Have the neighborhood dogs turned your grass into a splotchy spectacle? If you put a lot of time and effort into your lawn, pooch pee can be a source of considerable frustration.
But don’t worry — we’re here to help!
Below, we’ll share some helpful ways to put a stop to the pooch pee-pee problem and answer a couple of common questions about dogs tinkling on your lawn.
Stopping Dogs from Peeing on Your Lawn: Key Takeaways
- While the occasional sprinkle on your grass may not cause huge problems, repeated visits may lead to dead spots on your lawn.
- Strategies to help keep dogs from urinating in your yard includes simple signage, installing motion-operated sprinklers, and more.
13 Strategies to Stop Spot from Sprinkling
If you’ve been wondering how to stop the neighbor’s dog from peeing in your yard, look no further.
While not every strategy discussed below will work with every dog, a combination of these tips should at the very least, protect your lawn to a greater degree.
Figuring out what works best for your yard and neighborhood can be a process of trial and error, so don’t be discouraged if the first method doesn’t yield immediate results.
You can also try experimenting with more than one of these strategies at a time.
1. Ask Nicely
If you’ve seen the same dog tinkling on your yard several times, it might be worth taking the time to explain your situation with the owner.
You’ll just have to use your judgement to figure out the best approach — you don’t want to end up in a heated confrontation.
In some cases, it may be best to catch the offender in the moment — especially if you don’t have any way to contact the owner later. Just be polite, and point out the problem the pooch’s pee-pee is causing your lawn.
In other cases, it may be best to simply wait to speak with the owner later. This may yield better results in many cases, as the owner won’t be distracted by his or her dog.
Assuming that it’s someone you recognize, pick a time on the weekend to politely knock on the owner’s door and explain the situation as evenly as possible. It’s likely that the dog owner simply doesn’t notice the problem his or her pooch is creating and will have no trouble avoiding your property in the future.
Keep in mind that sidewalks near your home are likely public property. Therefore,you may not be able to deter dog owners from walking their dogs near the perimeter of your property.
An Example Of How to Ask Nicely
Megan (K9 of Mine owner) here! When I first got my dog I didn’t really know yard etiquette and often let my dog pee on my neighbor’s grass.
One day he approached me and said “Can you not have your dog pee there? Once one dog pees there, all the others want to too. I’m counting on you!”
Initially I was embarrassed, but my neighbor’s wording made me feel like I could be part of the solution. He didn’t yell, complain, chastise, or blame me. Instead, he presented the situation as something I could help him with, and that framing maintained goodwill between us!
2. Install a Sign
One of the easiest ways to deter dog owners from walking near your property is to install a sign that gets the point across with a quick glance.
You can pick up a simple and polite sign or something a bit more to the point.
Note that this won’t necessarily stop dogs from eliminating on your lawn but it should make it clear to your neighbors that it’s not something you desire.
3. Provide A Better Alternative
How do you stop a dog from peeing on a certain spot?
One way is to provide a better, more convenient alternative.
For example, if your lawn is off-limits, you could provide a nice patch of grass (or perhaps a single piece of sod) on the curb that is dog friendly.Make it clear to owners that their dog should be here – and not over there!
This way dogs still have a place to relieve themselves if the urge strikes while passing by your house.
You can also include a poop bag dispenser on your property so that passersby have everything they need to keep pooch poo off of your lawn.
This also might make it easier to communicate your wishes with your neighbors. For example, you could say, “I’d prefer if Fido didn’t eliminate on the lawn, but I have a patch of grass on the curb that he’s perfectly welcome to!”
That way, the dog owners won’t have to switch up their walk routine while still keeping your lawn in great condition.
4. Apply A Dog Urine Repellent
Dog urine repellents work by giving off scents that are unpleasant to dogs. Repellents also mask the smell of preexisting urine which is crucial, since dogs tend to eliminate where other dogs have previously done so.
Generally speaking, these products are a bit hit-or-miss; they work in some cases, but fail to have any effect in others. Nevertheless, here are a few of the best-rated urine repellents on the market:
Liquid Fence
About: Liquid Fence for dogs only needs to be reapplied every 4 to 5 day and covers up to 500 square feet.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Liquid Fence Dog Deterrent
An easy-to-use, pre-mixed dog deterrent that is safe to use around most plants.
