TOP 10 dog repellents to protect yourself and your yard

Author: Michael Potter Updated: April 5, 2020

Man and dog have lived side by side with each other since time immemorial, but this coexistence is not always peaceful and without problems. There are still stray dogs that can scare you or your child. On the other hand, even the behavior of domestic dogs can cause trouble for owners. Their pets often chew furniture and shoes, and damage gardens and lawns. The same applies to the neighbor's dogs. In this review, we will talk about what scientists write about methods of combating this behavior in dogs, how to choose the best dog repeller, and introduce you to the 10 most popular products from the American Amazon.

Choosing the right dog repellent

Some of the problems lie in animal biology itself: “Dog poop can be a real nuisance when it comes to lawn care. While a small amount serves as fertilizer, a large amount often results in lawn burns or “dead spots,” says Dr. Steve Thompson (Director, Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Wellness Clinic, West Lafayette, Indiana). The damage can be so significant that plants have to be replanted in the damaged areas.

To choose the best dog repellent, you first need to understand why dog ​​urine is so toxic to the garden - it contains high concentrations of nitrogen, which “burns” lawns, just like mineral fertilizer if you overdo it. If you look at the places where the dog urinates, you will notice brown “scorched” grass in the very center, where there was a maximum concentration, and at the edges, on the contrary, the grass is green, because nitrogen in small quantities acts as a fertilizer. For this reason, medications designed to neutralize acid are not effective. Remember, your goal is nitrogen, not acid. Dog feces are also a problem for lawns, but not as serious as urine because the byproducts are released from the feces slowly.

How do repellents work?

One way to keep dogs off your lawn is to use repellents, which you can buy at the store or make yourself. Dr. Steve Thompson says taste repellents work better than touch or smell repellents. The advantage also concerns ease of use. An unpleasant sensation from the smell of the repellent will appear not only in your pet, but also in your interlocutor or guests. Is it really uncomfortable when your hands smell like vinegar? Moreover, in some cases, dogs tend to re-mark the territory after smelling someone else's scent.

Affects taste. So, dogs have the same sense of taste as humans - they distinguish between salty, sweet, sour and bitter. And just like us, they don’t like bitter things. But do not forget to temporarily remove the water from the dog’s sight, or rather, no more than 30 minutes, otherwise he will not have time to experience the unpleasant sensation of the bitter taste. Meanwhile, flavored ones also have disadvantages. Firstly, each dog has its own personal taste preferences, and what repels one will not have an effect on another. Secondly, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Most repellents are designed to be applied to inanimate objects such as furniture and shoes, not to the skin of humans or dogs. One way to test the allergenicity of a drug is to apply a thin layer to the skin and see if there is an allergic reaction. In any case, the best option is to consult a doctor before using any drug.

To achieve the desired result, it is important to apply the drug correctly. To begin, apply the repellent to a small piece of cloth and place it near your dog's mouth so that he can taste the substance and spit it out. If your pet begins to shake its head, or has drooling and the urge to vomit, it means that this taste causes rejection and the drug can be safely applied to the desired objects or plants. The dog will remember the smell that is associated with this unpleasant taste and will avoid it in the future. Do not limit yourself to a one-time use of the drug, even if you immediately get a positive result - apply the repellent daily for a month on the same objects to finally discourage your pet from tasting them.

Affects the sense of smell. The advantage of such drugs is that they are as safe as possible for the dog. Vinegar, the substance most commonly used in such products, has no side effects and is non-toxic to humans and cats. An ingredient such as citronella oil is good for applying to plants in the garden, especially since it is an oil, which means it has a longer lasting effect and is less likely to be washed away by rain. Cayenne or chili pepper is strong, but be careful—it can burn your pet's nasal lining if you inhale too much. Another ingredient that has a powerful effect is ammonia, but it is quite toxic to plants and requires several applications to achieve results.

This group of repellents has significant disadvantages. They can cause discomfort in humans and accumulate an unpleasant odor in the home. In addition, the effect of such substances does not last long and requires frequent reapplication.

Scare away with water. If you are not attracted to the prospect of using such drugs, try installing a sprinkler with a motion sensor that will spray water on the animal in response to its approach. It is best to install this device in small gardens or in the corners of the lawn where the damage is greatest. However, a significant drawback of such sprinklers is that the device will react to any movement, be it squirrels or children. As a result, you risk over-consumption of water, and then the device will turn out to be a very expensive pleasure. And not only. “Running water not only hurts your wallet, it also makes it difficult to keep your lawn looking good in areas where water retention is a concern,” warns Anna Busby, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Natural smells

Of the natural odors that can distract a dog’s sense of smell, one of the most effective is ground black or red pepper. It is a potent agent used to repel animals. The hotter the pepper, the more pronounced the effect will be.

It is important to take precautions and not use this natural odor when weaning hunting breed puppies. This is due to their more delicate sense of smell, which can disappear and leave the animal practically disabled among its relatives for the rest of its life.

Pepper can be used to scare backyard stray dogs away from a flower bed, in which they regularly dig holes and mark territorial boundaries.

As a rule, experts say that a small bag of cayenne red pepper is enough to sprinkle it on your favorite flower bed.

