How Do I Keep Dogs Off My Lawn?

Once again, someone's dog has crapped all over my lawn/property. I'm at my wit's end. This is a monthly occurance. I don't have the time or inclination to sit outside all day to prevent dogs from doing this. Most people are not responsible enough to pick up after their dogs, even thought it's the friggin law. I just find this so rude and completely disrespectful.

Does anyone have suggestions? 50% of people in my area own cats and/or dogs and there's no way of knowing who's doing it. If I put a fence up (a picket one, not a chain link one) will that prevent the problem, or will dogs just want to piss on my fence? Any viable solutions are welcome. Do electric fences or other animal repellants work? I don't want to spend a lot of money but I definitely want to keep animals away.

Are you sure the problem is with unrespectful dog owners who don't pick up after their pets or if it's someone's dog running loose that zeroes in on your lawn? We once had an issue with a neighbor's dog who would run over to crap in our walkway every chance he got.

I can attest to Sheldon's story! It was totally amazing and totally true!

Pam, I wonder if your problem isn't cats. There are a lot of outdoor cats in your vicinity - I see them all the time when I walk past your house. Generally, cats are a little more discreet, but, judging from our backyard, some are not.

If it's cats, there's not much you can do. If it's people walking their dogs, you could try putting a little sign on your lawn.

You're right, though - if you put up a fence, the cats are going to climb under or over it, and he dogs are going to piddle on it.

Instead of a fence, you could also try planting some drought-resistant bushes on the edge of the lawn right up against the sidewalk. They'll eventually grow big enough to act as somewhat of a barrier. There might be some native California plants that would fit the bill - those don't require much care.

I'm pretty sure it's dogs because the crap is pretty big (the size of charcoal briquettes), and the latest is a big pile -- it's way more than a cat can do. I also have regular squatter cats in my backyard and they've only left (much smaller) droppings once or twice. I'm not that happy about the cats either but at least they generally don't leave a mess.

I thought about bushes or other plants but don't want to deal with any maintenance. I prefer an enclosed fence with a gate so it'll also keep away solicitors. Despite the sign on my door that says NO SOLICITORS, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE FLYERS, some illiterate idiots still leave flyers. The sign has cut down on flyers about 90% though. I'm also sick of people leaving trash like candy wrappers and soda cans from the mini mart down the street. I also get a lot of plastic bags and papers that probably escape from trash cans and get blown into my yard. Cleaning up after other people and animals just isn't that appealing to me. I can't tell you how excited I was to find a used condom on my front lawn one time. An enclosed fence with a gate would help prevent a lot of that, plus provide more privacy and help camouflage my less than stellar landscaping. Some punk kids also egged our house a couple of Saturdays ago. I really just need to get a security camera and/or a sniper.

I'm going to look into whether or not I need a permit to build a fence. I'm gonna be really mad if I can't build a fence to keep out stray animals.

QUOTE

NO SOLICITORS, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE FLYERS

Try leaving the sign in English and Spanish (I'm sure you can find a translation somewhere). Many of the people who are hired to leave flyers are immigrants - I notice because I'm around during the day.

Jeez Pam! I can't believe your house sees this much "action!" Usually these stories come with houses that are on the corner of a major street that receives the most traffic. Do your neighbors have the same problem and why would kids egg your house in particular? Usually they'll pick out the house of someone they know.

If you find out whose dog is doing this, you can leave the owners a nice treat on their doorstep.

QUOTE (tammlewis @ Apr 10 2007, 04:11 PM)

If you find out whose dog is doing this, you can leave the owners a nice treat on their doorstep.

Even better if you set it on fire, ring the doorbell, and run away!

QUOTE

Even better if you set it on fire, ring the doorbell, and run away!

Wait a minute. Do I live with this guy?

Some people put water bottles on their lawn but I would just put barriers .ike short hedge or short fence, garden fence that protect flowers is effective enough and very inexpensive.

I apologize for the insensitive dog owners. I have been chewed out while picking up poop. I can understand the frustration but the dogs are worth it. BTW they don't have bathrooms and can't control it like us. Try to get a baby to poop on demand or for that matter your mate.

QUOTE (techvbjoe @ Apr 11 2007, 08:56 AM)

I apologize for the insensitive dog owners. I have been chewed out while picking up poop. I can understand the frustration but the dogs are worth it. BTW they don't have bathrooms and can't control it like us. Try to get a baby to poop on demand or for that matter your mate.

No need to apologize for insensitive jerks. You shouldn't be chewed out for cleaning up a mess. If people cleaned up after their dogs, I wouldn't be so upset. I understand that nature calls and they're animals but the decent thing to do (which you do, Joe ) is to clean it up. Is it really that difficult of a concept to bring a plastic bag with you when you walk your dog?

