free phone number.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc/.

It is great that you are so caring about your animal.