What smell repels dogs from pooping?

Dog owners often struggle with their canine companions choosing undesirable areas to relieve themselves. While training and consistency are key for housebreaking dogs, some additional tools can help deter dogs from pottying in off-limit spots. Certain smells are known to repel dogs from doing their business in specific areas. Understanding what scents dogs dislike can help dog owners restrict unwanted potty spots in the yard and home.

What Scents Repel Dogs?

Some smells that are unappealing to dogs and may help deter them from relieving themselves in off-limit areas include:

• Citrus – Dogs tend to dislike citrus scents such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. The acidic smell is unpleasant to their sensitive noses.
• Pepper – Ground black pepper, cayenne pepper or chili powder can be unpleasant to dogs. Sprinkle it generously in any areas you want to keep them from pottying in.
• Vinegar or Ammonia – The tangy scent of vinegar or the pungent odor of ammonia are nasty smells to dogs. Use one or the other diluted in water to spray areas you want to be off-limits.
• Eucalyptus Oil – This strong, medicinal scent often deters dogs from pottying or spending time in that area.
• Menthol – The smell of menthol emanating from rubs or body lotions can keep dogs away.
• Coffee Grounds – Sprinkled fresh coffee grounds can help mask appealing smells while emitting an acidic aroma unappealing to canines.
• Perfume – Heavily scented perfumes and air fresheners often contain smells that deter dogs.

It’s important not to use smells or solutions that may be toxic to dogs. Essential oils in particular can be hazardous to canines if used incorrectly. Always research that any smell repellents are safe before use.

How to Use Smell Repellents for Dogs

Here are some tips on using scented repellents to discourage dogs from pottying in unwanted areas:

• Focus on soiled areas – Apply repellents directly in areas that the dog has soiled in the past to break the habit.
• Create unappealing pathways – Spray or sprinkle repellents in entryways, sidewalks or hallways leading to areas you want to protect.
• Use in the garden – Work repellents into garden beds, borders or landscaping you want to keep urine-free.
• Spray perimeter – Create a smelly barrier around the perimeter of your yard to keep neighbor dogs out.
• Indoor application – Use small amounts of oil or sprays to protect carpets, furniture or flooring.
• Reapply frequently – Don’t just apply once. Reapply smelly repellents regularly to reinforce the scent.
• Rotate scents – Switch between several unappealing smells so dogs don’t get used to any one odor.

Be careful using smell repellents on plants, not to damage foliage or roots. And always keep citrus oils away from cats, as it is toxic to them.

Natural Homemade Smell Repellents

Many commercial dog repellent sprays contain harsh chemicals. For a more natural option, homemade solutions can also effectively deter dogs from soiled areas. Here are some easy homemade smell repellents:

• Vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water – Mix a few tablespoons with water in a spray bottle. Shake before use.
• Diluted essential oils – Choose unpleasant scents for dogs like citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint or lemongrass. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle.
• Cayenne pepper or chili powder – Sprinkle powder liberally over dry areas. Use gloves when applying.
• Ammonia – Dilute household ammonia with water. Use outside only.
• Ground coffee or tea – Spread used coffee grounds or used tea leaves. Can stain some surfaces.
• Sliced citrus peels – Arrange peels of oranges, lemons or limes in areas dogs frequent.

Reapply these homemade solutions every few days for the best results. Avoid using pure solutions directly on soil or plants.

Combining Repellents with Training

While smell repellents can help discourage dogs from pottying in unwanted spots, they should always be used along with proper training and housebreaking techniques including:

• Establishing a routine – Take dogs out consistently and reward with praise or treats for going in designated areas.
• Confinement or leashes – Restrict access to rooms or areas of the home and yard until fully trained.
• Pet stain & odor remover – Thoroughly clean all accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.
• Limiting freedom – Expand access gradually as potty training improves. If accidents resume, go back a step.
• Ample outdoor time – Ensure dogs have enough time to fully relieve themselves outside on a consistent schedule.
• Crate training – Use an appropriately sized crate to inhibit indoor accidents until dogs can hold it longer.

