Gauteng Smallholder July 2016 | Page 39

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Starting a profitable plot-based venture F or many smallholders the only way they can afford their properties is to run one, or more, businesses from their homes. While the choice of business should, therefore, comply with the relevant by-laws From page 36 The modern canine diet is higher in carbohydrates and lower in meat-based proteins and fats than the canine ancestral diet. Some people have had success with a meat tenderiser that contains papain, an enzyme. K Taste-aversion products. The theory is that certain tastes and smells are as disgusting to dogs as the idea of stool eating is to humans and that spraying certain substances on poop will make it less appealing. Many of these products contain applicable in that area, and should not harm the environment or annoy the neighbours, there are still various factors to consider when deciding on what business to start on your plot. Location, facilities, budget and interest are some of the factors which will determine what money-making activity will thrive on a smallholding. K Location: Where your plot is situated in relation to towns, roads, developments and other settlements could COPROPHAGIA monosodium glutamate, chamomile, pepper-plant derivatives, yucca, garlic, and parsley. There is also much we can do to maintain an environment where the habit does not arise. Keep the dog's living area clean, including the yard, so there will be no stools for him to pick up. This applies particularly when there are a number of dogs in the household. If you take your dog for walks ~ as you should, even if it is only around your plot ~ take the poop scoop with you and pick up after him immediately. Training the dog to obey commands such as “leave it” and “come” will also help. Some animal behaviourists recommend training the dog to come to you for a treat once it has eliminated. We should not lose sight of the fact that dogs evolved as scavengers, eating whatever they found on the ground or in the wild, so their ideas of haute cuisine is somewhat different from ours. 37 www.sasmallholder.co.za hold the key to the correct choice of activity. How far you are from your markets must influence your choice of enterprise, for transport costs can be the maker or breaker of a new venture. Continued on page 38