Dog poop is an unwelcome sight on the lawn, and more so if it came from your neighbor’s pooch. If you want to know how to stop your neighbor’s dog from pooping in your yard, check out these six methods.
How to stop neighbor’s dog pooping in my yard
Spray Dog Repellents
Dogs have a super sensitive nose which you can use to your advantage. One of the best anti-poop solutions is to spray known repellents that will keep the dogs away from your garden.
Consider buying commercial dog repellent sprays if you don’t have the time or resources to make your own. Vinegar is surprisingly effective as it has a strong odor and works as an irritant to a dog’s nose- they’ll likely stay away whenever they smell them.
A good idea is to soak cotton balls with vinegar and place them in areas where you don’t want your neighbor’s dog to go. Other alternatives include chili powder, garlic, cayenne, citronella, and rubbing alcohol. Reapply after a few days or so to get the results you want.
Install a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Get two things done by installing a motion-activated sprinkler on your lawn. Not only will you have a watering system that takes care of your grass or turf, but you’ll also have a defensive option if you want to stop unwanted dog poop.
You can install it around the perimeter or near your garden, and the sprinkler will activate if there’s a small to medium-sized animal roaming around. The jets of water will likely surprise (and hopefully) discourage the dog from doing their business in your yard.
Sprinklers are known to discourage other animals as well, including foxes, mice, and even deer to an extent. Installing is just a matter of plugging the sprinkler into the ground and attaching a water hose to it.
Set Up a Barrier or Fence
Physical barriers that dogs can’t pass through will work as well. If you’re worried that your yard will look less pleasing aesthetic-wise, then you can add climbing plants or shrubs such as roses or hydrangeas to turn it into a colorful landscape.
You’ll have several fences or barrier material options, including wood, screen wire, or plastic netting to choose from.
You can even put in a layer of rocks right around the perimeter and discourage cats and dogs from walking through. Should they continue the walk they’ll end up with sore paws or feet, which might be enough to discourage the neighbor’s dog from doing it again in the future.
Put Up a Sign or Warning
You can address the dog-pooping conundrum passively by putting up signs that say you don’t want canines doing their business in your yard. Something as simple as ‘no trespassing’ or ‘clean up after your dog’ should do the trick. Then, place it where it can be seen and in a place that the neighbor’s dog has pooped before.
Effectiveness can vary depending on your neighbor, but it generally works most of the time.
Talk to Your Neighbor
If the signs and sprinkler don’t work then you may have to have a conversation with the dog’s owner.
Try to work towards a mutually beneficial solution so they will understand and won’t likely do it again. First, explain why you don’t want the dog pooping in your yard, e.g., it’s bad for the plants or grass, or that it leaves a smell. Then, ask if he or she could do it somewhere else, such as in their yard.
Finally, you can recommend having your neighbors bring a plastic poop bag with them so they can clean up the mess.
Create a Designated ‘Poop’ Zone
This method of how to stop neighbors dog pooping in my yard works great if you have a pet as well. You can train your dog to poop and pee in a designated area in your yard, which hopefully serves as an example for your neighbor.
Set up a ‘poop’ zone using attractive media, such as sand or dirt, and immediately remove and clean up existing ones.
Place this in a prominent area where it can be easily accessed, such as adjacent spaces near the road so the dog won’t have to venture far. You can also go as far as installing a doggie poop bag dispenser so they could clean up after.
Related Article: Can You Mow a Lawn with Dog Poop