Q&A for How to Discourage Dogs from Pooping in Your Garden

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Question

How can I train my dog not to poop in the garden?

Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.

Beverly Ulbrich

Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Answer

Choose a spot in your yard and only bring the dog to that spot when taking it for a bathroom break. After guiding the dog a few times, let it go alone. Reward the dog with a treat if it goes to the correct spot. If it goes toward the garden, say "No!" and then bring the dog to the right area.

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Question

What is a good natural dog repellent?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Sometimes a dilute vinegar solution or cayenne pepper can repel a dog from an area. There are strong commercial dog repellents too.

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Question

How do you stop a dog from peeing and pooping in the house?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The best way is to train them to go potty outside. If a dog which has been house trained suddenly starts using the house as its bathroom consult with your veterinarian to make sure it doesn't have a medical issue.

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Question

I live in an over-50 resort, and people let their dogs defecate on my grass. I am not allowed to fence it off. What can I do?

Community Answer

Put 16 ounces of apple cider vinegar in a pump sprayer, and spray everywhere you don't want messes.

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Question

Can I use lime?

Community Answer

No. It will burn the animals' feet. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a sprayer, and spray everywhere you don't want messes.

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Question

How can I stop dogs from pooping in my garden if I don't know whose dog is doing it?

Community Answer

Consider fencing in the garden or spraying the perimeter with bitter apple spray to discourage dogs from coming near it.

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Question

What can I do if I don't have an area for my puppy to poop in?

Community Answer

if you do not have an area outdoors for your dog, then consider buying potty training pads. If you are willing to spend a lot more money, then check out modernpuppies.com. Artificial grass and newspaper are also good choices.

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Question

How often do I spray apple cider vinegar?

Crystal031305

Community Answer

I suggest every day for the best results. Every other day can work too. Once your dog goes to the spot you want, you can apply once per week.

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Question

While it is convenient to say "just put a fence", we are renters and cannot just "put a fence". HOA needs to get approval, etc. Any other solutions?

Crystal031305

Community Answer

Use the spray they listed to direct the dog to use the restroom somewhere else.

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Question

How can prevent stray dogs from soiling daily in front of our house?

I Read Books About Animals

Top Answerer

For stray dogs, the best solution is to put a fence around your yard.

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