This post has been edited by mobyfan on Apr 11 2007, 02:34 PM

QUOTE (ArsNova @ Apr 9 2007, 08:42 PM)

Try leaving the sign in English and Spanish (I'm sure you can find a translation somewhere). Many of the people who are hired to leave flyers are immigrants - I notice because I'm around during the day.

I figured that some of the ones who are still leaving flyers are not English-speakers. Thanks for the tip.

QUOTE (Sheldon @ Apr 9 2007, 09:20 PM)

Jeez Pam! I can't believe your house sees this much "action!" Usually these stories come with houses that are on the corner of a major street that receives the most traffic. Do your neighbors have the same problem and why would kids egg your house in particular? Usually they'll pick out the house of someone they know.

I think the egging was just random. Some punk kids who were bored on a Saturday night. I just found an empty beer can on the sidewalk the other day (not the first time this has happened). F'ing drunks. I'm ready to hire a sniper. Let me know if you know of any.

QUOTE (ArsNova @ Apr 10 2007, 07:20 PM)

QUOTE Even better if you set it on fire, ring the doorbell, and run away! Wait a minute. Do I live with this guy?

LOL. Yeah, the problem is, I have no idea who's doing any of this stuff. Otherwise I would talk to them. It just really irritates me that all this littering and dog crap occurs so often. It's so frustrating that so many people lack common courtesy and common decency. I don't understand why people think it's okay to be rude. I see drivers not just run, but speed, through stop signs on a daily basis. A lot of them don't even slow down for the turn. I've almost been hit a few times by idiots coming off the 85 North exit at Saratoga. They think it's okay to go 50-60 mph coming off the freeway when they have a RED LIGHT. I just don't get it. These people act like traffic laws are arbitrary and they aren't subject to the same laws as everyone else. I drive a lot slower now, especially through neighborhoods because there could always be pedestrians or idiot drivers around.

This post has been edited by mobyfan on May 20 2008, 12:38 PM

I to have a problem with dogs taking a potty break on my front lawn. The difference is I know exactly who these dogs belong to but if I dare tell them to keep their dog off my lawn and on a leash as is the law, I'll have my windows busted in with rocks. I know because its happened before. Fences are to expencive at the moment for the shape of my lawn and we just tore down the hedges (which were not working). I read somewhere that moth balls work good to keep dogs off the lawn, though I have'nt had time to try it myself. Any one know a way to keep the kidswho own said dogs off my lawn as well? they tare up the grass worse chasing after the dogs that should have been on a leash to begin with. The only thing I can do is glare at them and call the police about their trespasing (who never show up!!) I really hate the fact that I don't have the right to protect my property any other way. I'm moving to Texas, where I can shoot first ask questions later .

I have dogs and on the occasion they soil a neighbor's yard , I pick it up. I have been chewed out by people even when I pick it up. Mothers come out and scold me for violating their lawns. I try to go to parks or school yards now. I still pick up but mostly they go at home.

I have heard and seen the following preventive ideas: If you water your lawn just before the usual visit, dogs hate to walk on wet grass. Also some swear by water bottles/ jugs around the perimeter. The Alum Rock Ave Portugese swear by this but it looks silly. Garden fences/edgings are very inexpensive. look good and will keep out the smaller dogs. The usually stand 12" or more and they can be easily installed ($2/lin ft). Fences are not that expensive unless you are going chain link or something structural ($20/lin ft). Decorative fences can be put up fairly cheaply ($10/ lin ft). Picket, rustic wood are examples.

If you ever need help with small installations, we do as fill in work.

Two less expensive then a fence ideas for you. There are real metal signs you can get online:

http://tinyurl.com/33pnan

Or if your yard isn't too big you could try a motion sensor sprinkler, the type used to scare deer from eating landscaping:

http://www.nextag.com/motion-sprinkler/search-html

It has a range of 35 feet so you'd have to test the distance so you don't spray innocent passerbys on the sidewalk but I bet it would only take getting nailed by a sprinkler once for the dog to never want to step foot on your lawn again.

Forgot to say those who want to report violators might have more success with a call to Animal Control rather then the police.

Calling animal control for one problem could create many more problems: picking up animals that are in their yards, got out by accident or strays who have been fixed but are unadoptable so they will be destroyed.

Use animal control sparingly. I call them for dead animal removal or to rescue hurt/ stranded animals. In San Jose, call 408 578 PAWS. If it happens in another area, they will connect or refer you to the appropriate agency. Everyone should know the number so they don't handle hurt, wild or unknown animals. They will get knowledgeable assistance.

