I have the same issue. I have read that using apple cider vinegar or ammonia as a spray may be an easy solution. Does anyone know the permanence of the solution? I need to spray this on my outdoor irrigation lines (1/2″ black poly tubing that delivers water to my 1/3 acre property). Although it does not rain in my area for the entire summer , when the dogs do their biting of the tubes, I have read elsewhere this needs to be applied weekly. Given that I have hundreds of feet of this tubing, I am seeking a solution that I can spray on once for the summer. I am also in Northern CA where it does not rain from June 1 to October 1 so washing away is not an issue but the poly tubing does bake all day in strong sun.

I was wondering what is crating? I could mean different things to different people. As a short term ( couple of hours) home while a person is away. Maybe a night time sleep area. That's what crating is to me. It would be cruel to crate up a dog or cat all day, everyone knows that but how to you crate a puppy learning to potty outside? I've heard of too many dogs going potty in their crates that have been left in to long. That's not a good owner either. Several of my friends use the crate as I stated above. I hope they have never forced a dog to hold it for the sake of a clean floor. I know I have to go when I have to go. A few hours of holding pee is not healthy nor would it make me happy, so I can't see it would be good for my pet either. Limiting water consumption in the evening might be beneficial. Of course going to the bathroom right before bed. Puppies can't seem to hold it well at night and if they wait in their crate to long, well that can't be healthy. I used to get up, about 4 am and let the pups out to go. Like a new parent, it was hard to keep up! I've had big and little dogs and the littlest ones were always the hardest to potty train and feed. Currently I have two smaller dogs inside and the smallest can only eat regular dry dog food or she throws up or worse. In tiny amounts she can eat turkey, beef, veggies and rice/pasta. Now on the other hand my mom will make her tiny dog, food and keep it in the fridge until she needs it. Works for them but I do think the dry dog food is better for teeth. I think your going to have to find out how your dogs works and go with that. Every dog breed has its quirks, as every dog does too. Teach her ques and repeat your commands so she will quickly know what your asking of her. It doesn't take long to learn her name but the potty command, that always takes longer than we want. :)

I can't speak to whether mulch will acutally stop her from digging, but I doubt it. When I was doing yard work (and my own digging with a shovel), my dog loved to come lay in whatever hole I had just dug in the dirt. I think it's cool and soft. So mulch might be less inviting, but she might still figure out she can dig underneath to get to the dirt. You might try searching online for how to teach a dog not to dig and/or enlist a trainer to help. Some dogs are bred to dig (like terriers) and others are just high energy and do it for fun. In general, it's key to stop them the moment they start digging and redirect that energy to some other behavior or to digging in a designated place. I have read about people putting digging boxes / sand boxes in for their dog to dig, but I haven't tried it myself. I have a 75lb white shepherd and she (mostly) respects a very low garden fence around my vegetable garden. I have trained her that she is not allowed to just hop over it or squeeze between it (though she is fully capable). She has on occasion jumped the little garden fence, but for the most part she respects it.

I like hanging baskets too and would grow more of them except for the watering. The little white butterflies that bring the green cabbage worms that eat my Calibrachoa and Petunia blossoms have already hatched and had their dinners so that solves some of the watering problems. I don't go to the trouble of cutting them back and waiting for them to regrow.....I of course love seeing garden cats on duty. Beowolf looks to be a sturdy watch cat that will keep your Kale safe from marauding rabbits.............Maryl