Luckily, there are a couple of DIY options. This team is independent from the Todays Homeowner editorial staff. The dog was absolutely trying to kill my dog and thankfully I got it off her in time. These ingredients are readily available and inexpensive products right off the kitchen shelf, saving you a trip to the home improvement center. They are typically safe, quiet, and most of all, use very little electricity to do the job. Be sure that youre confident using the spray. David has been interviewed by numerous newspapers and national U.S. magazines, such as Woman's World and American Way. Pepper spray is extremely spicy its about 2 million to 5 million on the Scoville Scale of spiciness (for comparison, a habanero pepper scores just 150 thousand). Do not mix vinegar and ammonia. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. But a professional can restore your lawn for an affordable price. Many pet owners install special invisible dog fences to contain their dogs in their yard. But unlike with actual orange peels, sprinkling or spraying citrusy repellents in the front yard will not create an eyesore. Pepper spray uses capsaicinoids to deter oncoming dogs (or people). You can use it at a far distance, and it will also alert nearby people that you need help. Please enable JavaScript to properly view our site. The Postal Service tells carriers to keep an eye on a dog because a dog is more likely to bite when a carrier isnt looking. The effects of pepper spray for dogs may last upwards of 30-45 minutes. While the product officially clocks in at 10ft, Ive found that Spray Shield can hit a dog with accuracy from about 15 feet away. Additionally, the pepper spray only sprayed about 5 feet, meaning I couldnt keep the dog at a distance that felt comfortable. Ammonia and vinegar are best used as dog repellents for around the perimeter of your property, forming a stinky, invisible barrier that keeps dogs away. Even though you can accomplish a lot by yourself, sometimes the damage is too great. Havahart also offers Cat & Dog Granular Animal Repellent. This guide also discusses commercial dog repellents and shares tips on how you can prevent your dogs, the neighbors dogs, or strays from doing further damage to your lawn. On their product page for their SABRE dog spray, they advertise Maximum Strength Allowed by the EPA. Theyre not kidding around with that stuff! All you need to do is combine in a clean spray bottle a 50/50 solution of ammonia or vinegar (white or even apple cider vinegar will do) and water, then spray areas from which you'd like to deter dogs. It was pretty terrible, especially the realization that spraying a dog with pepper spray got me a worse result (as far as my own pain and the pain for the dog) when citronella spray probably would have done the trick. Generally, dog pepper spray is less strong than human MACE or human pepper spray because dogs are so much more sensitive to smell. There can be aggressive dogs or just off-leash friendly dogs (when you are walking your reactive dog, so this is still a problem) in ANY neighborhood, even the richest and fanciest neighborhoods. While it wont harm your dog if swallowed, the pepper may sometimes irritate his eyes, nose, or genitals. The other dogs handler (not the owner) was injured and down on the ground from being dragged by the huge dog. If youre a homeowner who puts a lot of effort and attention into maintaining a lush and healthy lawn, the last thing you want is someones dog coming into your yard and ruining all your hard work. By Read the labels carefully to make sure they are safe to use around your home, especially if you have small children. The application process is vital, so make sure to read the instructions on the back of the bottle before applying the repellent to your lawn. Last year I was attacked by 3 dogs while I was running in my neighborhood, and ended up in the hospital. Since air horns arent physically painful, they might be less effective for an oncoming dog though its hard to know for sure without doing some rather cruel tests on dogs. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/hygiene-handwashing-diapering/household-cleaning-sanitizing.html. I have an elderly (age 12) terrier mix who is going blind, she only goes out on leash never loose. While Capsaicin is a natural product, that doesnt mean its not serious. For example, dogs may hate the smell of any type of pepper, but sprinkling it on the ground can burn a pet's skin and mouth, and the rain will wash it away quickly, requiring frequent reapplication, anyhow. My cans of Spray Shield have lasted much longer than the pepper sprays Ive owned. You can use descriptions like Clean up After Your Dogs and No Trespassing to express your dislikes about neighbors dogs doing their business on your lawn. The reviews team rates and reviews products and services to help our readers save time, find value and make better decisions. If the previous prevention methods prove to be insufficient, you can also make it known that other dogs arent welcome on your lawn. Critter Ridderis an organic dog repellent put out by the same brain trust behind Havahart traps (humane traps used to relocate live animals). For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link. Below are listed some diverse and best approaches to keep dogs away from yards without harming them in any way. If youre trying to stop your dog from doing something that you dont like, reward your dog for something else instead. Often, when the entire community joins forces, the local authorities will fix the problem quickly and efficiently. Liquid Fence masks those smells. You might be using something thats extra-painful without being extra-effective. With that said, lets take a look at the most popular dog repellents you can find in your kitchen. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. After reviewing the best lawn care companies in the country, comparing prices, user reviews, and many other factors, the review teams choice comes down to this service. Air horns are mega-loud and fit nicely into pockets, purses, or even the palm of your hand. While even the most severe pepper spray is generally safe for dogs, you dont want to go around spraying every dog you see. While the initial cost of installing motion-activated sprinklers is higher than buying a repellent, its a more efficient and economical choice in the long run. I carry mace when I run now, but havent used it. You want to know that you can use the spray quickly and under stress! Almond oil contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins and is a very popular dog-conditioning formula. An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. How to Protect Your Dog From Hawks, Owls, & Other Birds of Prey. Its less likely to hurt you or your dog because its a directed stream. That is probably not a good idea, unless youve examined the other ingredients in the spray thoroughly and ensured none are harmful to dogs. Do you really think the citronella spray would be effective with an aggressive dog? Click and treat for good behavior rather than try to punish bad behavior. "What we tell our carriers is, don't take a chance because the last thing a carrier hears is: 'Don't worry he doesn't bite,'" and then is bitten, said Karen Mazurkiewicz, spokeswoman for Postal Service's Central Pennsylvania district. If you want to prevent your pets from running amok in your garden, you can grow a few types of plants that will naturally deter dogs from coming too close. Think of them as a modern interpretation of the 2022 Todays Homeowner Media. But youll need to be cautious when applying a mixture as a dog repellent. It is used in oils, mosquito-repellant candles, bug spray, and dog spray. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: This dog repellent spray is my go-to (and the go-to of Michael Shikashio, aggressive dog guru). An air horn can really scare your own dog. You want to exercise caution when spraying someone elses dog. So instead of repulsing dogs with offensive odors, this product removes the welcoming odors and discourages them from conducting any business in your yard. When spraying vinegar or ammonia, only spread them throughout your garden in strips and dont apply the mixture directly to your plants. MY TAKE: Pepper spray is going to hurt you (or the dog) if you get it in your eyes or mouth. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Though its not toxic for dogs, it can irritate their eyes and other sensitive areas that come into contact with it. If your dog has been sprayed, try to keep him calm and wait it out the effects should dissipate in under an hour. The ingredients can vary depending on the specific type or brand of dog repellent. Other trainers that I work with also recommend air horns. It can and will stop all but the most determined dog, even at a distance. Use the ingredients separately. Professional lawn care technicians will also provide you with the most suitable products that will get your lawn back in shape in no time. You can find them at almost every pet store or pet pharmacy. Got rushed by a big bad dog while on a walk with mine this week. All of that said, I actually dont carry pepper spray for dogs. Be sure that youre comfortable unholstering the spray from wherever you keep it, especially while youre moving and your hands are full! Plenty of things can go wrong, even with the perfect dog deterrent spray: I will use dog repellant spray on dogs only if several things line up just right (or wrong): Here are six quick options for stopping an oncoming dog if you dont have your dog deterrent spray with you: If none of the approaches above work, its time to pull out the spray. Commercially made dog repellents are the most effective, although the home remedies we shared will also go a long way into keeping your lawn pristine. The most helpful thing that you can do if your dog gets pepper sprayed is to wash your dogs face with tons of water. A truly determined dog may keep coming through this product. Because of its spicy nature, cayenne pepper will keep dogs from approaching the areas where you apply it. Overall, the biggest thing that I look for when trying to purchase a dog repellant spray is the range of the spray. Cayenne pepper will keep dogs from your lawn but is certainly one of the more extreme solutions compared to other homemade