Sorry I should have been more specific. I meant if you know who the owner of the dog is, as in which house they live in, you can report the owner who will then receive a letter in the mail stating that it is illegal to let thier dog relieve itself on front lawns. I know this because a neighbor of mine who has a tiny little Yorkie got one when someone reported her. Though she does scoop, you can't really remove urine so I suspect that's what led to the complaint.

She was never able to find out who filed the complaint so it would seem they keep names out of it and just issue the warning.

In any case she changed her walking route and it scared her out of letting her dog step on peoples front lawns.

(I apologize for the insensitive dog owners. I have been chewed out while picking up poop. I can understand the frustration but the dogs are worth it. BTW they don't have bathrooms and can't control it like us. Try to get a baby to poop on demand or for that matter your mate. )

This isn't meant as rude but just for educational purposes for others to read. Dogs can control it like us. Case in point. My dogs hold it while they are in our home, my vehicle and the store and even the park. My dogs actually do go on command. Now to explain why. It all started while living in 50 degrees below freezing and I didn't want to stand out for 30 minutes waiting so I kept repeating hurry up and go potty, or hurry up and go pee. Can't tell you what words they hear but I praised them when they went. Now they go on command without a problem. Another reason I do this now is just like a kid, I tell them to go before we leave the house and then we go spend a few hours walking around town or thru the park as well as sitting outside at a restaurant for lunch. Now if my dog went potty at the restaurant I'm sure I would never be allowed back. Also we use to play fly ball and agility. Those are speed competitions that the dogs love. If they stop to go potty, we would slow up the team and our team mates would be a little dissapointed in us. Also, for the people who actually show their dogs in conformation, the judge will kick you out and disqualify you if your dog potties in the ring. My dogs are trained to a specific place in the yard so that it is easy to clean up. They are even so well behaved the neighbors love them. If we walk over to the neighbors to talk and my dogs realize they have to go, they ask just as if they are in the house. I tell them to go hurry up and they run back to my yard to do their business in their spot. When they are done they wait at the edge of the yard to get permission to rejoin me at the neighbors. (they are boundary trained also) They are happy well adjusted smiling german shepherds that are good neighbors and the fact that everyone loves them as neighbors and brags to friends about them is a testament that if you do take a little time and respect the people around you and realize that dogs are very smart and like to go in the same spot every time, you can train them to go potty on command before bedtime, before a walk, or before a ride in the car.
And I do agree someone should never chew you out while you were cleaning up, but did you let the pet use someones yard? The reason I ask, is that even if you pick up the hard stuff, the juices can burn the yard days after you're gone. My dogs are awesome and I truly love my indoor cats to the point that I've spent hordes of money putting in CAT FENCE to give them a safe place in the back yard to get fresh air. But my neighbors cat peed and sprayed and distroyed a $2,000 wicker front porch set on my front porch, What can I do? I won't hurt or take the cat to the shelter where it will be in a cage and possible destroyed. I've even given the neighbor information on the CAT FENCE but she doesn't care. That's a whole nother post. So for those of you getting pooped on, I hate it for you and for those of you who want to learn new ways to be good neighbors and not have to carry poop around, build a special spot in your yard, place your dog on leash at first so that you can encourage them to stay in that area as you tell them a command to potty. Give them a treat and praise when they get it right. Make it a ritual to go potty there before your walk, then your dog gets in a habbit to go and then the two of you can really enjoy your stroll together instead of the dreaded search for the perfect spot.

t bryant, I think what you are saying is that all dogs can be trained. I agree and wish all pet owners took responsibility for their pets like you do. I understand that dogs and cats need to go, and it's fine if they do it on my lawn if the owner will pick up after them, and if they don't make it a habit. I don't have cats or dogs, or kids, because I don't really have the desire to clean up after someone (or something) else. I'm also allergic to dogs and cats so it makes it pretty easy to say no pets for me.

I'm happy to report I haven't had this problem in months, and knock on wood, hope it stays that way.

This post has been edited by mobyfan on May 5 2008, 01:25 AM

T Bryant, I will make you a deal: You poop and pee every day at exactly the same time, on demand if we go somewhere, use the same toilet and I will train my dogs to do so also. I am 48 years old and I have to go when I am on the road, AND I hate public toilets. How horrible! My dogs poop in their yard but I don't expect them to never poop on the walk as I am very irregular with my timing (I work for myself). 99% of their relieving themselves is in their own back yard which we clean everyday. I have very smart, well trained animals, loved by all the neighbors also. The kids come by to ask for the dogs to come out. Hell my cats play fetch and come on demand by name (I have five). They take baths also.

