Now that winter is giving out its last roar, it's time to start preparing for spring. Flower beds and vegetable gardens can do quite well in the spring, unless you have a dog. If you have a dog, they can destroy all your hard work in just a matter of minutes, especially once they start digging. Unfortunately, dogs sometimes don't listen to vocal commands, even if you do use your stern voice. That's where the repellents come in to play. You don't want to use anything that will harm your dog, but you do want repellents that will send a clear message – keep out. Luckily, there are plenty of natural repellents you can use to keep your dog out of your gardens.

Give Them a Startle

If you know that your dog is going to dig up your gardens, get started on the deterrents early. The best way to do that is to dig up the area where you plan on having the garden, and then leave it as bare soil for a few weeks. Purchase a loud whistle and blow it each time you see your dog going near the garden area. Continue to do this until your dog learns to stay away from the area.

Use Coffee Grounds in the Soil

If the whistle doesn't seem to be doing the trick, it's time to up your game. Gather coffee grounds and place them in your garden. Turn the soil over to disperse the coffee grounds throughout the area. Continue doing this until it's time to plant your garden. Dogs don't like the smell of coffee, so after one or two sniffs, they'll leave your garden area alone. An added benefit is that coffee grounds are a great way to fertilize your soil for your garden.

Sprinkle Some Chili Powder

If you've just discovered your dog digging in your garden, reach in your spice cabinet for the chili powder. Sprinkle a generous amount of the chili powder around the perimeter of your gardens. It's also a good idea to sprinkle some of the chili powder around the base of your plants too. The chili powder will give your dog a mild irritation, which will encourage it to leave the area. Be sure to sprinkle the chili powder in any holes you find around the yard too. This will discourage your dog from digging anywhere in the yard.

Spritz the Area with Lemon Juice

If you don't want to use chili powder, go ahead and switch to a lemon spritzer. Dogs are repelled by the scent of lemons, which will work in your favor. Fill a spray bottle with water and add about a cup of lemon juice. Spray the perimeter of all your gardens with the lemon juice. You can also slice fresh lemons and spread them throughout your gardens. The lemon scent will keep your dog from digging. It will also help keep other garden pests away as well.

If your dog is digging, use the tips provided here to help curb the behavior. If these tips don't stop the behavior, you should talk to your veterinarian. Digging can pose a serious threat to your dog, especially if it digs out of the yard and escapes.

Contact a clinic like Baywood Animal Hospital for more assistance with animal care services.