dog deterrents. Situations can get very nasty very quickly with an aggressive, enraged, half-blind dog. Neither ammonia nor vinegar should be sprayed directly onto any lawn grass or landscape plants that you care about, as sufficient amounts will kill vegetation. Motion-activated sprinklers are quick and simple to install and provide around-the-clock monitoring. So now, whenever I go for a run or walk my dog in a sketchy neighborhood, I carry dog deterrent spray. if i use an ordinary citronella spray insect repellant would it still as effective? Beware, though, that motion-activated gadgets may set off any time it senses motion, even human movement. About: Spray Shield is a citronella dog repellent spray from PetSafe. Error! He kept chomping and dragging her. I read the blog post with much interest. 1: Improving Your Lawns Health. Plus Im getting up there in years myself and cannot move fast enough to pick up my dog and skedaddle if that dog comes with intent to harm. Like scarecrow sprinklers, it is effective against other pests, as well. Ideally, I want a spray that can deter a dog long before he reaches me. Small in size carry in purse, gym bag or other. The effects generally last about 30 to 45 minutes and, while extremely painful, pepper spray is harmless in the long term. Copyright 2022 by K9 Of Mine / Marrsipan Media LLC |. This Spray Shield Citronella Spray easily clips onto a belt or waist leash, or fits nicely in the palm of your hand. Now they have another, same breed, kid is grown and gone but the new step kids are mean to the new dog AND they are careless and letting it run over to my house; it barks growls and charges at me even without my own dog in tow. If you dont want to go through the endless process of applying and reapplying commercial and home-made deterrents, you could set up motion-activated sprinklers in your lawn. Some sprays have pins, need to be rotated, or otherwise are a bit less easy to use than just aiming and squeezing a trigger. It helps repel fleas and controls shedding. Citronella tastes and smells terrible to dogs, but it doesnt burn as badly or as long as pepper spray. The selling point of this product is that it is supposed to be long-lasting (up to 60 days). Avoid fertilizer that could be attractive to dogs, such as fish and bone meal or similar animal-based fertilizers. Customers can make inquiries and complaints to their postmaster. Even air horns can cause serious phobias or redirected aggression in the dog. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. TruGreen is available nearly nationwide, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, and is the nations largest lawn care company. Roaming pups can do a number on your flower beds and green grass. If a dog is aggressive, the carrier can also hold their mail satchel in front of them and back away slowly. Now that Ive convinced you on the merits of citronella spray over pepper spray, lets talk about product recommendations! The most important ingredient that makes up commercial-made pest deterrents is methyl nonyl ketone, a colorless oil with a powerful odor. Liquid Fenceworks on a different principle. One of the biggest benefits of air horns is that you dont have to aim! Thats not always the case, though. Here are a few other potentially more affordable options: "Household Cleaning & Sanitizing". K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Yard Gardis a safe, silent, and electronic dog repellent. If your lawn is damaged by dog urine or excessive foot traffic, dont hesitate to contact a professional lawn care company. I did want to make one small note: your use of the phrase sketchy neighborhood strikes me as unnecessary. As for myself, I got a bit of blow-back on myself, causing me to cough for the rest of the run. An air horn will stop most oncoming dogs or dogfights quite easily. Much like olive oil or similar oil-based formulas, almond oil will keep your dog far away from every surface you spray it on. The effect should wear off within 10 to 15 minutes, according to the Postal Service. The good news is that pepper spray is temporary and harmless. Currently, she is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and pest specialist. The spray contains 0.35% oleoresin capsicum cayenne pepper extract in mineral oil. Keep in mind that were going to list only the plants that specifically discourage dogs from damaging a gardennot other pests. Some dog repellant products, commercial or DIY, can be problematic. The spray leaves a yellow stain, which can be removed by washing. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Can a mail carrier spray your dog? What worked and what didnt? We obviously love dogs around here, but dogs who pose a legitimate safety risk must be handled sensibly. Thankfully I was able to grab the dog by its harness and hold it up in the air until another neighbor could come take my dog away. Subscribe today for exclusive content & tips in your inbox! Finally, its effective against big dogs and is less aggressive than pepper spray if you need to stop small dogs. It's also expected that these products may contain harsh chemicals to make them more effective. If youre using liquid repellents, only apply them in dry weather and temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Like the other tools on this list, this is a pretty straightforward point-and-shoot repellant spray. Well spraying the landlords dog even with non-harming spray would probably get me evicted too but at least my own dog would have a chance of surviving. When Ive used citronella spray, the dogs generally stop short and look scared, but they dont have the intense pain reaction. Another advantage with this product is that there is no need to take separate control measures against each of the various types of pests that may infiltrate your yard. This is why you should be careful when dosing and applying the pepper on your lawn. This dog repellent works by emitting sonic and ultrasonic sound waves that canines find offensive. Pepper spray is really intense. PERSONAL 911. Organic is also safer for the environment. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. The Todays Homeowner reviews team has taken a look at the most effective home remedies that will keep dogs off your meticulously maintained lawn. The spray, along with the noise it produces when working, are sure to frighten off dogs and keep them from wandering onto your property. The need for effective dog repellents is clear to all of those long-suffering folks who may be forced to deal with the unpleasant task of poop disposal for other people's dogs. You may want to speak to the spray-er to see what happened, but your best bet is probably to avoid having your dog off-leash and out of control. Animal groups including the American Kennel Club and the Humane Society of the United States have no objection to the proper use of the spray, according to the postal service. And use any citrus with caution, as it can be somewhat toxic to dogs. That means a range of at least 10 feet. Even if your neighbors arent that understanding, you can put up signs saying your yard is being treated for other pests, and that these treatments can be dangerous for dogs. If you decide to go with an organic fertilizer, make sure to pick the correct type for your lawn and gardening goals. 9 Comments. Use water combined with either ammonia or vinegar as a homemade spray. Ammonia and vinegar are probably two of the most effective dog repellents you can find in your house. I have used it personally to stop oncoming aggressive dogs of all sizes and break up dogfights. Commercial dog repellent solutions are widely available. You can even order them from Amazon if you prefer shopping online, as there are dozens of online sellers. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade. There are numerous dog repellent sprays on the market. Neighbors previous dog was hyperaggressive likely due to being mistreated by the neighbors bullying kid, that dog finally bit so many people it was euthanized. If you dont want to use specially designed dog repellents, there are quite a few old-fashioned remedies you can apply on your own. April 2, 2019 I sprayed pepper spray and it DID NOT WORK. The effect on the dogs was instantaneous and intense. Thats pretty scary, Erin. My dog and me both got hit with it as well, as I wasnt able to unholster before he was in close range. Mount it on an outdoor storage shed, tree, or fence. Even with the extra pain, some dogs will keep coming this is not a force field. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. This air horn has a surprisingly long shelf life and can be used multiple times. Indiscriminate use can lead to corrective action, up to and including removal, the guidelines say. Also, make sure to create a poo zone for your pup, and train your dog to go only on that area instead of using the entire lawn as his toilet. Both types work in the same way and have the same active ingredients. With the tips weve shared with you on this page, youll have a much better chance of keeping your lawn beautiful, healthy, and pest-free. About: Halt Dog Repellent uses Capsaicin, which makes it a true pepper spray. If I tried the air horn I think Id get evicted. We wish you the best of luck with the citronella spray, but encourage you to consider other avenues as well. Though it's not dangerous to mix them, vinegar and ammonia neutralize each other when combined, resulting in an ineffective solution of saltwater. Before coming to K9 of Mine, Kayla worked at Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of Western Montana as a Behavior Technician. The physical wounds have healed, but I now have a pretty extreme fear of dogs. Dont get discouraged if the repellent doesnt start working immediately. Most gadgets that repel dogs will also repel other types of wildlife, such as cats, deer, rabbits, and raccoons. Available in both granules and sprays, Critter Ridder works as a dog repellent because it gives off a smell of black pepper, which our canine friends find offensive. You have successfully joined our pup pack. Be sure to get the Liquid Fence specially formulated for dogs. Good communication between neighbors can make it less likely that someone elses dog will muck up your flowers or pee in your garden. Store-bought dog repellents can get pricey because they need to be