Experts recommend using a whole pod of hot pepper, scattering the resulting pieces in those places where it is most needed (around flower beds, rose gardens or beds).

The only disadvantage of this method of repelling dogs is that after each rain or watering of the flower bed, the repeller must be replaced with new portions of the seasoning.

With the help of hot pepper, you can wean your pet from going to places in the apartment where its presence is not desirable. For this purpose, the pepper pod is crushed, transferred to gauze bags and laid out in the right places.

You can also stop your puppy from chewing shoes using pepper. You need to rub your shoes with a cut pepper pod and you no longer have to worry about the safety of your shoes.

At the same time, it is important to provide the puppy with a full-fledged replacement - interesting toys and treats on which you can sharpen your teeth during their change.

Hot pepper repels dogs and is a truly universal means of scaring an animal away from an undesirable place. A special decoction of hot pepper is widely used. It is prepared from 200 ml of water with the addition of 5 grams of red pepper. Place the resulting mixture on the fire and bring to a boil.

Some sources indicate the addition of pepper - tobacco - to the decoction. The resulting solution not only repels dogs from the flowerbed, but also acts as a remedy for garden pests - scale insects and aphids.

Another natural odor that irritates the nose of dogs is shag. Even dogs specially trained to find tracks get lost when the smell of shag gets into their noses. Dry tobacco is used in its pure form, as well as in the form of infusion and with other ingredients.

Dogs also do not like the smell of citrus fruits. Slices of lemon, grapefruit or orange are placed in those areas of the apartment where the appearance of a dog is undesirable. If the puppy spoils and chews furniture during the period of teeth growth, you can rub it with lemon or lime peel. One option for using the smell of citrus fruits is essential oils sold in pharmacies.

Representatives of the canine family do not like the smell of such a plant as chimerica. It is difficult to use at home, but for hiking in the forest, so that animals do not waste food supplies, the product is very good.

The leaves of the plant are poisonous, so use should be careful not to harm yourself or your pet. One of the unpleasant odors is the aroma of a large predator.

Top best dog protection products

EcoSniper LS-987S

EcoSniper LS-987S received greater approval from Yandex Market buyers: 54% gave it five “stars,” despite the fact that it costs less. The device emits an ultrasonic signal that repels dogs, cats, wild bears, mice and birds - good protection for your garden. Energy efficient, can be powered by solar panels. According to the manufacturer, it can work at any time of the year in any weather. The built-in sensor detects movement and automatically generates ultrasound, which humans cannot hear, but scares away animals. Easily installed in the ground or hung on the wall. Users agreed that the device is really effective: “I usually don’t write reviews, this is an exception. Place two devices in the garden next to the new lawn. In a couple of days there will be no more animals. I would recommend this product to absolutely everyone,” one of the owners of the product shares his experience. Among the disadvantages is the fact that it is necessary to change the batteries every three to four months.

Price: 4200 rub.

31st century EcoSniper LS-937 CD

31st century EcoSniper LS-937 CD is a modern ultrasonic repeller that allows you to protect your home, cottage, hotel, playgrounds, gardens, parking lots and other objects from pest invasion. The repeller has an effect on cats, dogs, squirrels and other rodents. The area covered by the device is 200 square meters with an angle of 90 degrees. EcoSniper can be installed on the ground, mounted on a wall or suspended from a mount. The device is completely harmless to humans and does not contain any poisons or chemicals. Ultrasound is aimed only at scaring away animals. An abundance of trees, bushes and other obstacles can reduce the effectiveness of the device. Price: 3,700 rub.

Sititek Grom-125

Sititek Grom-125 emits ultrasound, which only dogs perceive and stop barking. The device operates at a distance of up to 5-6 meters. The manufacturer also recommends using it when training your own dog. But there are buyers who have a different opinion: “This only works well if your dog is already trained. If she is stubborn about the word “in general,” it’s all useless,” says one owner of the product. Here’s what a specialist from a dog training center says: “It doesn’t work without consistent use and basic training principles. You can't just point this at your dog while he's barking and expect him to become quiet after repeated applications; many of them get used to ultrasound, and it no longer has any effect on them.” Only 41% of users awarded the product five stars, while 24% gave it a lower rating.

Price: 2250 rub.

Ultrasonic dog repeller Typhoon LS 300+

Attacks by wild and aggressive dogs are becoming increasingly common both on city streets and in rural areas. The most common cases of attacks on children are due to their active behavior and screams, which provoke animals. In order to protect both adults and children, an ultrasonic dog repeller “Typhoon LS 300+” was developed. Its action does not harm either the animal or the child and is aimed at stunning and disorienting the dog with low-frequency radiation. The device is lightweight, compact and battery operated, allowing you to always carry it with you. To use, just point the emitter at the animal and press the button for 3-5 seconds. Price: RUB 1,349

Tornado 112 Duo

The ultrasonic device “Tornado 112 Duo” is distinguished by its miniature size of 90x50x25 and less than 40 grams of weight. This allows both an adult and a child to always carry it with them. The device runs on batteries, which are purchased separately. The effectiveness of the action is due to the sound impact on the animal’s auditory system, disorienting and neutralizing it. In addition, the device is equipped with a super-powerful LED that creates a directed, bright beam of light that effectively repels stray and wild dogs. The emitted low-frequency waves are absolutely harmless to humans. The use of the device against calm and domestic dogs is prohibited, as this may provoke an attack of aggression. Price: 1,180 rub.

