Having a garden or a dog?

Actually, you can have both!
Here are some tips on how to start your garden and have a peacefully relationship with your dog:

Start with Big Plants
As much as we would like Fido the dog to not tear up our new plants, chances are he will. When you put a new plant into your garden, you may want to invest in a larger plant. A larger plant is less likely to be disturbed by your dog than a small plant. If you don’t want to buy bigger plants, make sure you put a cage around your plant until it gets bigger. Tomato cages work well for this.

Make Solid Paths For Pets
Like people, animals too would prefer a path to follow. Create paths in your garden that you pet can follow (rather than going through your beds). Use solid pavers rather than mulch or gavel. To a dog, loose materials are ideal for digging. If your dog is still going through your flower beds even after you have provided paths, get down to her level and see what he sees. Perhaps there is a “doggy” path through your bed in the form of gaps in your plantings. Add additional plantings or place a barrier in these unintended paths.
Provide Shade the Dog Can Use In hot weather.
A dog will look for cool places to relax. If you provide easy access to a shaded area, your dog will lay there rather than somewhere in your garden, where he may do damage.

Know which plants in your garden are poisonous
Most dogs will not chew on plants, but some do, especially young dogs. Be aware of the kinds of plants you have in your garden and which are poisonous to your dog. If you see the dog has chewed on one of the poisonous plants, you will be much able to get your dog the medical attention needed.

Limit Pesticide and Herbicide Use

While pesticides and herbicides will not kill your dog, it can make him sick. Remember, your dog is much closer to the ground than you are and these chemicals are inhaled. With less body mass then you too, these chemicals more concentrated. Consider using more natural ways to fight off pests and weeds. If you must use chemicals, limit your dog’s contact with the treated area for a few days after you have applied the chemicals.

Leave Some Portion of Your Yard as Grass
While lawn-less yards are becoming quite popular, keep in mind that your dog is designed to run. Make sure you provide him with an area to run in. This will help keep him from trying to run through your flower beds. Also keep in mind that a dog that is not able to expend energy will be more prone to digging.