How Do You Keep Pets From Pooping In Your Flower Bed?

Question

I don’t think you want pictures

Answer 1

Thank you for omitting the picture of this common problem. The solution is dependent on the animal. Dogs can be trained – at least some dogs can be trained on which part of the yard to use. If a dog is unwilling, try temporary fencing. Even a double row of rabbit fencing may deter Fido. Cats are a whole different issue. They go where the ground is soft and can be easily scratched/dug. Mulch is perfect for this, too. Frustrated gardeners sometimes resort to putting hardware cloth or chicken fencing on top of the soil. Stones also work. It is said that cats don't like citrus so leaving peels in the area or spraying with a dilute citrus juice helps. Rain reduces effectiveness, however. Also worth trying is an aluminum pie pan tied to a stick or plant support. For dogs, try a vinegar solution as a repellant. Motion-activated sprinklers are another option if you get desperate; I can see this working for cats but not necessarily for dogs. Good luck.