Keko Ultrasonic Dog Repeller

At a fraction of the price, the Keko Dog Repeller will not only help train your dog from unwanted barking behavior, but will also repel aggressive dogs—at least that’s what the manufacturer claims. This device emits high-pitched ultrasound, which cannot be detected by the human ear, but is extremely annoying to dogs. Keko is positioned by the manufacturer as “the most humane way to repel aggressive dogs.” It is completely safe and works over a long distance - up to 50 feet. The device is compact and fits in your pocket, which is especially convenient for cyclists. However, judging by the reviews of Yandex Market users, this device does not guarantee results. One disappointed customer writes: “I would say this is not very powerful unless the dog or cat is sensitive. My dog ​​just ignores it and so does the neighbor’s dog.”

Price: 660 rub.

Natural smells

Of the natural odors that can distract a dog’s sense of smell, one of the most effective is ground black or red pepper. It is a potent agent used to repel animals. The hotter the pepper, the more pronounced the effect will be.

It is important to take precautions and not use this natural odor when weaning hunting breed puppies. This is due to their more delicate sense of smell, which can disappear and leave the animal practically disabled among its relatives for the rest of its life.

Pepper can be used to scare backyard stray dogs away from a flower bed, in which they regularly dig holes and mark territorial boundaries.

As a rule, experts say that a small bag of cayenne red pepper is enough to sprinkle it on your favorite flower bed.

Experts recommend using a whole pod of hot pepper, scattering the resulting pieces in those places where it is most needed (around flower beds, rose gardens or beds).

The only disadvantage of this method of repelling dogs is that after each rain or watering of the flower bed, the repeller must be replaced with new portions of the seasoning.

With the help of hot pepper, you can wean your pet from going to places in the apartment where its presence is not desirable. For this purpose, the pepper pod is crushed, transferred to gauze bags and laid out in the right places.

You can also stop your puppy from chewing shoes using pepper. You need to rub your shoes with a cut pepper pod and you no longer have to worry about the safety of your shoes.

At the same time, it is important to provide the puppy with a full-fledged replacement - interesting toys and treats on which you can sharpen your teeth during their change.

Hot pepper repels dogs and is a truly universal means of scaring an animal away from an undesirable place. A special decoction of hot pepper is widely used. It is prepared from 200 ml of water with the addition of 5 grams of red pepper. Place the resulting mixture on the fire and bring to a boil.

Some sources indicate the addition of pepper - tobacco - to the decoction. The resulting solution not only repels dogs from the flowerbed, but also acts as a remedy for garden pests - scale insects and aphids.

Another natural odor that irritates the nose of dogs is shag. Even dogs specially trained to find tracks get lost when the smell of shag gets into their noses. Dry tobacco is used in its pure form, as well as in the form of infusion and with other ingredients.

Dogs also do not like the smell of citrus fruits. Slices of lemon, grapefruit or orange are placed in those areas of the apartment where the appearance of a dog is undesirable. If the puppy spoils and chews furniture during the period of teeth growth, you can rub it with lemon or lime peel. One option for using the smell of citrus fruits is essential oils sold in pharmacies.

Representatives of the canine family do not like the smell of such a plant as chimerica. It is difficult to use at home, but for hiking in the forest, so that animals do not waste food supplies, the product is very good.

The leaves of the plant are poisonous, so use should be careful not to harm yourself or your pet. One of the unpleasant odors is the aroma of a large predator.

Comparison table of the best dog repellers

It's worth fighting

Many summer residents refuse to think about how to keep dogs away from their property, feeling sorry for the unfortunate animals. However, they should remember that stray flocks are dangerous for both people and pets. Moreover, the harm caused to homeless animals can be different.

In the first place, of course, are bodily injuries. Aggressive tramps sometimes attack completely spontaneously. At least for no apparent reason. And if a domestic dog is controlled by its owner (albeit often not fully), then a stray dog ​​is uncontrollable. And his aggression is fueled by mental disorders - and they appear in the animal after a few months, or maximum after two years of homeless life. Dog attacks result in serious injuries.

Changing the dog's diet: what foods and medications affect the level of acidity in the urine?

On the Internet, you can see advice to change the diet of dogs, which supposedly should affect the effect of the dog’s urine on grass and plants. To begin with, we immediately discard commercially available drugs containing methionine or ascorbic acid, which affect the level of acidity in the urine, since, as we have already found out, this has nothing to do with “scorched grass.” Moreover, they can cause harm to the health of your pet, for example, stones can form in the kidneys. Special medications can dilute urine, but this can be achieved in safer ways. For example, you should feed your pet canned food more often, and dilute dry food in water. Salts, garlic and tomato juice, when added to food, increase the volume of water consumed, which leads to dilution of urine, but these products should not be used without first consulting a veterinarian, Colorado State University Extension scientists recommend.

Scientists at Purdue University are extremely skeptical about dietary modifications using drugs as a way to prevent dogs from damaging your lawn: “Most of these products simply force pets to drink more water, thereby diluting the nitrogen content in the urine. An additional side effect is that the animal will need to urinate more often, increasing the likelihood of "accidents." In addition, the use of these products is potentially dangerous,” states the article Animal Urine Damage in Turf.