Features:
- Solution is pre-mixed so you can use it right away
- Can be sprayed on lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and trees
- 1 Bottle covers up to 500 square feet
- Won’t harm most plants or flowers
PROS
This repellent worked well for some dogs and cats, keeping them away from undesired potty spots. The repellent will still linger even after some light rain, so you might not have to apply it as often.
CONS
Some customers found that Liquid Fence didn’t keep out all dogs, though this is typical of most repellents since every dog is different. Though non-toxic, this repellent has a strong smell.
NaturVet OFF Limits
About: Off Limits by NaturVet is a non-staining pet deterrent, perfect for keeping dogs away from desired areas.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
NaturVet OFF Limits
A citrus-scented dog deterrent that is made in the USA and backed by a money-back guarantee.
Features:
- For use on flower beds, lawns, patio furniture, and garbage cans
- Non-offensive, citrus-like smell
- Safe for dogs and puppies
- Made in the USA
- Included money back guarantee
PROS
Users liked that this dog repellent has a pleasant, citronella-like smell. This repellent worked well at deterring some dogs and cats from eliminating in an undesirable area.
CONS
Many customers found that, in order to work properly, frequent reapplications were required.
Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon
About: Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon repellent is a four-footer deterrent that only needs to be reapplied about once a month, making it super convenient for busy homeowners.
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon
An indoor/outdoor dog deterrent that lasts up to 30 days after the initial application.
Features:
- Provides 750 square feet of coverage
- Lasts up to 30 days with a single application
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Ready-to-use out of the bottle
PROS
This spray has a non-offensive smell and lasts up to 30 days on its own. A single bottle can cover up to 750 square feet making it a good value for those with large lawns.
CONS
This spray needs 20 minutes of uninterrupted setting to work to its full potential. Some users saw discoloration or damage to their plants after using this repellent in the surrounding area.
5. DIY Dog Repellent
If you’re looking for an easy, cost-effective way to stop neighbor’s dogs from marking your lawn, why not try your hand at a homemade dog urine repellent?
These two recipes are super simple to make and include ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Option #1
Combine one cup white vinegar with two cups of apple cider vinegar. Place it in a spray bottle and mist any desired areas. Note that vinegar may harm plants, so use caution around your favorite ornamentals.
Option #2
Mix up some citrus-scented water and spray on plants. You can just cut up pieces of citrus and place them in the water, or use juice from citrus plants. This will make your yard smell great and will deter some dogs and cats from eliminating in the treated spot.
Just like commercially produced repellents, there is no guarantee that these solutions will deter all dogs from eliminating in an undesirable area.
Some dogs are more sensitive to strong smells than others, but you can experiment with combining this method with some of the other spotting prevention strategies.
6. Install A Fence
If nothing else seems to be working, a small fence can be enough to keep dogs and owners away from your lawn. You don’t need a full-sized dog-proof fence, either — even a short plastic fence that’s a foot or two high will usually be enough.This solution works great for keeping your own dog out of your garden too!
Prioritize fencing the perimeter of your property. That way, it will be clear to passers by what areas are off limits.
Alternatively, you could install a series of pathway lights if a fence isn’t your style. This might be enough of a visual signal to keep dogs and owners off of the lawn.
7. Scatter Used Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds aren’t just great for fertilizing your plants, they can also deter dogs and cats from peeing in a certain area due to their strong smell.
However, this method should be used with caution.The caffeine in coffee is toxic for dogs and cats — even in small amounts.
While it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure their dog isn’t eating things off the street (and few dogs are likely to find the scent of used coffee grounds appetizing), it is probably wisest to mix in the coffee grounds into the dirt to keep the neighborhood pups safe while also discouraging them from sprinkling on your lawn.
You may also want to install a sign warning owners that you’ve used coffee grounds on your lawn.
While it’s unlikely that dogs will come near your coffee adorned lawn, it’s better to be safe than sorry if this is your method of choice.
8. Leave Citrus Peels On The Ground
The smell of tangy citrus may be appealing to us, but to some dogs and cats, the smell is particularly pungent.
Accordingly, you can use peels of lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit to keep Fido out of your yard. Keep in mind that this won’t necessarily deter all dogs.
