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Tired of your dog(s) making your garden beds into their beds, digging up your favorite plants, and leaving big holes? Try this easy, friendly solution. This method works best if done in the winter when plants have died back and you have time to train your pet.
Simply lay chicken wire or hardware cloth (depending on the size of your pet's feet) over the bed. Secure it well with landscape pins, taking extra care to turn under any cut edges. You may need to cut around any large stems. Make sure it goes all the way to the borders of the bed. Do not mulch initially. Allow time for your pet to discover that digging here will not produce the desired result.
As spring approaches, gradually add compost or top dressing and mulch. By the time you are ready to plant or your existing plants are beginning to grow, your pet should be sufficiently convinced that any digging effort here is inappropriate.
Barbara Krizan, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service