As another scientist, Ali Harivandi, Environmental Horticultural Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, Alameda County, points out, claims that dietary changes help solve the problem are not based on anything. There is no scientific research to support the effectiveness of dietary changes in reducing lawn damage, he said. Ali Harivandi considers the most effective way to immediately wash away urine with large volumes of water. This way, the water will wash away nitrogen and salts from the leaves. Moreover, in this case, the time factor plays a key role - the sooner you water the place where the dog urinated, the better. However, from the point of view of convenience, this method does not seem to be the most attractive. Can you imagine yourself guarding your pet with a hose or a bowl of water in your hands?

If you spend your precious time, it would be better to train the dog, weaning it from leaving waste products where it is not needed. Find a special place in your garden for this purpose and line it with fine soil. Next, over the course of several weeks, collect your pet’s urine and feces and transfer them there. Take your dog out into the garden on a leash and leave it there. When your dog defecates in this area, give him a treat as a reward. You may need to repeat these exercises for a month or even longer to achieve results, but the price of these efforts is your peace of mind and a beautiful garden.

Veterinarian Stacey Schat (Oregon State University Master Gardener in Columbia County) recommends installing low fences along the “no-go zone,” which will serve more as a psychological barrier. Even low bushes can perform this function. Also, plant your flower beds densely with flowers to make them look less attractive to your dog. Lay out a path along which it will be convenient for your pet to run and frolic, he will appreciate it. But Stacey Schat is convinced that all these measures will be useless if the owner does not spend time training the dog, and this is important to learn: “If the dog remembers that the sofa does not have a “visit limit,” then it will think the same about your garden. A little training will go a long way; spend more time with your pet,” she advises.

If your dog is not trainable, do not despair - perhaps you did not take into account some of the dog’s personal characteristics. Christopher Enroth, Extension Educator, Horticulture Henderson/ Knox/ McDonough/ Warren Unit, shared his experience involving two dogs. He set up a special place in the garden, lined with wood mulch, and began training his dogs. But Christopher achieved results with only one of them, and the second refused to be trained. “It's something about old dogs and new tricks. Dog owners will understand,” he joked. But during his experiments, Christopher discovered that the second dog preferred to defecate in a pile of fallen leaves - now this is its permanent place for this purpose.

It is useful to regularly walk your dog in parks and other spacious places, which will reduce damage to your garden and, at the same time, bring pleasure to both the owner and his pet.

It is useful to regularly walk your dog in parks and other spacious places, which will reduce damage to your garden and, at the same time, bring pleasure to both the owner and his pet.

Fences from wild dogs

We have already mentioned above low fences used as a psychological barrier. This method works for your pet, but if you want to get rid of the unwanted presence of neighbor or wild dogs, then in this case you need to install a large, full-fledged fence.

Jeffrey S. Green, Assistant Regional Director at USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, Colorado, and Philip S. Gipson Unit Leader Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Kansas State University Manhattan recommend installing a chain-link fence with barbed wire along the base to keep out wild dogs so that a wild dog does not try to dig a passage under the fence. The height of the fence must be at least 6 feet, otherwise the animal will try to jump over it. To increase the effect, run an electrically charged wire along the bottom and top of the fence, then the dog will certainly not attempt to dig under the fence or jump over it.

All-electric fences have also proven to be practical. It is advisable that they have 12 alternating wires, in which case the fence is an effective deterrent structure against dogs. But electric fences have a number of disadvantages. First, you need to regularly check whether the wires are sufficiently charged. Secondly, mice and bears can damage such structures. And thirdly, such fences are difficult to maintain in regions where snowstorms occur.

However, Jeffrey S. Green and Philip S. Gipson consider fencing to be the best investment when it comes to keeping out wild dogs. Another option for controlling wild dogs is to install cages with bait. However, by resorting to this method, you risk being bitten by a wild dog and contracting rabies. In addition, puppies are more likely to be crated than adult dogs. If you are afraid of being attacked by a wild dog outside your home, wear special audio or visual dog repellent devices.

The main reasons why a cat shits

When a cat shits, this is fraught not only with the need for cleaning, but also with an unpleasant odor (which is quite difficult to remove), as well as damage to things.

Animal urine

Reason one. An animal marks its territory, most often, during puberty or under the influence of a large number of factors unfavorable for the animal. For example, if other animals who are in conflicting relationships permanently or temporarily live in the house.

Reason two. Revenge and attention-seeking. If the owners often scold the cat, do not give it due attention and affection, or treat it rudely, the animal will spoil out of spite. The most selective and intelligent animals can choose not the floor, carpets or even shoes, but exclusively their favorite things, clothes and furniture.

Reason three. Pathological diseases of urea, infections, viruses. This can lead to the fact that the need to defecate occurs suddenly and the cat shits wherever necessary. Sometimes, when defecating, particles of sand (which is in the tray as a filler) end up in the genitals and then all trips to the toilet are accompanied by pain. In this case, it is necessary to take the animal to the veterinarian so that he can determine the cause of the animal’s “bad behavior.”