For the best results, mix in the peels with your soil. This will help the peels break down over time and prevent the peels from unintentionally attracting bugs.
You can even double-up your approach by making a soil mixture that contains both citrus peels and leftover coffee grounds.
9. Apply Vinegar & Lime Juice to Coffee Filters
Vinegar’s strong smell naturally deters dogs. The added lime juice helps to reduce the overall odor for people, while still working as a citrus doggy deterrent.
Coffee filters usually degrade over time which makes this method suitable for direct use on a flower bed or lawn. You can also find biodegradable filters that break down even faster if you like.
Soak your coffee filters in white vinegar and a little bit of lime juice. Once the filters dry, cut them into strips and place around the area you want to keep dogs away from.
This method is safe for plants, and shouldn’t present any harm to doggos either.
10. Install a Camera
Shame can be a great tool to alter human behavior. And, if owners know they’re being watched, they may avoid your yard altogether.So, consider installing a security camera on your property.
Cameras will also help you monitor whether or not your other strategies are working. Having a camera makes it easy for you to see what’s working, what’s not, and how you can adjust your strategy to protect your lawn properly.
If possible, try to mount the camera in a conspicuous location, so local dog walkers are sure to spot it.
Even a fake camera may suffice, and it’ll be cheaper than a true camera.
11. Use A “Scarecrow”
Halloween is just around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to put this method to the test. Skittish dogs may be deterred by various types of “scarecrows.”
Now, we don’t mean a literal scarecrow — dogs are unlikely to care (or even notice). Instead, we mean other types of things that’ll potentially frighten away dogs, like this spooky, motion-detecting, solar-powered owl.
At the very least, this “scarecrow” may startle the dog owner, if not the dog. This owl can also be used to keep out mice, squirrels, and birds, though users note varying degrees of success.
12. Install Motion-Operated Sprinklers
Searching for a way to keep your lawn looking pristine while simultaneously deterring dogs? Motion operated sprinklers will do the trick.
While these motion-activated sprinklers might not make you popular with the neighbors, they’re sure to keep dogs, cats, coyotes, and other wildlife away from your lawn at all hours.
You can adjust the sprinkler’s line of sight to target different areas of the yard. Plus, you get the added benefit of automatically watering your lawn.
13. Use Ultrasonic Deterrents
Ultrasonic pest deterrents produce loud (but inaudible to humans) sounds to keep out different animals. These deterrents might also repel wildlife, and some have different settings designed to repel different types of critters.
Keep in mind that dogs might adapt to ultrasonic deterrents over time. In addition, be sure to shop carefully, as some “ultrasonic” deterrents actually make noises people can hear.
You can also get ultrasonic deterrents with embedded lights to ward off dogs and other animals. There are plenty of these devices with embedded solar power so that you don’t have to constantly charge your device.
Similarly – while it’s a little mean – you could plant some dog repellant plants that dogs may not be big fans of.
Of course you don’t want to plant anything to purposely hurt a dog or make them sick, but some dense shrubs or shrubs with thorns may be enough to deter dogs looking for a convenient potty spot.
Don’t Use Potentially Harmful Deterrents
As frustrating as misplaced dog waste may be, you don’t want to harm the dog — it isn’t his fault.
He’s a good boy, who just needs to tinkle!
Also, you may be held responsible (potentially criminally so) if you do something to harm the dog.Stick with dog-safe deterrents to prevent Fido from eliminating on your lawn.
Don’t use ingredients like cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, garlic, or ammonia. These agents can be harmful for dogs and lead to illness or injury.
FAQs: How To Stop Dogs From Peeing On The Lawn
Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions to stop dog lawn spotting.
Do they make Liquid Fence for dogs?
Yes! As discussed above, there is a Liquid Fence for Dogs Urine Repellent. The product is safe for use on lawns and plants. You can also make your own DIY urine repellent using vinegar or citrus juice.
Does Liquid Fence work for dogs?
The original Liquid Fence formula is specially formulated to deter deer and rabbits, so it might not be super effective for keeping out dogs.
However, some owners have had success with the liquid fence formula made specifically for dogs.
Do dogs repellents really work?
