How do I stop dogs pooping outside my house?

Dogs pooping outside your house can be a frustrating and unsanitary problem. As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to clean up after your pet, but you also want to train them to only go in designated areas. There are several methods you can try to stop dogs from pooping in your yard or near your home. With patience and consistency, you can teach dogs where it is and isn’t appropriate to go.

Why Do Dogs Poop Outside?

There are a few reasons why dogs may be pooping outside your home:

• It’s a natural instinct and form of communication for dogs to mark their territory with urine and feces.
• Dogs that are not fully house-trained may go outside because they don’t know any better.
• Dogs need to relieve themselves regularly and if they aren’t let out when needed, they may resort to going near your home.
• Nearby dogs may come into your yard to go to the bathroom if it isn’t fenced off.

Understanding why your dog or neighborhood dogs are drawn to go near your house can help you address the behavior more effectively.

How to Stop Dogs from Pooping Outside

Here are some tips to prevent and stop dogs from pooping on your property:

Clean Up All Waste Promptly

Dogs are drawn to smells, so leaving any feces in your yard will only encourage them to go there again. Pick up waste from your own dog as soon as they go. Also, check your yard regularly for any waste from other dogs and dispose of it right away. The less smelly evidence there is, the less likely more dogs will want to go in that spot.

Use Repellents

There are commercial dog repellent sprays made specifically to deter dogs from going in certain areas. Look for products safe for use in yards and gardens. Apply these along the perimeter of your property, fences, or anywhere dogs tend to go. Reapply after rain. The smells are unpleasant for dogs and can dissuade them from going nearby.

Block Access

Restrict dogs’ access to your yard space with fencing or plant barriers. Fences at least four feet tall will keep most dogs out of your property. Thorny bushes and plants can also act as a deterrent along fences or borders. This removes the temptation for neighborhood dogs to wander onto your property to relieve themselves.

Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler

These devices detect movement and shoot out a quick burst of water to startle dogs. They are harmless but unpleasant enough to teach dogs to avoid that area. Place them wherever dogs tend to frequent. After being sprayed a few times, most dogs will learn to steer clear.

Train Your Dog

If it’s your own dog doing the pooping, focus on re-training them to only go in designated areas. Take them out for frequent potty breaks in the right locations and reward them for going there. Use crate-training while you’re away and leash control when outside.Consistency and positive reinforcement will help curb the behavior.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Politely inform nearby dog owners if you notice their pets soiling your lawn. They may not be aware it’s happening. Most people will want to rectify the situation once informed. You can request they keep their dog leashed, pick up after them, or avoid the area near your home.

Best Practices When Dogs Poop Outside

If dogs continue pooping near your house despite your best efforts, here are some tips for handling it properly:

• Always clean up waste from your own dog when walking them, even if it’s not on your property.
• Carry waste pickup bags with you to remove other dogs’ feces from your yard.
• Dispose of dog poop promptly in outdoor trash receptacles.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling dog waste.
• If you find unidentified waste, spray the area with a hose to help dilute the smells.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals that may be toxic if dogs ingest them.

Following best practices for waste removal can help minimize the smell triggers and health hazards for you and your neighborhood.

Using Repellents Effectively

Repellent sprays are one of the most effective solutions for keeping dogs away from certain spots. Here are some tips for using them properly:

• Look for pet-safe and environmentally-friendly formulas.
• Apply to dry ground and reapply after rain per product instructions.
• Spray along fence lines, sidewalks, gardens, or any problematic areas.
• Aim for repellent widths of at least 3 feet to fully block access.
• Reapply monthly for best results.
• Combine with barriers like fences or bushes for added effectiveness.

Using the right strength formulas and maintaining applications is key for repellents to work. Always read and follow label directions carefully.

When to Call A Professional

In extreme cases of frequent dog waste problems, you may need to call in a professional:

• If you’ve identified repeat offender dogs but owners refuse to address the issue.
• For properties with chronic dog poop problems from unknown sources.
• If neighbor discussions and mediation attempts have failed.
• For large yard spaces that require extensive repellent applications or cleanups.
• If you are unable to physically manage cleaning and deterrent implementations yourself.

Professionals like mobile dog waste removal services can provide comprehensive cleanups. Local mediators can assist with facilitating discussions between uncooperative neighbors. In rare cases, legal action may be required under nuisance or waste ordinances.

Teaching Your Dog to Poop in Designated Areas

For dogs pooping in unwanted areas, training is the best long-term solution. Here are some tips:

• Choose an easy to reach designated potty spot, like a corner of your yard.
• Take your dog to the spot on a leash every time and use a command like “Go potty.”
• Reward with treats and praise when they go in the designated spot.
• Clean up accidents inside or outside promptly, but don’t punish the dog.
• Restrict access to previously soiled areas until fully trained.
• Stick to a consistent daily schedule for feeding, watering and potty trips.

With frequent trips to the approved location and positive associations, your dog will learn where they should and shouldn’t go over time.

Choosing the Right Plants for Dog Barriers

Thorny bushes and shrubs along your property borders make good dog deterrents. Some ideal options include:

• Holly bushes – Has pointy leaves.
• Rose bushes – Sharp thorns.
• Cacti – Spiky succulents.
• Hawthorn trees – Produces thorny fruits.
• Pyracantha – Has long, sharp thorns.
• Japanese barberry – Dense prickly branches.

