How Do I Stop Dogs From Fouling in My Garden? 7 Vet-Approved Tips
Sharing your garden space can be pretty annoying, especially when your dog uses the space as their bathroom. If your dog has access to your garden space in the backyard, you'll probably be looking for ways to protect it.
Below, we'll cover the methods you can use to deter dogs from using the bathroom where you grow your veggies. While this seems like a challenging problem to resolve, whether it's your dog or someone else’s, your plants and canines can coexist.
Dogs Fouling in Gardens
There's nothing like taking pride in your luxurious garden only to have a dog ruin it. Some solutions will work better than others, depending on your living situation. For example, if you live in the city, you might need a different approach than in a rural setting.
Here are a few ideas you can combine or use by themselves.
The 7 Ways to Stop Dogs Pooping in Your Garden
1. Fence the Garden Off
Installing a fence around your garden is one of the primary ways you can prevent your dog from fouling it up, as well as prevent other animals from coming and using it as a bathroom. Some fencing is relatively inexpensive, depending on the size of the garden.
Plus, there are several DIY projects online that you can make from materials you might already have at home. You can hire someone to build a fence for you or save a lot of money by installing it yourself. If you are low on funds right now or just don’t like the look of having a fence around your garden, we have other options for you.
2. Use Dog-Repelling Formulas
Dogs defecate on surfaces with appealing aromas. If your dog smells something unpleasant, they will stay away from it. You can use a commercial or homemade deterrent:
- Commercial Repellent
Commercial repellents use different ingredients, depending on the brand. If you spray or scatter the repellents around the perimeter of your garden, it should keep the canines away. However, it's important to check the label. Some repellents are dangerous to wildlife, other pets, and children.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a very pungent smell that is overwhelming for most dogs. Before using it, dilute it with water, and don't spray it directly on your plants.
- Citrus
Dogs don’t like the strong, bitter smell and taste of citrus. The best method to keep them away from your garden space is to scatter the peelings around the perimeter. You can also spray citrus essential oils for more potency, but be careful since some commercial oils are toxic to dogs and other animals.
- Spicy Pepper
You can sprinkle various types of pepper, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, and more! No dog wants to inhale a lung full of peppery air.
- Coffee Grounds
Not only are coffee grounds an incredible nutrient to add to your fertilizer and compost, but they also work wonders to keep away unwanted pests. Start saving your used coffee grounds and adding them to the soil and the perimeter of your garden.
3. Buy a Repelling Device
You can buy a commercial repellent that emits a high frequency to drive dogs away, but its effectiveness is questionable. Some users claim they can repel dogs, cats, wildlife, and insects, but others mention that they have no effect on animals. Since some electronic deterrents are expensive, it's best to try some of the other methods first.
4. Install Cameras
If you have a problem dog and you want to catch them red-handed, there's nothing like having visual proof. You can tell the dog to scurry away yourself since some cameras allow you to speak into them like an intercom.
You can find affordable cameras online, and they're much easier to install than they used to be.
5. Rely on Lawn Sprinklers
Even though some dogs love water, most shy away from it initially, especially if it's unexpected. Motion-activated sprinklers are more effective deterrents than high-frequency noise makers, most dogs will find a dryer spot to use the bathroom.
6. Put Up Signs (If It's Not Your Dog)
You can install signs to let those around you know you prefer a poop-free garden zone. You can write something creative like “We have all the fertilizer we need here, thanks.“ Hopefully, anyone walking their pet or your neighbors will see the message.
7. Talk to Neighbors
If your neighborhood dogs are giving you all the trouble, it might be time to talk to the neighbors. If you know where a dog lives that is soiling in your soil, you must let their owners know what they're up to. After all, some people might not realize that their dogs are doing it. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a little friendly conversation.
Final Thoughts
It's vital to keep animals and animal feces out of your garden space, whether a dog, cat, deer, rabbit, or another vegetable destroyer. Pee and poop can destroy the area. Also, the digging, chewing, and eating of your resources aren't appreciated, either. However, keeping your garden clean and safe isn't difficult when you use the proper deterrent.
Featured Image Credit: lucianaeris, Pixabay
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