Dog repellents can repel and deter dogs — at least in some cases. Many dogs are sensitive to smells like citrus, citronella (hence the existence of citronella bark collars), and others which are usually embedded in repellent solution.
There are even plants that sometimes deter dogs. However, it is possible for dogs to be completely unbothered from the scent of deterrent.
What smells repel dogs?
Some smells that are non-harmful and potentially effective at repelling dogs are citrus, vinegar, and citronella. Every dog is different, but many dogs find these scents to be overpoweringly pungent.
Is it illegal for people to let their dogs pee in my yard?
Figuring out what’s legal and illegal can be tricky. Laws vary by state, region, and even county.
In addition, there are separate penalties for failure to comply with leash laws, trespassing, and waste elimination laws. In New York, for example, failure to remove poop is subject to a fine, but there is no mention of pee.
While some consider a dog peeing in someone’s yard a form of trespassing, a lot is open to interpretation. Most waste laws pertain to poop without mentioning pee, so it’s best to reach out to your local law enforcement agency to get a clear view of the pet laws of your area.
***
Damaging pet waste can be incredibly frustrating. Hopefully, one of these strategies will help you stop dog lawn spotting for good!
Have you had any success with these methods? How do you keep your lawn pet waste free? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
FAQs
What scent repels dogs from peeing on grass? ›
Citrus. The citrus smell is arguably the best dog repellent there is. You do not have to do a lot. Simply peel an orange or a lemon next to your dog and you will observe it leaving the spot immediately.
What can I put in my yard to keep dogs away? ›Ammonia and vinegar are probably two of the most effective dog repellents you can find in your house. When spraying vinegar or ammonia, only spread them throughout your garden in strips and don't apply the mixture directly to your plants.
What is the best homemade dog repellent? ›Many store-bought dog repellents are made with apple cider vinegar, which you can use to make your own homemade solution for a fraction of the cost. To make a strong solution, mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups apple cider vinegar. Place it in a spray bottle and mist any desired areas, indoors or out.
What smells are dogs afraid of? ›- Chili Peppers.
- Onions.
- Ground Spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, mustard, and cayenne pepper)
- Garlic.
- Citrus Fruits (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits)
- Vinegar.
- Fresh Herbs (such as basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme)
- Alcohol.
Not only will a vinegar and water solution eliminate urine odor if your dog has already peed on the rug, but it will also deter them from urinating on the same carpet again. The acidic smell of vinegar is known to repel dogs from peeing on area rugs as they do not like the smell of vinegar.
What product repels dogs from peeing? ›Sharples and Grant Clean & Tidy Don't Pee Here Deterrent Spray 500ml Discourages pets from urinating in unwanted places, natural mustard smell keeps pets away. The initial unpleasant odour disappears in a few seconds to leave a long lasting action where it is applied, for indoor use only.
Do coffee grounds keep dogs away? ›Coffee grounds.
Coffee is another smell that dogs aren't fond of — and coffee grounds are great for your garden soil as well. Just scatter them on top of the soil and your dog will stay away.
“The safest way to keep your lawn green is to spray the area in which your dog urinated with a hose to dilute the urine,” Dr. Sinnott says. “If you are installing a new lawn, consider seeding it with 'urine hardy' grass such as tall fescue. This has been shown to be the most tolerant to urine of all the lawn grasses.”
Will mothballs keep dogs out of my yard? ›Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging, but they are toxic to dogs and should not be left in a place where a dog can access them. Instead, find a repellant that isn't potentially harmful to your pet.
Does bleach keep dogs away? ›Because of their heightened sense of smell, dogs are easily attracted to the strong odor produced by bleach. Inhaling an excessive amount of bleach can cause several side effects for dogs, namely kidney damage, aspiration pneumonia, and blood serum changes.
Which vinegar is best to deter dogs? ›
A highly concentrated combination of vinegar and water – 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water – is effective enough to discourage dogs. Vinegar's sour taste can also prevent your pooch from chewing. Always use clear vinegar such as white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar that is mildly colored is also a good option.
How do I spread cayenne pepper to my lawn? ›Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle it generously all over your lawn or flowerbeds. Reapply weekly. White Vinegar: Spray it around the perimeter of your lawn as a chemical fence. You can also mix it with the cayenne pepper to create a spray with a double whammy.
