Now is a good time to get them mulching chores done, especially since it's the time of year when we get all the mulch we can want for F-R-E-E --- fallen leaves!!!

I normally have DH blow them right onto my beds. I've never had a problem with them not breaking down when used whole, but I do have mostly maple trees in my area, and those do break down quite rapidly. If you have oak leaves or other slowly-decomposing leaves, it would be best to shred them before spreading on the beds.

I don't buy into the advice to wait until the ground freezes to apply mulch, I say go ahead and do it when you have the time and the resources available, but you may get differing opinions in this regard. In any case, try to keep the mulch (whatever type you choose to use) off of the crowns of the plants.

No advice how to keep the dog out of the beds. I have two dogs but they don't normally run around off-leash in my yard so I don't have to deal with this. If the plants do become un-earth, plant them again as soon as you notice - just do the best you can to stick them back in if the ground is frozen/hard to work.

I, too, mulch when it is convenient for me. The reason that is given to wait until the ground freezes is so that critters like voles won't make homes in the mulch...nothing seems to stop them in my yard.

janegael, I mulch whenever I have time also, although I have heard it is better to wait until after a freeze. I thought that was to avoid giving insects a warm bed, but the vole thing makes sense, too. Just think of it as providing endless amusement for the pup if voles do settle in there! My two digging fools have just dug up one of the rhododendrons-again. I think mine are after chipmunks. DH went out in the pouring rain to replant it for me.