I am very happy with your efforts and neighborly concern. You are a great pet owner where we don't have many. I rescued all of my animals and build shelters for feral cats. In my experience, I have seen animals that are trained to poop in one place, one time and on demand. They are not very happy. My Pomeranian doesn't like wet grass (he was raised in a cage for his first three years). He will go when it dries out. I am on my third old dog that tries her best to get outside and sometimes doesn't make it. They all have their quirks, past experiences and I forgive and love them as my children. You wouldn't treat a child like that? Tell them to poop on demand, go home to go to the bathroom, or go to the bathroom at the same time everyday. I know I wouldn't.

This post has been edited by techvbjoe on May 5 2008, 02:27 PM

YIKES.... really feel the need to chime in here...

You wrote:
Most people are not responsible enough to pick up after their dogs, even thought it's the friggin law. I just find this so rude and completely disrespectful.

I walk my dog in downtown and surrounding areas around downtown.  I carry baggies every time and I have also witnessed other folks walking their dogs with Safeway bags tied to the pet leash for easy pickup and disposal.  I would have to say that most people ARE indeed responsible curbing their pets.

I have to say on occasion I witness a huge pile of "evidence" on the ground, even as obvious as in the middle of the sidewalk in downtown.

Unfortunately, there is the irresponsible idiot that just does not care or want to be bothered.

In New York City, they have a very strict "Pooper Scooper Law" fines are enforced as well. 


Hope this helps!

QUOTE (spfa @ May 20 2008, 09:48 AM)

YIKES.... really feel the need to chime in here...

spfa, your comments are appreciated. I guess it's the law-abiding people whose good deeds you rarely see. A few jerks always ruin it for everyone else. I found dog doo on my front lawn several times in a span of a few weeks so I hope you can understand my frustration at the time of posting. Thankfully, I haven't seen any since then. But I do get cat doo on occasion in my backyard. Cats like to hang out there and I can't always be out to shoo them away. People who have outdoor cats need to realize that they go (to the bathroom, as well as to hang out) SOMEWHERE and it's usually someone else's backyard.

We have a neighbor that had placed a sign on their lawn that says something like " Lawn has been treated with Weed Killer, please keep off"

I personally do not believe there really is weed killer on the lawn, but
I am suspecting (based on this neighbor) that he has encountered doggie-doo problems. Sounds like a good idea, that should keep the dog owners in check since they are the ones that can read... and even if it is a stray dog, you can at least narrow down the doggie-doo-doo-er!

Also, if you sprinkle chili powder in your backyard, cats do not like it and they will stop defecating in the back yard (go to a restaurant supply store like Smart and Final or Central Cash and Carry, they have the commercial size at a reasonable price).

Cheers!

This post has been edited by spfa on May 21 2008, 09:48 AM

Our neighbor has a sign that says something like "Please use doggie doo area" although it's not clear where that area is (I assume they mean someone else's yard). 95% of the people who walk by (I'm assuming they're my neighbors since they regularly walk through my neighborhood) aren't that friendly. I used to be out watering the lawn or gardening on a daily basis. I would wait til they got closer to say Hi but most of them would ignore me and not make eye contact, or even cross the street before they reached my house so they could avoid me. One time there was a woman on her cell phone. She hung up when she was on my sidewalk so I was about to say Hi and she totally turned her head away to avoid me! And she was like two feet from me! I was like "WTF!" I see the same people walk by, usually with their animals, and they never so much as smile. I don't get it. The only neighbors I'm friendly with are my immediate neighbors, and that's only because I made an effort to go out of my way to introduce myself when I moved in. Everyone else seems to be too busy to care.

Dogs are already banned at several places so when I run into an OCCASIONAL poop at the park, I pick it up to avoid criticism of the dog population as a whole. No problem. What I really hate is when I see people bring their dogs to the school yard to relieve themselves. Not even for a walk. They live around the corner and don't want to clean up their yard.

That's nice of you, Joe. I am conflicted about picking up other people's trash. Sometimes I do it because I know it will get worse if it's not cleaned up. Sometimes I get upset because I'm not these people's mom and they shouldn't be so disrespectful. The world is not their trash can. I pick up litter on my own property though because I don't want my house to look trashy. It's kind of like graffitti -- you want to clean it up immediately to deter more tagging.

This post has been edited by mobyfan on May 28 2008, 05:26 PM

"I see the same people walk by, usually with their animals, and they never so much as smile. I don't get it. "

That's really sad Mobyfan. By walking my dog every day I got to know so many of my neighbors that I even invited one to my wedding. Before I moved last year? My normal half hour walk could take upwards of an hour there were so many people to say hello to each day. LOL. A greeting and quick chat multiplied by up to 6 people each day adds up.

But it was great. It was the first time I'd become friends with so many of my neighbors.

This post has been edited by sltamaki on Jun 10 2008, 06:46 AM