Having a neighbor's dog constantly coming into your yard to poop can be very frustrating. As a dog owner myself, I understand that dogs need to relieve themselves regularly. However, no one wants their yard turned into a minefield of dog poop.
The good news is that there are several effective strategies to deter dogs from pooping in your yard, all without having to touch fences or grass. In this article, I'll share the methods that have worked for me over the years living next to inconsiderate dog owners.
Train Your Neighbor's Dog to Go Elsewhere
The most direct solution is to train your neighbor's dog to poop somewhere else. This takes cooperation from your neighbor, so hopefully they are willing to work together on this.
Here are some tips on training their dog:
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Reward the dog for going in another spot: Give treats and praise when you see the dog poop somewhere acceptable, like their own yard. This positive reinforcement will teach the dog where it should go.
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Use dog repellents: Spray benign dog repellents around the edges of your yard to deter the dog from entering. They smell unpleasant to dogs but won't harm plants. Reapply after rain.
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Restrict access: Ask your neighbor to leash their dog when taking it outside to prevent free roaming of your yard. Install physical barriers like fencing if needed.
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Communicate regularly: Maintain an open dialog with your neighbor about training progress. Be patient as retraining a dog takes time and consistency.
With persistence over several weeks, their dog should learn to do its business elsewhere. Monitor your yard for any accidents and clean thoroughly to remove all traces of scent.
Use Smell and Texture Repellents
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so making your yard less appealing by scent and texture can cause a dog to move on. Here are some dog poop prevention ideas:
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Citrus peels: Dogs dislike the smell of citrus. Spread peel pieces from oranges, lemons or limes around the perimeter of your yard. Reapply as the scent fades.
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Vinegar: Spray concentrated vinegar around plants and grass at the edges where dogs enter. The strong acidity acts as a repellent.
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Cayenne pepper: Sprinkle ground cayenne on areas dogs frequent. Cayenne's spicy scent deters dogs and causes minor irritation on contact. Reapply after rain.
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Large wood chips: Lay pieces of wood chips or pine cones where dogs enter your yard. The uneven and unstable texture under their paws discourages dogs from walking there.
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Motion activated sprinklers: When triggered, these sprinklers shoot brief bursts of water to startle dogs away. Position them at entry points to your yard.
Check weekly to maintain effectiveness of smell and texture repellents. Natural remedies may need more frequent reapplication than commercial products.
Use Ultrasonic and Motion Activated Deterrents
There are several electronic dog repellent products available these days. I've had success with the following:
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Ultrasonic devices: These small units emit high frequency sounds only heard by dogs. Place them around your yard. The annoying noise will deter most dogs. Look for waterproof versions.
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Motion activated sprinklers: When triggered, these sprinklers shoot brief bursts of water to startle dogs away. Position them at yard entry points.
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Motion activated ultrasonic tools: These combine motion sensors with high frequency sounds. I've found them to be more effective than ultrasonic alone.
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Motorized scarecrows: Placed in your yard, these move and make noises when detecting motion. They look like animals and will frighten off some dogs.
Electronic repellents vary in terms of coverage area and weather durability. Monitor your yard to see if dogs are still entering, then adjust repellent placement as needed.
Use Natural Homemade Dog Repellents
If you prefer natural dog repellents, try these effective homemade options:
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Ammonia solution: Mix 1 part ammonia with 3 parts water and spray along your yard edges. The pungent odor will deter most dogs. Reapply after rain.
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Vinegar, garlic and chili mixture: Blend 1 quart vinegar with 2 cups water, 4 chopped garlic cloves and 2 tsp chili powder. Allow to steep overnight, then strain. Spray the rancid liquid around plants and grass.
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Citrus solution: Blend 6 cups of water with 1 cup lemon or orange juice concentrate. Spray areas dogs frequent or lift legs on.
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Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds have a strong scent. Spread them along your fence line or sprinkle on grass. Caffeine also makes dogs sick if ingested.
Monitor your yard's access points for any lingering dog traffic. Reapply natural repellents after heavy rain. With persistence, dogs will associate your yard with unpleasant odors and move on.
Install Physical Barriers as a Last Resort
If all else fails, physical barriers may be needed to keep determined neighbor dogs out of your yard. This is a last resort since it requires touching your yard. Options include:
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Temporary fencing: Set up temporary fencing or temporary turf borders along yard edges and entry points. Look for fencing strips with short posts that insert directly into ground.
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Thorny bushes: Plant thorny bushes like bougainvillea or pyracantha along your fence line. Dogs will avoid brushing up against prickly bushes.
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Block access points: Use fencing, chicken wire, large rocks or patio furniture to block any gaps where dogs enter your yard. A little creativity can close access without permanent installations.
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Install a coyote roller: This is a spinning cylinder installed along the top of fences. When a dog tries to climb over, it spins and deters passage into your yard.
By touching grass and fencing only as a last option, you can restrict dog access while preserving most of your yard. Monitor for any new weak points, and reinforce them.
The Key is Persistence and Consistency
Preventing your neighbor's dog from pooping in your yard requires diligence and creativity. The key is layering multiple deterrents and maintaining them consistently. Don't give up after trying only one remedy.
With an arsenal of smell, texture and noise repellents, you can train even the most stubborn neighbor dog to move on. For severe cases, physical barriers may be your final option.
Remain patient, communicate politely with your neighbor, and demonstrate that your yard is the last place their dog wants to be. With commitment, you'll have a poop-free yard permanently.