How can I discourage dogs from using an area?

Question

There are islands in the roadway in our community. Some of them are planted with trees and shrubs. There are some homeowners who walk their dogs late at night and allow their dogs to use these area but do not pick up. Is there something I can spray to keep the dogs away but not harm the plants and trees?

Sia@South 47th · Answer

How about a Sign that says Pick up your Poochs' Poop?

Barb Rosen · Answer

I have read where folks with this problem sprinkled cayenne pepper around and the pups were put off by it. Worth a try, but would have to be re-applied after a rain. Good Luck!

Sensible Gardening and Living · Answer

I know dogs can be a real bother but the cayenne thing can really do damage to their mucous membranes. You can get other types of dog repellants, just how well they work I don't know. Your problem here really is not the dogs but the owners. Would a well worded sign placed on the area make at least some of them feel guilty and change their habits?

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Unless you want to spend a fortune on dog repellents, I would suggest you contact your homeowners association to put up a doggie station with bags. This is not a sure fix because I live in a subdivision that has many of these on the miles of paths and people still let their dogs do their duty without cleaning it up.

Vicki · Answer

same here. We had neighbor watch meeting here a few years ago and half of them still do not pick up after their dogs poops. Big concern on dog poops rain down to the storm drain or sewers that show up high bacteria in the water system. We got the notice in our water bill about this concern. Oh, my goodness due to many dogs than kids in the USA. We use black peppers and it seems help but still have to reapply after rain. Someone reported animal control and they caught those not picking up after their dogs poops to give them tickets. Only way to call ur local animal control to check.

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

Something like this might not be distasteful. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXxfEI9RJjknD0bf3DuadviX1w5oVIEFDIM4HeoUOkb6XUdYyC

Donna J · Answer

@Sia@South 47th we have signs posted everywhere. Some people just don't respect private property much less for the neighborhood streets. During the daytime I have on many occasions called out to dog walkers asking them to please pick up. I don't want to bring any harm to the animals. I just want to discourage them from using the islands.

Barb Rosen · Answer

WOW!! Scratch the cayenne pepper idea! I just read about it and had not realized it could bother the dogs! Maybe we need to pepper spray the owners : ) * just kidding

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

If you do not use this area and it wouldn't be a hassle for you and your neighbors I would suggest that you try some of this stuff. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ausable-Brand-Red-Fox-Urine-Quart-of-Pure-Red-Fox-Urine-/251084947942?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a75d441e6 It smells like a skunk and that will keep the people and the dogs away at least for awhile until they change their behavior and go somewhere else.That is the ultimate goal right?

Lori J · Answer

Isn't there a chance that if they don't use the islands, they might start using your yard?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Put up signs. Clean up after dog. If the walkers do not comply complain to the associations that perhaps you belong to, or contact your local PD and ask them to patrol more often in an effort to catch them. Perhaps purchase a doggie bag dispenser place it on one end or both ends of the area and provide a garbage pail for them to use. 
Its hard enough to train a dog, forget about those who do not live on the property where the dog is doing its thing. They simply cannot be trained.

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

You might consider puting up a sign like this one. http://www.mysecuritysign.com/img/lg/S/Video-Surveillance-Use-Sign-S-5324.gif It might discourage some from using this area as a doggy potty and not cleaning up after their dogs. Another thing to think about is that rats and other vermon eat other animal waste and they can live off of a tablespoon of water for daily. Or so I have been told. If the excrement is not cleaned up you are encouraging unwanted critters in your neighborhood.No one wants that problem.

Connie Wells · Answer

I was told just this week if you have an area you do not want dogs in to plant some mustard seeds (that will produce a small plant) - they are turned off by them & it doesn't harm the dogs. I'm not sure what a mustard plant looks like so not sure if it would go with the 'look' of the island. If all else fails, put up a hunting camera (very inexpensive & inconspicuous) with a sign in the island 'if your dog is dumping here, smile...you're on candid camera'. Print the pics & post them in the island. It will be tacky for a while but I can assure you, dogs & owners won't be stopping there for long. lol

Connie Wells · Answer

Check for the camera at your local Academy store. My son bought mine there. We have a lot of deer that come through our yard & I am always watching birds & wanted to actually see the deer that is leaving such huge tracks. Then someone stole my & my neighbors Christmas decorations off our mailboxes. I moved my camera to the front lawn. I didn't see any other robbers but it is amazing to see who drives by your house to check it out. lol

Julesatlanta · Answer

Best way is a community poop area. Get with neighbors and decide where but make covenant ALL poop must be picked up. Make fine for those that dont

How can I discourage dogs from using an area?

Suggested Project Book

9 Wonderful Things You Can Make With Recycled Paper

Other

More

How can I discourage dogs from using an area?

Suggested Project Book