Reference! If, when an animal goes to the toilet, the process is accompanied by pain, then the tray will be associated with pain and the animal will avoid it on a subconscious level.

There are also other reasons. For example, if the animal was initially poorly accustomed to the tray, or the filler inside rarely changes. Then the animal may simply be disdainful. Phobias, stress and a change of place of residence also have an effect, because these animals, by their nature, become attached to the house as their habitat. During estrus, female animals try to attract males using scent. How to scare cats away to avoid problems with such a “neighborhood”?

Bad scents at home

Comparison table of 8 methods and drugs for dogs

Protect your sense of smell and nervous system

Dogs sense odors very sensitively, so there should be no foreign odors in the places where animals are trained. This will allow the pet to concentrate better, catching the trainer’s commands, remembering them and successfully carrying them out.

For representatives of the canine family, capturing various odors is a vital function. A dog that has lost its sense of smell becomes practically “blind.”

Dogs can distinguish up to 1,000,000 different smells. Among the unpleasant aromas for animals is the smell of metal, so enclosures for keeping dogs should be built with a minimum amount of this building material.

The most undesirable item in the enclosure is the roof, made of iron.

A pet living in an enclosure made of metal structures will experience constant stress, its condition will be depressed, and in some cases the pet may show unmotivated aggression against a background of eternal anxiety.

A smell can become repulsive for a dog if it is associated with unpleasant memories and is associated with certain moments in their life.

It is noteworthy that if a dog was once hit by a horse, the animal will remember this smell and will associate it with danger, so in the future it can react aggressively not only to horses, but also to their manure.

You can customize your interaction with your pet by using scents that do not cause the animal discomfort or cause fear or anxiety. In raising a puppy, this nuance is very important.

TOP 10 best dog repellents

We've rounded up 10 products to help you protect your shoes, including the bike spray that the postal service has been using for 30 years, a can that hisses like a snake, state-of-the-art ultrasonic devices, and a device that makes an incredibly loud sound. To protect lawns, products are offered that affect the sense of smell and taste buds - in granules and in liquid form, as well as a sprinkler that solves the problem of unwanted visits from neighbor's dogs with the help of water.

Protect your sense of smell and nervous system

Dogs sense odors very sensitively, so there should be no foreign odors in the places where animals are trained. This will allow the pet to concentrate better, catching the trainer’s commands, remembering them and successfully carrying them out.

For representatives of the canine family, capturing various odors is a vital function. A dog that has lost its sense of smell becomes practically “blind.”

Dogs can distinguish up to 1,000,000 different smells. Among the unpleasant aromas for animals is the smell of metal, so enclosures for keeping dogs should be built with a minimum amount of this building material.

The most undesirable item in the enclosure is the roof, made of iron.

A pet living in an enclosure made of metal structures will experience constant stress, its condition will be depressed, and in some cases the pet may show unmotivated aggression against a background of eternal anxiety.

A smell can become repulsive for a dog if it is associated with unpleasant memories and is associated with certain moments in their life.

It is noteworthy that if a dog was once hit by a horse, the animal will remember this smell and will associate it with danger, so in the future it can react aggressively not only to horses, but also to their manure.

You can customize your interaction with your pet by using scents that do not cause the animal discomfort or cause fear or anxiety. In raising a puppy, this nuance is very important.

How to keep your shoes safe from your dog

Pet Block Repellent

Use Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray, which contains bitters, water and 20% isopropyl alcohol. This composition is non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals and at the same time effectively solves the problem of shoes damaged by dogs. Very easy to use, all you need to do is spray on problem areas. At the same time, the drug is universal and can be used not only on shoes, but also on furniture, as well as other items that you would like to protect from dog bites. You can also apply it to your hands, but in this case the main thing is not to accidentally lick this substance, it really tastes disgusting. But the product is not very popular among Amazon users: only 43% of them gave it five stars, while 17% rated it just one star. Customers report successful experiences with the product: “They were chewing on my friend's shoes, so I sprayed this on his shoes. It was funny, they walked around the shoes, smelled them and couldn’t figure out why they weren’t no longer tasty - it worked,” writes one Amazon user. But the disadvantage of the drug is that it does not last long, and if you apply it outdoors, in the garden, for example, then it will be completely useless. One owner writes: “It didn't damage painted surfaces, metal, plastic or wood, but frankly we wasted product. Even in the house it seems to lose its effect quite quickly.”

Price: 510 rub.

The Best Dog Repellents for Cyclists

HALT Dog Repellent Spray

For personal protection against dog attacks, you can use HALT Spray with the active ingredient capsaicin, extracted from peppers. Judging by the fact that the drug has been used by the American postal service for 30 years, it has proven itself well. Users also approved the product - 68% consider it the best.

The 4.9-inch tall canister is easy to use and fits comfortably in your hand. The spray from the can will reach its target even if the dog is standing 12 feet away from you. Direct the stream not at animate objects or plants in the garden, but at the animal, as the dog must inhale the substance or it must get into its eyes. Otherwise, there will be no effect. However, using the drug requires caution, in particular, make sure that the substance does not get into your eyes.

