Yet again, I can't deal with the dog

[XemaSab]

I put down weed cloth for the new square foot garden. I poured vermiculite there to hold it down.

I saw Maddy go back there for a few minutes, and I thought she needed to go poo.

Sure as shit, she ripped the fabric up with the vermiculite on top of it. I have to take it all up, get a new sack of vermiculite, and redo the whole thing.

She also ripped up several hostas and tore a few plants out of their pots.

I FEEL LIKE I'VE SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WATCHING HER!!!!!

I can't keep her in the sky kennel all day.

Does anyone have any pointers?

[redqueen]

1. Sorry...

I've never dealt with a mischievous pup like her before, so I have no advice.

But I did want to sympathize. :hug:

[XemaSab]

2. Thanks

:pals:

And the kicker is I *know* she just went back there and nailed the fabric in about 2 minutes. :banghead:

[Brother Buzz]

3. You could skip the weed cloth if you could train Maddy to weed

I taught my dog to weed, but I forgot to tell her which are weeds and which are not. She really does enjoy the work. :shrug:

[Grey]

4. Try this....

My sister had a new Lab puppy that just loved to dig. I told her to buy some fencing, depending on the size of dog. Chicken wire for small dogs ( my sister bought page wire) She then worked the ground and covered it with the fabric. She topped everything with the wire and pegged it down well. Let the dog play for a day or two, It only took one romp through the garden for Mickie to 'freak' and you couldn't get him to go near the garden again. Plant between the squares of Page wire and cover any way you like. This also works for cats. Hope this helps.

[dropkickpa]

5. Build her a sandbox to dig in

Her own place she dig to her hearts content. Hide toys in the sand. It'll be much more interesting for her. When I buy my own place, that's the first thing I'm doing in the back yard.

[XemaSab]

6. She just peed on the floor

She was outside not 15 minutes ago.

:banghead:

[woo me with science]

7. She probably

resents that you were talking about her on the internet.

[Truthiness Inspector]

8. Not knowing the background

Maybe your dog (puppy?) needs more attention? This is not meant to be a criticism, but an honest avenue to examine. Having said that, puppies are puppies, much patience is required. Good luck to you and your doggie. :)

Dogs are a treasure, treasure her instead of "dealing" with her.

[madeline_con]

9. Have you considered a swat with a rolled up newspaper?

Not to hurt, but it might scare her and make her stop digging.

Please don't attack me if you are totally against it. Some use it as a deterrant to unwanted behavior.

[Kali]

10. it works fine but don't post that here

unless you are ready for the accusations of torture and animal abuse coming your way

[XemaSab]

12. I reserve swats for VERY special occasions

For example, my old dog would occasionally lunge after cars when we were on walks. After a few swats, she'd start to lunge, then look at me and sit submissively.

Unfortunately, tearing shit up is an everyday occurence for this one, and you have to catch the dog in the act. x(

[Kali]

14. catching in the act is best but they do have some capacity for memory

but consistency is very important. If somethings are allowed to be torn up or dug up then they all are. Fencing is something else to think about. Out here if you want stuff to stay out of your garden you need to fence it out - whether deer, cows, or pesty puppies.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

11. How about some of that spray that's supposed to keep dogs off stuff?

It's hard when they're puppies, because they need almost as much constant attention as a toddler.

The rolled-up newspaper is a good idea, but don't hit her with it...just whack it in your hand. The noise will be enough negative reinforcement.

[Kali]

13. my suggestion is more exercise

I had a lab/German Shorthair cross that had to run MILES EVERY DAY. I am not recommending this but we used to take her to a small park way after dark and just drive in circles around the outside while she tore around on the grass.

Or if we were out tooling around on back roads she would just run for miles - usually IN FRONT of the truck. She would jump and swim for hours - she would wear out anybody that would throw a frisbee, ball, stick, traffic cone - what ever. Dog had major stamina.

[MajorChode]

15. Pepper

Don't won't dig if you spread pepper on the ground. It does a number on their noses and they will avoid it completely. It won't stop them from digging somewhere else, but it will keep them out of your garden. You'll have to replenish it ever so often but once your garden gets established it's usually less of an issue.

You can also use wire mesh just below the surface, although it's a bit of a pain in the ass to install. It will stop the digging, though. Gravel will sometimes do the same thing, but it's not a deterrent to the most determined dogs.

[cwydro]

16. When my old girl was younger,

she constantly tore up new plantings. Or took a nap on top of them.

Then I read that if you take some of their own poop and put it where you don't want them to lie, dig, etc. that it will act as a repellent.

It is a stinky remedy, but it did work for me. She avoided those areas like the plague.

[Submariner]

17. Calling Cesar Milan

I see a dog whisperer episode in your future. Let us know when it plays on TV :popcorn:

[JitterbugPerfume]

18. trade her in for a cat?

[Whoa_Nelly]

19. Look around Cesar's site...?

Maybe he has some good tips...
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/index.php

Or, you can use a water spray bottle, follow the dog, and spray in face with command "No!". Once he "gets it", place the spray bottle (or a few of'em) in the areas where he's been naughty, as a visual reminder.

I used this method in many variations with other dogs/puppies, and it always worked.

Good luck! :hi:

[SOteric]

20. Build a Dog Run

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3858/diy_home_improvement_build_a_dog_proof.html

[elehhhhna]

21. Leave the vermiculite ALONE. Seriously :

some of it's contaminated w/ asbestos.

[XemaSab]

22. It's certified asbestos free

Hopefully. :P

[Inchworm]

23. Harsh voice and loud noises

I do swats to the head, but that's just me.

Loud noises work just as well if you catch her when screwing up and scare the shit out of her. Rocks in a beer can.. loud clap/scream/chase (so long as that doesn't become a game) stuff like that works if you are persistant. Once they get it.. you don't have to do it so often.

:hi:

PS: no Pointers.. Akita and Daushund ;)

[704wipes]

24. if she is a jack russell

might as well find a grocery with good produce prices...