Poisonous & Dangerous Stuff:
Dogs that are bored or hungry will be tempted to eat poisonous plants which can be toxic or splinter in their stomachs. Don’t garden with your dog present. He may think that playing with plants and digging are acceptable behaviors. Don’t leave fertilizers, weed killers, pool chemicals, and grilling supplies out and accessible.
Chewing:
Dogs chew for many reasons; stress, boredom, teething, or diet deficiency. The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing is to apply something “icky” to the object such as Bitter Apple or hot sauce. Also, make sure to give him an alternative “chew object” that is acceptable to you and will keep him entertained. Kong toys and deer antlers are great chewing alternatives. You can add to the enticement by putting peanut butter in the Kong Toy or spraying chicken broth on the deer antler. Rotate the toys so he always has a “better choice” when it comes to chewing.
Water:
Always have a bowl of water in the shade available in the back yard. Use a plastic water bowl. It stays cooler for a longer time in our Florida heat than the aluminum dog bowls. Wash the bowl regularly. Keep him away from the pool after you have added chemicals. If you have a pond or fountain, make sure the water is circulating to minimize larvae and mosquitoes.
Shade:
Always have shady places available. Create a cool spot in a shady place by scraping an indented area where he can relax and just hang out.
Digging:
Dogs dig when they are bored. Make sure he has toys and goodies to divert his attention and a cool & shady place to relax. If your dog really wants to dig, create a digging pit for him with clean sand and buried toys. (i.e. “Sand Box”)
Scratching at the Back Door:
Dogs do this because they think “there is more good stuff inside than out”. Increase the value of “outside” by creating a “foraging event”. Scatter his kibble in the yard or partially bury a bone or toy. He now has “foraging” activities.
Dog Houses:
This falls into the same “category” as “Shade”. It provides a little more security and perceived safety than just a cool, shady “spot”. Remember that there will be times where this won’t provide the safety & protection your dog may need. Then, bring him inside.
Keep Your Yard Clean:
Don’t go nuts about it, but pick up your dog’s poop. This minimizes the obvious issue for your family, but also eliminates the possibility of your dog getting bored and eating it. Take a hose with a nozzle and “shoot the poop”. Water down where he urinates. Do not let him in the yard for a minimum of 12 hours after you have fertilized or for 3 hours after adding pool chemicals.
Fences & Gates:
Make sure there are no holes in your fences or spots he can get through. Put automatic closing devices on your gates. Consider using an out-of-sight, underground dog fence if you want to maintain your view. We can help you with that.
Poisonous & Dangerous Stuff:
Dogs that are bored or hungry will be tempted to eat poisonous plants which can be toxic or splinter in their stomachs. Don’t garden with your dog present. He may think that playing with plants and digging are acceptable behaviors. Don’t leave fertilizers, weed killers, pool chemicals, and grilling supplies out and accessible.
Chewing:
Dogs chew for many reasons; stress, boredom, teething, or diet deficiency. The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing is to apply something “icky” to the object such as Bitter Apple or hot sauce. Also, make sure to give him an alternative “chew object” that is acceptable to you and will keep him entertained. Kong toys and deer antlers are great chewing alternatives. You can add to the enticement by putting peanut butter in the Kong Toy or spraying chicken broth on the deer antler. Rotate the toys so he always has a “better choice” when it comes to chewing.
Water:
Always have a bowl of water in the shade available in the back yard. Use a plastic water bowl. It stays cooler for a longer time in our Florida heat than the aluminum dog bowls. Wash the bowl regularly. Keep him away from the pool after you have added chemicals. If you have a pond or fountain, make sure the water is circulating to minimize larvae and mosquitoes.
Shade:
Always have shady places available. Create a cool spot in a shady place by scraping an indented area where he can relax and just hang out.
Digging:
Dogs dig when they are bored. Make sure he has toys and goodies to divert his attention and a cool & shady place to relax. If your dog really wants to dig, create a digging pit for him with clean sand and buried toys. (i.e. “Sand Box”)
Scratching at the Back Door:
Dogs do this because they think “there is more good stuff inside than out”. Increase the value of “outside” by creating a “foraging event”. Scatter his kibble in the yard or partially bury a bone or toy. He now has “foraging” activities.
Dog Houses:
This falls into the same “category” as “Shade”. It provides a little more security and perceived safety than just a cool, shady “spot”. Remember that there will be times where this won’t provide the safety & protection your dog may need. Then, bring him inside.
Keep Your Yard Clean:
Don’t go nuts about it, but pick up your dog’s poop. This minimizes the obvious issue for your family, but also eliminates the possibility of your dog getting bored and eating it. Take a hose with a nozzle and “shoot the poop”. Water down where he urinates. Do not let him in the yard for a minimum of 12 hours after you have fertilized or for 3 hours after adding pool chemicals.
Fences & Gates:
Make sure there are no holes in your fences or spots he can get through. Put automatic closing devices on your gates. Consider using an out-of-sight, underground dog fence if you want to maintain your view. We can help you with that.
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