Another advantage of the product is that it has no expiration date. You can use it once and then use it several years later and it will still be functional. One Amazon user who had the unfortunate experience of being confronted by a pack of aggressive dogs gave this verdict: “For dogs that don't actually intend to kill your dog, this works very well. For a large dog that is used to pain and is eager to fight, I think pepper spray or a pepper gun would be the best choice.”

Price from 630 rub. Check current prices

Another product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector, according to the manufacturer, is recommended by trainers and behaviorists around the world to avoid unwanted behavior in dogs. Amazon users seemed to like this product more than the previous one - 73% gave it five stars.

When pressed, compressed gas is released from the can, creating a hissing sound. This sound is made by snakes or geese to scare away a predator, and pets are instinctively afraid of it. But, as with the previous product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector is not effective against feral or aggressive dogs.

The drug is odorless and safe, and as a bonus you will receive detailed instructions on dog training. Judging by customer reviews, this product is really only suitable for training your own dogs.

Price from 630 rub. Check current prices

Another product, DOG HORN, also makes a sound that is unpleasant for dogs. Useful for training pets and for repelling wild animals, for example when you are outdoors. Recommended by trainers and veterinarians.

The device makes a sound when you press a special button, but the problem with this product is that people can hear its sound too. The sound is strong enough that even neighbors can hear it. True, the device has several modes, and when you quickly press the button, the outgoing sound will be more like a whistle.

Users are satisfied with the result - 60% of them gave DOG HORN the maximum rating. “This is the first thing I use if a strange dog approaches me. For now that's all I need. It also stopped my dog ​​from reacting to the other dog. Stops aggression without anyone getting hurt...win-win! “,” writes one of the buyers.

Price: ~$8.99

How to protect your lawn from dogs

Havahart Critter Ridder 3146 Animal Repellent, 5-Pounds Granular Shaker is based on natural ingredients and repels dogs through taste and smell. The drug contains black pepper, piperine and capsaicin. This product is a good money saver because... Designed not only for dogs, but also cats, squirrels, skunks, raccoons.

Used outside the house - in the garden, on the lawn, around a flower bed, ornamental plants, trees. It can also be used indoors, for example in warehouses. According to the manufacturer, the substance is rain-resistant and covers an area of ​​300 square feet, and after the first application the product lasts up to 30 days.

But users rated this product low, only 24% gave it five stars, while 40% rated it one star. “I tried it on purpose to disturb the dogs. I spread it out as instructed...there was no rain...and within 24 hours the dogs (thanks and their irresponsible owners) left a notice that the Critter Ridder was not working,” writes one Amazon shopper. In addition, buyers do not confirm the manufacturer's claims about the product's resistance to rain.

Price: ~$25.92

Another product designed to protect lawns from dogs, Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon Dog and Cat Repellent Granules, 2-Pound, . Only 23% of users gave it five stars, and 43% rated it one star. This product is much cheaper than the previous one, almost twice, but this is due to the smaller volume of content.

Active ingredients: geraniol, castor and peppermint oils. Unlike Havahart Critter Ridder, it only works against dogs and cats, but the coverage area is significantly larger - 1,400 sq. ft. It is applied through a spray to the soil in the garden, and the unpleasant smell for dogs and cats will keep these animals away from “forbidden areas.” When applying to the soil near edible plants, make sure that the substance does not come into contact with their leaves.

A buyer writes: “I bought this to keep neighborhood cats from marking our yard and teasing our dogs. Nothing. An absolute waste of money. I received a refund from Amazon.” The product's manufacturer responded to this comment by suggesting that the problem may have been heavy rainfall, which had reduced the repellent's effectiveness. Therefore, be careful, during rain the product may be washed off and then it will definitely be a 100% loss of funds.

Price: ~$15.61

Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use, based on natural vegetable oils, received exactly the same ratings Designed for use on lawns, gardens, and flower clubs to prevent dogs and cats from digging and damaging plants.

According to buyers, the drug has an unpleasant odor that remains on the hands, and therefore it is better to apply it with gloves. Judging by the responses from Amazon users, the effectiveness of this drug is very doubtful: “It doesn’t work as promised. I thought ok, maybe I should spray it more often, but it still didn't work. I tried spraying it with a commercial large sprayer but it came out the same,” writes one.

Price: ~$36.48

As you can see, buyers give fairly low ratings to all ready-made repellents, although scientists say that all these ingredients should theoretically repel dogs. But in practice this doesn't work. Perhaps due to rain, perhaps due to low concentrations. So let's look further, can technology help us?

We continue to communicate with technology. This time we'll look at the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler with Day and Night Detection Modes at three times the price. The device has day and night modes and rotates 120 degrees. When an animal approaches, the sprinkler is activated and begins to spray the object with water.

Thanks to special technology, optimal water consumption and battery saving are provided, which is important, because excessive water consumption will cost you a considerable amount when paying bills.

55% of users gave the maximum rating to the product: “It seems to work OK. Water got on two local dogs and they are no longer walking in circles like they used to. They literally try to avoid the sprinkler when they see it,” writes one shopper.

Price: ~$60.40

Artificial fragrances and household chemicals

All types of chemicals emit certain odors. Almost all dogs cannot tolerate the smell of household chemicals. While walking their pets in the park area, owners notice that dogs avoid trees with fresh whitewash.

