Look at that face. Is that the mug of a garden destroyer? It certainly is! This is the puppy we’re going to pick up in about a month. When we visited the breeder a week ago to meet the parents and pick her out, she didn’t even have her eyes fully opened. It’s hard to believe I’ll probably have to mitigate more damage from her than anything else if I don’t plan accordingly.

It’s been a while since I’ve dealt a puppy, and it was a totally different situation. Melvin was a digger. He’d find a soft spot of ground and dig to China. But it was a big garden, and it seemed hed dig in areas that didnt matter as much, such as the enormous horseradish patch. It wasn’t a big deal. (This changed when we moved here, and he went to digging in the lawn at our place. It was a lesson in the benefits of early training.)

These gardens are different because they’re tighter, and every inch counts. If this pup digs the same way, she’ll wipe out an entire bed.

How to Keep Dogs Out of Flower and Vegetable Beds

Over the years I’ve heard a lot of recommendations on how to keep dogs out of the flower or vegetable beds. One lady told me to create paths to keep the pets where you want them. Theoretically this is fine, and it might work for older pet, but I’m guessing all bets are off with a high energy pup. If she’s running around and playing she’s going to run right through the beans, even if there’s a pretty pathway right next to it.

My goal will be training, and consistency is the key. One method I’ve learned from others is putting rocks in a can and throwing it near her when she’s in the wrong area. It’s going to mean being on top of it all of the time, which I admit, will be exceedingly difficult, but it can be an effective measure to make her associate being in the wrong area with a negative experience. It’s kind of like how the rangers and game biologists hazed bears when they came to close to people, except Im not going to use potato guns or cracker rounds.

If the digging is really an issue I will string electric line around the garden and energize it. It won’t hurt her, but will give a decent sting. The only problem is I can guarantee the boys and I will be caught by it, too. Its going to seem like a big bug zapper around here if I have to resort to it.

Puppies and Plants

Having a puppy in the garden is like having a baby in the house. You have to think ahead.

This spring, I planned to plant Datura, a plant native to the southwest, but one Id like to try to grow in this area for its tropical appearance and heavenly fragrance. Thats off the table because its very poisonous. Puppies, like babies, put just about anything in their mouths, yet unlike babies, I dont know of a handy pacifier I can use to keep them busy. I’ll also have to watch the rhubarb so she doesnt chomp on those leaves, either.

Its going to be a busy summer with the new little girl, who, as of yet, has no name. Sam, our 4 year old, wants to name her Garlic. I just hope it doesnt end up being Diggy or Chewy.