How to Keep Stray Dogs From Pooping in the Yard

Preventing stray dogs from pooping in your yard is tough.

Stray dogs are not only a nuisance but the feces they leave behind are messy and can carry disease. Keeping these dogs out of your yard is tough, but there are a number of tactics you can employ to keep stray dogs from pooping in your yard, keeping both your family and your pets safe. The two main techniques are to install barriers or utilize deterrents.

Things You'll Need

• Fencing
• Chili pepper powder
• Motion detector sprinkler
• Ammonia
• Vinegar

Instructions

1. Have a fence installed around your property. Not only will the fence physically prevent the dog from entering your property, but it also serves to keep your own pets and children safely contained in your yard. The main drawback to having a fence installed is cost. Depending on the size of your yard and the type of fence being installed, this endeavor can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

2. Install a motion-activated sprinkler, if your homeowner's association or your finances won't allow you to install a fence. The product works similarly to a motion detection light. When the sensor detects motion, it activates the sprinkler, spraying the offending stray dog with water before it has the opportunity to do the duty. This product also works with other animals that frequent your property and it is significantly less expensive than installing a fence.

3. Create a natural dog deterrent. Dogs are naturally repelled by the smell of chili peppers. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in the peppers, is irritating to their delicate nasal tissues. Try this natural dog deterrent in several forms, including simply sprinkling chili pepper powder around the perimeter of your yard, as well as around areas where the dogs tend to defecate. Or you can mix the powder with water and use a spray bottle to apply the mixture to the same areas. The efficacy of this technique depends on your ability to reapply the treatment every other day, more often during the rainy season. Ammonia and vinegar can also be used in this fashion, however either may kill your more delicate plants if used in a garden, so be judicious in your use and apply to cotton balls instead of directly on the ground in these instances.

References

• Gardening Know How: Natural Homemade Dog Deterrents
• Richard K. Davis, owner Knoxville Animal Clinic, Knoxville, TN

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish