Teaching Him To Avoid One Area

[Persian Spitz]

We let our one year old run around in the backyard. What's the best way to stop him from digging, pooping or hanging around in one particular area? There's a pebbled area that I'd like him to avoid. A fence isn't an option because we access the area quite often for the gardening. I've tried a couple of ways:

- I've tried to train him consistently to stay away from the area by walking around with him in the backyard except for that patch, giving him treats when I call him and he runs around and avoids that area to get to me. It seemed like he was learning as he would stand on the perimeter and not set one paw on it, even if I was standing in it. However, after a few days he would forget and go back there or when we get back from work, it's obvious that he's been playing there

- I've tried a couple of repellants from Bunnings and they work for about two days then he's back there

- I read that if you put his poop in a hole that he's dug, he won't return there so I tried that but it didn't work

- I try to be fast on the "No" when I'm in the house and hear pebbles being stepped on or played with; and I go out right away

His toys, food, water and house are on the other side of the yard.

Is there another way I could tackle this problem?

[aussielover]

Can't you get a fence with a gate?

Or some chicken wire or something that is easily moved?

I think it sounds a bit unrealistic to be honest. does that part of the garden have a different texture than the rest? Otherwise, it will be pretty hard to teach him.

If you want to persist with no fence I would not leave him unsupervised outside. The more times he goes onto the area without reprimand, the more likely he will think it is ok.

Keep up with telling him no, if he does go on the area. It will take time, but if the part is distinctly different, then it may be possible. Our old dog knew not to go on certain rugs in our house.

You could also try one of those remote collars that act as a fence.... sorry don't know much about these as I would personally never use one.

[Kavik]

Does he like water? I think Innotek make a device that sprays water (like a sprinkler I think) when it senses movement in an area, made to deter dogs and cats from your yard.

[Genabee]

Does he like water? I think Innotek make a device that sprays water (like a sprinkler I think) when it senses movement in an area, made to deter dogs and cats from your yard.

What a fantastic idea!!!!!!