How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Your Houseplants
While we love our furry friends, their destructive tendencies sometimes annoy us. For example, eating our beautiful and sometimes harmful houseplants. Keep reading to find out how to keep Fido from eating your plants.
Move/Cover Your Plants
An easy way to keep your plants out of your pup’s way is by simply moving or covering your plants. Place your plants in hard-to-reach places, such as on a high shelf or counter. If you’re handy, you can install some hanging planters. These hanging planners keep your fauna up and away from your furry friends while still looking stylish. Covering your plants is also an option if you don’t have room to move your plants. You can use bird netting or durable mesh to protect your plants from Fido. Chicken wire and fencing material are other DIY options.
Spray Your Plants
Spraying your plants is an easy to affordable way to protect your houseplants. Many bitter sprays, such as Bitter Yuck or Bitter Apple, are on the market. These sprays have an awful taste that dogs hate, which discourages them from biting anything around your house. If you want to DIY your solution, you can make a diluted lemon spray. Pups hate the smell of citrus, so the lemon aroma will keep your pooch away from your plants. Just pour lemon juice and water into a spray bottle, and shake!
Use Animal Repellents
Use noise training devices if you want a more permanent solution for your plant problem. Invest in a motion-detecting animal repellent, as these devices create loud noises that scare your pooch away from your plants. While these are not as ideal for using indoors, as these deterrents are extremely loud, have other aspects, such as flashing lights. But, your pooch will associate approaching your plants with these loud noises and will ensure your plant’s safety.
Use Clicker Training
Clicker training is a more positive way of keeping your pups away from your houseplants. Whenever your dog walks away from or stays away from your houseplants, make a noise with your clicker and give Fido a high-value treat. Your pup will then associate their good behavior with the treat and stay away from your plants.
Exercise Your Dog
Oftentimes, canines turn to destructive behavior when they are bored and under-exercised. There are many ways to exercise your dog. Playing games like fetch or tug of war is great to get Fido’s energy out. Make sure your pup is going on a walk or run once or twice a day. If your pup is not going out enough, they are more likely to destroy your plants and other aspects of your house.
While we love our pups, they are not perfect. These tips are great ways to keep your pooches away from your houseplants.