reapplied often. This dog repellent depends on the fact that dogs seek outareas with familiar smells in which to do their business. If youre having an ongoing problem with dogs damaging your lawn, you should try telling your neighbors and resolve the issue with communication. Dog Life Vests: Our Top Picks For Flotation Safety! She has three large wounds but she is going to be OK, thank God! The landlord angle definitely complicates things. Im guessing that the citronella spray would be the best for my situation. Ive been there. A few of the most common dog-repelling plants are: Switching to an organic fertilizer can also make dogs avoid your lawn. This is really helpful, Kayla, thank you. I carry a different product altogether: citronella spray. When it comes to professional lawn care companies, TruGreen ranks best overall. But unlike a scarecrow sprinkler, you have a choice of two modes. Also keep in mind that owners often get really upset when you spray their dogs although this is true for any deterrent spray. Plus, insect-repellent sprays arent designed to discharge as forcefully or for long distances. But, cayenne pepper isnt always an ideal solution. Carriers also shouldnt startle a dog: If a dog is asleep, the carrier should whistle or call its name if known, before getting close. Last year in Lancaster County, nine postal employees reported being bitten by dogs. He was in the nursery business for over a decade, working with a large variety of plants. These dog repellents come in both granule and spray form. Honestly, Id be inclined to contact the relevant authorities in your area (perhaps anonymously, if thats an option). The postal service has guidelines for how and when to use spray. TruGreen is affordable, reliable, and offers a wide variety of lawn care services that cover everything from fertilization and overseeding to tree and shrub care. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. A lawn care company can advise you on the best steps to take to improve the health and quality of your yard. All rights reserved. Support local journalism. In the next section, well talk about when its time to pull out the pepper spray and how to use it properly. How to Keep Pets Safe From Christmas Decorations, Fencing Options to Keep Your Yard Stylishly Secure, Your Complete Guide to Lawn Care Services, 9 Necessary Tips for Using a Chainsaw to Clear Debris, Plant a Victory Garden, Boost Your Self-Sufficiency, Overseeding Zoysia Grass: How-To Guide with Easy Steps, Concrete Garden Spheres: Add Some Whimsy to Your Garden, Ask Danny | Ep. 15 min read She owns her own dog training business, Journey Dog Training and holds a degree in biology from Colorado College. If you put a lot of effort into maintaining your lawn, the last thing you would want to see is dogs chewing plants, digging or leaving their presents lying around for you and guests to step in. Dogs learn by picking up patterns, so it will take some time before the canine offender figures out what parts of the yard are off-limits to his shenanigans. Postal Service guidelines say to spray the repellent directly at the eyes, nose and mouth of the attacking dog, with an effective range of up to10 feet. Instead, choose plant-based options, which will deter dogs and wont entice them to dig around in your lawn and uproot your prized rosebush. When shes not writing or training Barley and Niffler, Kayla enjoys cross-country skiing, eating sushi, drinking cocktails, and going backpacking. Todays Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. Thank you for providing information on aggressive dog deterrent tactics. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Overall, this option is less risky for an oncoming dog but might be hard to use if you generally have your own canine companion with you. But, what a lot of people dont know is that the scent of almond oil is also unpleasant to dogs. And anyway, on my retirement income would have a very hard time with vet bills from a dog fight. I was just thinking something that makes a noise instead would be useful and thats what led me to your site. It can also be upsetting for neighbors if youre out at odd hours, though this might be a good thing in the event of a dog attack. What if no one owns the offending canines, and theyre strays? Dog Safety Cayenne pepper is a very effective dog deterrent because it contains large amounts of capsaicin. PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent with Clip - Citronella Dog Repellent Spray Sarah Stremming discussing this method in her podcast here. Always do your research before you apply a repellent to keep dogs off your lawn. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For best results with dog deterrent spray, be sure to: I practice by spraying telephone poles in abandoned lots. Place the unit where needed and plug it in or run it on batteries. Many are made to protect humans from dog attacks, but others better suited for yards make use of the fact that dogs dislike the smell of citrus, pepper, and even citronella. This is not only a polite way of dealing with such an issue but also a very effective one. Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation.