Hi Kristen, I have a problem...

Question
Hi Kristen,  I have a problem with people letting their dogs crap on my lawn.  Are there any deterrents that will keep dogs off the lawn such as electronic devices or powders to sprinkle on the lawn?  Thanks very much.  

Answer
Doug, nothing is worse than living near irresponsible pet owners who let their dogs use the bathroom on other peoples' property and do not have the decency to pick it up. If it were ME, here are some things *I* would contemplate doing:

1. Put one of these signs and a sign near it that says "Smile, you're on camera" in your yard. This might make them think twice about just leaving their dog's excrement on your lawn. ;) -- http://www.signswithanattitude.com/no_pooping_sign.html These are high-quality signs. I have some that say "Dog in Yard" and they are not cheaply made.

2. Put a 'pooper-scooper station' in your yard, again, maybe with a "Smile, you're on camera" sign.  A 'scooper station' can be nothing more than a rubbermaid container filled with grocery bags and labeled "Pooper scoopers. Please take one and USE it!"

3. This is also a good way to keep unwanted critters (and people!) out of your yard -- and really fun to watch! -- http://www.pestproducts.com/scarecrow.htm

Ok, can you tell I'm an evil soul? lol Yes, I own a dog. But do I allow her to use the bathroom on my neighbors' property, or take her for a walk or to the park and not clean up when she goes? Absolutely NOT. That is totally unacceptible (and irresponsible), as is letting your dog roam freely about the neighborhood or taking them out off a leash. I would be just as peeved as you if one of my neighbors allowed their dog(s) to go to the bathroom on my property.

4. Here are some products that supposedly deter animals, but I don't know if/how well they work:
    http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244417...

    http://www.dazer.com/outdoor-rodent.jsp

    http://www.saveonshopping.com/pest/yardcontro.html

    http://store.yahoo.com/allpetvetsupply/dog-k-9-supplies-repellents-and-deterrent...

5. Your best bet might be to use my first suggestion; unless you are able to spend the money and actually put a camera up to catch the people in the act (and what time of day they do it). Then you could be waiting for them and could actually confront them and tell them that what they are doing is not only irresponsible, but it also constitutes vandalism and that you could turn them in to the police. I don't know that you could, but it might at least scare them. You'd have to actually call the police department and see - which might not be a bad idea. Call them and see what they can tell you about people letting their dogs poop in your yard.

Good luck, and I feel for you. I hope you can get it resolved soon. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with!

Kristen