Aim for tightly packed, sturdy plants at least 2-3 feet high. Consult your local nursery to find the best varieties for your climate and conditions. Use caution handling prickly plants and supervise children around them.

Cleaning Products to Neutralize Odors and Stains

Prompt cleanup and odor removal is key for stopping dogs from revisiting soiled areas. Good cleaning products include:

• Enzyme cleaners – Break down waste and neutralize odors.
• Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar – Helps lift stains and deodorize.
• Baking soda – Absorbs smells.
• Detergent – Removes dirt and waste residues.
• Disinfectants – Kills germs and bacteria in feces.
• Air purifiers – Filters out unpleasant smells inside.

Thoroughly scrub affected ground surfaces and dispose of used cleaning supplies carefully. Ventilate areas during and after cleaning. With quick cleanup, dogs will be less inclined to return to previously soiled spots.

How to Bring Up the Issue Tactfully with Neighbors

If neighbor dogs are the culprits, here are some polite ways to broach the subject:

• Approach your neighbor when they are not busy and say you need to discuss something.
• Calmly point out the problem, but don’t accuse or get angry at them.
• Stick to objective facts about frequently finding dog poop in your yard.
• Assume good intent and that they were likely unaware of the issue.
• Listen to their perspective and thoughts on resolving it.
• Frame it as a neighborhood etiquette issue that you hope to solve together.
• Suggest reasonable actions like leashing, cleanup, or avoiding certain areas.

Being considerate and solution-focused makes it easier for neighbors to have constructive discussions. With some cooperation, dog poop problems can be minimized without damaging neighborly relations.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to dogs pooping outside:

Myth: Dogs should be able to roam and go wherever they want.

Fact: Responsible pet owners need to control where their dogs go to the bathroom and clean up after them. Allowing dogs to freely poop on other people’s property is inconsiderate and unhygienic.

Myth: Dog waste in yards is harmless.

Fact: Dog feces contains bacteria that can spread parasites and diseases. Proper disposal is essential for health and sanitation.

Myth: Dog poop will just decompose and fertilize the lawn.

Fact: The risks from disease and groundwater contamination outweigh any benefits. Feces should always be picked up and thrown out.

Myth: Dogs can’t be trained to only poop in certain locations.

Fact: With consistent training methods, dogs can learn where it is and isn’t appropriate to relieve themselves.

Myth: Repellents and barriers don’t really work.

Fact: When applied properly, commercial repellents, fencing, and plant barriers are effective deterrents for most dogs.

Understanding the facts helps address problems in constructive vs. defeatist ways. While not always simple, dog poop issues can be overcome.

The Dangers of Dog Waste

Allowing dog poop to accumulate carries health risks, including:

• Parasites like roundworm can spread to humans.
• Salmonella and E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if ingested.
• Whipworm eggs can survive in soil for years and infect other dogs.
• Tapeworm is transmitted when dogs ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs.
• Toxocariasis causes vision loss and neurological issues in rare cases.
• Giardia leads to intestinal infection and diarrhea if humans ingest contaminated soil or water.

Prompt waste pickup, proper hygiene and containment of dog access are required to minimize these hazards. Dog poop should never be left to sit in yards or public spaces.

How Often Dogs Typically Need to Poop

Most dogs need to defecate:

• At least 1-2 times per day. More often for puppies or dogs eating frequent small meals.
• Shortly after eating, usually within 15-30 minutes as the food moves through their digestive tract.
• After long naps, since bowel movements accumulate during sleep.
• Immediately when let outside after being confined in a crate or inside for an extended time.
• When anticipating going for a walk, car ride or other outing due to excitement and activity.

Knowing your dog’s usual poop schedule can help with timely potty breaks and prevent accidents. Pay attention to post-meal and waking routines. Puppies need to go out much more frequently. When in doubt, provide additional potty opportunities.

Average Costs to Professionally Remove Dog Waste

Typical professional dog waste removal service costs:

Service	Average Cost
One-time full yard cleanup	$100 – $250+
Recurring maintenance cleanups	$15 – $50 per visit
Emergency on-demand cleanup	$50 – $150+ per hour

Costs vary based on yard size, amounts of waste, and frequency. Some services offer package deals for multi-cleanings. It’s often more affordable to hire professionals for large yards with chronic dog poop problems.

Key Takeaways

To stop dogs from pooping outside your home:

• Clean up all pet waste immediately and use enzymatic cleaners to remove odors.
• Use repellents along fences and property borders to deter dogs.
• Restrict access with barriers like fences and thorny plants.
• Train pets to only go in designated areas and clean up accidents promptly.
• If issues persist from neighbor dogs, discuss politely with owners to reach solutions.
• In extreme cases, contact professionals for cleanups or legal mediation.

While frustrating, dog poop problems can be solved with patience, cooperation and the right deterrents. Consistency is vital when training pets. With a multifaceted approach, you can restore clean and waste-free outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Dogs pooping where they shouldn’t is a common nuisance, but there are ways to take control of the situation. By first understanding why dogs are drawn to go near your home, you can then take strategic actions like cleanup, re-training, repellents and restricting access. Stopping neighborhood dogs requires politely alerting owners and reaching mutually agreeable solutions. With a proactive, consistent approach, dog poop on your property can be minimized. The work involved pays off in terms of health, sanitation and peaceful outdoor spaces.