How do I keep dogs and other animals from doing their business on my lawn?

Question

Our backyard is open with a line of trees and people walk their dogs or dogs get loose between the houses and have decided to use our backyard / side grassy areas as a convenient toilet. Are there products available (or natural remedies) that don't harm animals (like dogs, cats etc), but that they don't like the smell of, that will keep them off our garden?

Answer 1

human urine puts cats off apparently

Answer 2

If you figure this one out let me know. My neighbor has been letting her Boston Terrier use my front lawn as a toilet for over a year now.

What I can tell you is what doesn't work. There is a powder or spray that you can put on your lawn that has pepper in it. I went through an entire can of it and it didn't deter "Trigger" from doing his business on my lawn in the slightest. Don't waste your money on that.

My aunt once got so fed up she put up a mock tombstone that said, "Here lies the last dog who crapped on my lawn." From what I've heard, it worked. I personally haven't had the nerve to do that yet but if I find much more dog poo on my lawn I might resort to it.

Answer 3

some pet stores sell stakes soaked in coyote urine. you hammer it in the ground near, but not on your yard, and dogs will want to mark it. as far as poop, maybe a sign might spur a little consideration from those walking their dogs. the only maintenance-free thing you could do is put up a chain-link fence. or, if its not too wide of a yard, douse the rear property line with citronella. dogs hate it.

Answer 4

if you want to spend the money they do have the invisible fence. its manly made to keep animals inside. but the product basiclly keeps animals from crossing or going near the sensors. and it works. should keep them out

Answer 5

A friend of mine sprinkles coffee grounds on lawn and swears that it helps.

Answer 6

A fence. And ask these people that let their pets poop in your yard how they would like it if you did that at their homes!