Dog Urine Killing Roses: Territory Marking and Soil Acidification

A male dog urinated on a rose bush, killing half of it. Gardener asked how to stop him.

Behavior and Chemistry

Dogs mark territory; the smell is the point. Repellents often increase marking (dog tries to overmark). Urine is highly acidic (nitrogen), burning roots by making soil too acidic.

Management

A small fence may help, but the dog may use the fence as a post. Physical barriers or relocating the rose are more reliable.