Dried lime also emits a dog-repellent odor. Animals get used to smells because they are constantly exposed to them. But dogs cannot stand the smell of bleach used to disinfect premises.

The chemical smell emitted by calcium carbide is also unpleasant for dogs. Welding carbide is used for technical purposes in welding metal structures.

The substance is not poisonous and therefore has no harmful effects on the animal’s body. But when using the chemical, precautions must be taken. It is not recommended to use calcium carbide in areas where small children walk.

In addition, during a chemical reaction, welding carbide releases alkali, which is harmful to some plants.

Dogs don't like perfume smells. This is especially true for cologne and air freshener scents with citrus scents. A sprayed air freshener provokes the animal to quickly leave the area.

Dog owners who often use various chemicals in their household may notice that over time the pet gets used to the strong smell and is not bothered by it. The dog feels discomfort, but prefers to remain in its place and be patient.

All pets have their own personality. Some dogs are repelled by the smell of deodorant, others by chemicals used to wash dishes or wipe the floor.

All dogs, without exception, avoid contact with ethers, toluene, gasoline and alcohol.

These substances are toxic to animals and they instinctively sense danger. To discourage the animal from the required areas, you can use ethyl alcohol and vinegar. Swabs soaked in the solution are placed in the required places.

The main property with which people identify a dog is its phenomenal sense of smell. The hypersensitive receptors in these pets allow them to detect odors about 400 times better than humans.

The olfactory function in dogs is provided by more than 200 million cellular structures responsible for capturing and recognizing various odors. This is due to the dog’s subtle sense of the most incredible odors, which sometimes a person does not feel at all.

Some odors are so unpleasant for dogs that they cause aggression and can provoke severe emotional irritation in the animal.

Every owner should know what odors are unpleasant for dogs, so that in the future they can try to minimize their number in the room where the pet is located, protecting its nervous system and sense of smell.

Comparison table of the best dog repellents and scarers

Preventive measures

In order not to rack your brains over how to scare a dog away from your property, you must first take care of creating uncomfortable conditions for it. This means that under no circumstances should you feed a dog (and especially a pack) on your own land and near it. In addition, you should check if the dogs have an easy way to find food. For example, at a temporary landfill or trash bin. Experts say that sometimes one such gesture of attention is enough - and the animal will consider your area to be its own. Even trash cans should be covered with fairly heavy lids, since dogs are very good jumpers.

In addition to food, dogs require shelter to rest, reproduce, and raise young. So the ventilation vents should be covered with a strong mesh, and the doors to the utility rooms should be locked with at least a latch. If you want to know how to ward off cats, we recommend reading the article: https://fb.ru/article/192475/kak-otvadit-koshek-ot-uchastka-kak-otvadit-koshek-gadit-na-uchastke.

Ultrasound to the rescue

If scent repellers do not work, move on to the next item in the list of ways to repel someone else’s dog from your area. The industry offers a huge variety of ultrasonic devices designed to repel animals. There are pocket options, and there are stationary ones. You need to choose a model that produces a frequency of at least 21 kHz and has a power of at least 100 dB. Another important requirement when purchasing: a strong, well-insulated case. After all, the device will be used “in the field”, which means it must not allow moisture to pass through and not break under the weight of an accidentally fallen branch.

What not to do

Do not apply current to the fence. It can also pose a danger to people. If a passerby, guest or one of your neighbors receives an electric shock, you will have to be legally responsible for the injuries and injuries caused.

No need to spread the poison. Firstly, both pets and children can become poisoned. Secondly, cruelty to animals is a crime, and from the point of view of the law, it makes no difference whether a dog is a pet or a stray. If someone writes a complaint, you will be in trouble. Thirdly, many poisons have a bad effect on soils. Fourthly, something needs to be done with the corpses. And it’s not a fact that the dog won’t die somewhere in a hard-to-reach place, as a result of which the entire village will stink of carrion. In the end, such actions are simply unethical. It’s better to fight in civilized ways.

When I decided that my next, third dog for the first time would be a female, my friends tried to dissuade me for a long time. They say that you will go for walks with a stick twice a year to fend off male dogs. I didn’t really believe it, but having booked a wonderful girl who had barely opened her eyes from the breeder, I talked about it, just in case. The breeder said that there would be no problems: she undertakes to supply me with a wonderful German remedy that a friend brings to her from Germany.

Reliable fencing

One of the most reliable means of keeping dogs away from a property is to surround it with a fence. Quite strong and tall - one and a half to two meters, no less. Animals prefer the easy way. They would rather look for a territory with open access than with difficult access. The fence will have to be inspected regularly in order to notice tunnels from the outside in time. It is also recommended to secure barbed wire or boards with nails protruding from the outside along the lower perimeter.

Another recommended step is to pull a fishing line low, not high from the ground, and hang tins on it with pebbles or small pieces of iron poured inside. The hole must be sealed so that the “filling” does not spill out. The dog will cling to the fishing line, the rattles will make sounds, and the animal will be scared, since it will not be able to calculate the source of the noise and the reason for its appearance. This, by the way, is also a good way to discourage the neighbor’s dog from coming to the site. Although it wouldn't hurt to talk to her owner either.

