Destructive child (outside)

[Jazmyn]

I have never read anything about this, and was pretty shocked when Jaz started to destroy my trees and shrubs. She is not left by outside by herself for too long 10 or 15 minutes tops. She has her toys out there, but I catch her chewing on my plants, and worse! Pulls up my newly planted sod! When I catch her in the act, she barks at me and wants to play. It is hard to get mad at her when she gives you that playfull look, but I can't have a trashed yard. What are some ways to discourage this behavior without keeping an eye on her 100% of the time. Jaz is almost 5 months now, still a puppy. Will she grow out of this? Please help....

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I have a similar problem, although Willis has not actually destroyed anything yet (too cold outside still for outdoor flowers, although he has bitten off quite a few leaves from my inside plants). He is an avid gardener.... he just has very different ideas about gardening than I do... Hope someone has advice for you! (and me!)

 

[sbid]

Get two.

We had exactly the same problems with our oldest, Benson. He tore up our turf several times and ate every plant in the yard - even the ones I had literally finished planting 5 minutes earlier. It was all a game for him. Extra walks and playgroups helped a little, but knowing he came from a big litter, we guessed he was lonely and craving a puppy playmate. Since we got Maximus, Benson's so much happier (so many slobbery kisses!) and not destructive at all. If Maximus even runs through the garden bed, Benson will dob on him! They play for hours together and then snore all night. Some days, they simply wear each other out and don't even want to go for a walk! Cheeky devils )

 

[AJ'sWillow]

Boxers love to garden!

We had the same difficulty with our Willow. She eats Rhody plants, snaps off anything that flowers, likes to dig the occasional hole, etc. Now I make sure she has her exercise first, or is directly supervised. We actually put a long line on her for several months to teach her what she could and could not do. I had to fence in my garden, and she has lost interest in her horticulture activities. Also, she now goes to doggy day care twice a week to work off those extra boxer beans!

Lisa.

 

[Ozzie]

There's a product on the market called "Bitter Apple." It's primary use, I believe, is for indoor plants, but I've used it outdoors as well.

You spray it on the plants and it gives a very bitter taste if eaten.

Bob.