How to Deter a Dog From Taking Dirt From a Plant

Spray the area surrounding the plant as directed in the repellent spray's instructions. Avoid spraying the repellent directly on the plant, as this can damage the plant's leaves or absorb into the soil.

Sprinkle outdoor repellent pebbles around the plant area. Repellent pebbles produce an unpleasant odor that dogs smell, keeping the animals away from the area as long as the repellent remains in the plant's location. Cover your planting area with 1 lb. of the pebbles for every 800 square feet of space to maintain plant protection, or use 1 lb. per 100 square feet to increase potency. Repellent pebbles are suitable for large outdoor areas rather than for potted plants, as potted plants need an uncluttered surface for proper plant aeration.

Squirt your dog with a spray bottle filled with water when it approaches the plant. This method requires consistently spraying the dog with water every time it approaches the plant in order to work, as after a few times the dog associates going near the plant with being punished.

Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and spray the area around the plant with the vinegar solution. Dogs are sensitive to the vinegar's smell and will keep the dog away from your plants.