Repellents and smells should only be one component of a comprehensive house training strategy. Consistency, confinement and positive reinforcement are key to getting results. Never punish dogs for accidents – it can impede progress.

Top Smells to Repel Dog Poop

Based on dog preferences and smell sensitivity, here are the top scents that can help repel dogs from pooping in unwanted areas:

Smell	Description
Citrus fruits	Dogs dislike the acidic smell of citrus like oranges, lemons, limes. Use peels or citrus scent cleaner.
Pepper	Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper. Cayenne or chili powder also deters dogs.
Vinegar	Use apple cider or white vinegar diluted with water in a spray bottle.
Eucalyptus oil	This strong herbal scent drives away dogs. Use a few diluted drops in water.
Ammonia	The piercing ammonia odor repels dogs. Dilute household ammonia in water.

Be cautious using essential oils around dogs. And supervision is key, as vinegar or citrus can damage plants, garden beds and grass when applied directly in concentrated amounts.

Using Smells to Repel Neighborhood Dogs

Neighbor dogs doing their business in your yard can create ugly messes and stress between households. Here are tips for using smell repellents to keep neighborhood dogs away:

• Create barriers – Use repellent sprays or granules to create perimeter barriers dogs won’t cross.
• Apply by entryways – Sprinkle or spray repellents near sidewalks, driveways or fence gates dogs use to enter.
• Mask appealing smells – Use coffee grounds or citrus peels to cover-up smells drawing dogs onto your property.
• Use motion-activated devices – Place scent or sprinkle repellents in battery powered devices that go off when dogs come near.
• Make a fertilizer barrier – Dogs dislike the smell of fertilizer. Creating a band of fertilizer inside your property line can deter neighbor dogs.
• Talk to your neighbors – Discuss the issue politely with neighbors to make sure they are aware and can take action on their end as well.
• Fence problem areas – Installing fencing around gardens, play areas or the entire perimeter can keep unwanted dogs out.

A combination of training, barrier repellents and talking with neighbors is the best way to tackle the problem of neighbor dogs persistently soiling your yard.

Dealing with Neighbor Dogs Pooping in Your Yard

Having neighborhood or stray dogs use your yard as their personal potty is frustrating. Here are some effective ways to stop the problem:

• Clean all old waste – Pick up all dog poop, scrub soiled areas and apply an enzyme cleaner to remove odors that may attract dogs.
• Apply smelly repellents – Use strong scents like vinegar, citrus, pepper or ammonia around entry points and the perimeter.
• Install a sprinkler system – Motion activated sprinklers can startle dogs away.
• Use an ultrasonic device – High frequency sound waves are unpleasant to dogs but inaudible to humans.
• Try an outdoor camera – Capture video evidence of repeat offender dogs to discuss with your neighbors.
• Block access – Close off any gaps in fencing dogs might use to enter your property. Keep gates shut.
• Report repeat issues – Contact animal control about dogs at large with irresponsible owners. They may be able to intervene with the owners.

Staying proactive, consistent and taking multiple approaches is key to successfully stopping neighborhood dogs from soiling in your yard. But remember to always be civil and polite when discussing the issue with neighbors.

Conclusion

Unwanted dog poop and urine in the yard, home or apartment can be an aggravating issue. While training and consistency are essential for housebreaking dogs, certain smells have proven effective at repelling dogs from relieving themselves in off-limit areas. Sprays, powders and solutions using scents like citrus, pepper, vinegar, ammonia or essential oils can help deter dogs. Strong odors they dislike create good barriers. Always research any ingredients to ensure they are safe for dogs before use. Combine repellents with positive reinforcement and confinement for best house training results. Talking with your neighbors can also help tackle the problem of neighbor dogs persistently soiling your property. With persistence and the right approach, smell aversions can help end inappropriate dog pottying for good.