What is one smell dogs hate? ›At the top of the list? Citrus. Most dogs can't stand the taste and smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Here's why — plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage.
What are dogs scared of the most? ›Most typically, we find dogs that are afraid of loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, but also they can become fearful of children, men, riding in cars, going down stairs and such, or esoteric things, such as butterflies or flickering shadows.
How do you make homemade dog urine repellent? ›If your dog is urinating or pooping inside the house, squeeze roughly 100 milliliters of lemon juice mixed with 50 ml water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Apply this dog repellent spray over the area and let it act for 30 minutes. Remove the baking soda for a completely natural repellent.
Does black pepper keep dogs from peeing? ›Dogs don't like the smell of black pepper, and won't pee where there's pepper. I thought; heck; it's only black pepper. Why not try it? What an inexpensive fix if it FIXES the problem.
Does ground pepper keep dogs away? ›Most dogs are averse to peppery scents, like black pepper and cayenne pepper, which is why some people use them as canine deterrents.
Will grass grow back after dog urine? ›Minor lawn damage due to dog urine spots often resolves on its own as healthy new growth emerges in your lawn. However, areas that your dog frequents for urination will typically need dog urine spot repair.
How long does dog urine stay on grass? ›A general answer is 2-3 months with a few disclaimers.
Other factors involved are the amount of urea nitrogen stored in the soil from past dog urine as well as the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied over the last few months. Think of it this way.
Using mothballs outside can harm children, pets and other animals. Mothballs used outdoors can also contaminate soil, plants and water. The information below contains additional resources for the proper use of mothballs and some alternative methods of controlling clothes moths.
How do I keep the neighbor's dog out of my yard without a fence? ›
- Garden water sprayer.
- Motion-activated watering system.
- Ultrasonic dog repellent.
- Mothballs.
- plants (that dogs don't like but won't hurt them) including rue, citrus & citronella etc.,
What makes mothballs poisonous for dogs? Perhaps the most toxic commonly found mothball ingredient is camphor. Camphor ingestion results in central nervous system poisoning where a dog can become agitated and develop seizures. The signs will occur quickly after ingestion and can be life-threatening.
Is vinegar toxic to dogs? ›Yes! Vinegar is safe for your dog, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the healthiest option for your dog. Apple cider vinegar supports your dog's digestion and contains magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also helps break down fats and proteins.
What kills a dogs sense of smell? ›Harsh Odors are to Blame
Scents that seem overwhelming to us are overpowering for dogs causing their body to have a greater negative reaction to these harsh smells. Bleach is one such scent that can overpower a dog's sense of smell, causing them to lose it completely.
The answer is yes, it can be considered rude to let your dog urinate on someone else's lawn. This is because the urine can damage the grass and cause an unpleasant smell. If you're caught letting your dog urinate on someone else's property, you may be asked to leave or even face legal action.
Is there a spray to deter dogs from peeing? ›Sharples and Grant Clean & Tidy Don't Pee Here Deterrent Spray 500ml Discourages pets from urinating in unwanted places, natural mustard smell keeps pets away. The initial unpleasant odour disappears in a few seconds to leave a long lasting action where it is applied, for indoor use only.
Can dog urine damage lawns? ›Dog urine contains a variety of nitrogen compounds. Too much nitrogen will burn the grass and create yellow patches. But appropriate concentrations of nitrogen can actually be beneficial to the lawn, which is why you'll often see rings of thick dark green grass around the yellow patches.
Does dog urine destroy lawns? ›Dog pee can kill grass, leaving behind dead patches and bare spots. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to save your lawn and ensure that it remains a safe space for dogs to do their business.
Is it OK to let your dog walk on other people's lawns? ›1) No trespassing!
When walking your pet around a residential neighborhood, it is universally accepted as rude if you allow your dog to walk on people's front lawns, into their gardens, snack on their landscaping, or urinate on their mail boxes, garbage cans, or lawn decorations.
Vinegar is one of the things that just seem to drive dogs away. It has an acrid smell that is not particularly appealing to humans, but it is a natural smell which your dogs definitely won't like. Vinegar can be used straight from the bottle to spray or sprinkle.