Some restrictions

Ultrasonic repeller also has its drawbacks. Firstly, it works on everyone - both domestic animals and birds. So your Barsik may well go looking for a better life, and the winged defenders of the garden will fly around him, which will have a bad effect on the harvest.

Secondly, not all dogs react to ultrasound in the way we need. Those who are hard of hearing will simply not hear it. But those who are mad or who have undergone special training will ignore it. There is evidence that even phlegmatic, calm dogs are quite indifferent to ultrasound.

Water repellent

A trickle of water that suddenly arrives from somewhere will undoubtedly scare the dog away. Investments in this case are small: a sprinkler is available in all dacha farms, all that remains is to equip it with a motion sensor.

But this method also has its drawbacks. Among them is a reaction to any moving object larger than a mouse (child, cat, squirrel). Consequently, water consumption will seriously affect the budget.

In addition, such frequent “watering” can lead to waterlogging of the area and the death of plants on it. So the technique is only suitable in the initial stages, when the dog is just sniffing your territory.

How to toilet train a puppy?

If the dog is still small, then, in general, there is no problem. Your pet will learn to go outside during the first year of life.

Important Puppies do not know how to endure and therefore “go” where they have time. It cannot be any other way. Scolding a puppy can only make things worse. However, you can teach your baby to use the toilet, which is discussed below.

To protect your apartment from the smell of dog urine and feces, it is advisable to allocate a small space on the flooring that is easy to clean as a toilet. You can also cover an area of ​​the floor with an absorbent blanket. The most important rule is to try not to punish the dog for “bad” behavior, but also don’t particularly praise it for “good” behavior, even if it was done in a designated area, since, in the long term, the dog should get used to the street. As a rule, before the first vaccinations, the puppy cannot be taken for walks, which is why he is temporarily taught to use the toilet indoors.

Use newspapers and special diapers for dogs. You should bring the puppy to them as often as possible: when he has eaten, he just woke up when you saw that he began to sniff the floor or spin around in place. Praise for “correct” urination. Yelling at a dog if it has already committed a “bad” action is unacceptable; it will not understand what its fault is. Aggression can only frighten the puppy; he will simply begin to be afraid and avoid his owner.

Tip If you see that the baby is starting to try on the “pee-pee”, throw the keys on the floor or hit your hands so that he is distracted, and then pick him up and immediately take him to the diaper or outside. In your hands, the dog will try to be the most restrained, and if you lead him on a leash, he can leave a “gift” right on the staircase.

Dog-Stop Forte

A product called Dog-Stop Forte from the German manufacturer Pharma GmbH Canina accompanied us through all four of our first heats. These are tablets that need to be given (the amount is adjusted according to the dog’s weight) once a day throughout the entire period of estrus. It contains an exclusively natural and carefully selected mixture of algae, which, as is known, has the wonderful property of repelling odors.

Human oral products based on them are very successful in Europe. Without in any way affecting the physiological course of the estrus period, the tablets sharply reduce that smell, which we do not feel at all, but which sounds like a siren to male dogs.

I believed the breeder, gave her pills, but in my heart I suspected that “the devil is not as scary as he is painted,” because there was no talk of any sticks for self-defense. I never walk my dog ​​in the yard, and especially during heat, because most of our owners live there, and I don’t want to deprive their dogs of sleep and appetite.

Other dog walkers only get to where we walk in very good weather. Therefore, some difficulties began only when we came face to face with the male. And it was not so much the dog that made it difficult for us as his owners.

After asking me to take the dog because my bitch was in heat, they confused me with their statements. Now, honestly, I don’t know how to decently respond to confident statements: “He’s just playing!” or “He’s not in this department!” It’s even worse when they start calling the dog from afar, without moving. Until the owners remember that they didn’t seem to take their dog to the site, he didn’t pass the OKD with excellent marks, which means he couldn’t flawlessly carry out commands under any irritant, more than a dozen minutes passed.

But, in general, nothing critical happened in our lives until one fine day came when, by force of circumstances, I found myself without magic pills and decided to try to survive the heat without them. Here I experienced first hand what it is.

Hot peppers

What smells scare dogs away so that they don’t come back for a long time? This may be the smell of hot pepper, elusive to the human nose, but intolerable to dogs!

Make a decoction with a small amount of chili pepper, put on gloves, and spray the leaves and grass in the garden. At home, use a weak concentrate, as the smell does not disappear for a long time and the dog may feel unwell.

A few words about education

Before using repellents, the owner must be aware that this method of correcting the pet’s behavior does not lead to the consolidation of the desired type of behavior. If you are trying to stop your dog from marking corners or defecating in the house using strong-smelling substances, then most likely you will not succeed.

No repellents will help in raising a dog if the owner himself does not use it.

Remember that sudden impact on the animal's olfactory system will cause stress, especially if such impact becomes a habit. Stress, in turn, will lead to other behavioral deviations, which will also have to be dealt with somehow.

The most important means of influencing a pet is the authority of the owner. It is on this that all further educational measures are based. As you can see, spraying odorous compounds does not give a predictable reaction from the dog and does not allow you to achieve a clear result. Therefore, the repellent can be used as an aid, but nothing more. It is effective as a method of dealing with unfamiliar animals, but is useless as an educational measure.

Education and training of a pet are the key to its good behavior and devotion to its owner.