Humans and dogs have co-existed for ages, but such coexistence hasn’t always been peaceful and trouble-free. Even nowadays, stray dogs can scare you and your kids. On the other hand, a pet dog’s behavior can be troublesome for their owners. Pets often chew furniture, shoes, damage lawns and gardens. Is the same true for your neighbors’ dogs? First of all, why do they have so many dogs and why don’t they crap in their own yard? Am I right? In this review, we will cover scientific reports regarding correction of such behavior, picking the best dog repellents and will list the ten most popular must-have products. We’ve even managed to sneak in a few DIY recommendations too! A few smart purchases and some proven tactics will surely bring some needed relief to your life.
A Comparative Chart of Eight Methods and Products
| Method/Product | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Taste Repellent. Rating: 10 | The most effective repellent without unpleasant smells. It does not deteriorate, can be handmade to save costs. | Allergies are possible; effect depends on your dog’s preferences. |
| Odor Repellent. Rating: 8 | Certain smells (e.g. citrus) are pleasant for humans, it does not deteriorate, can be handmade to save money. | Some smells are unpleasant to humans, is less effective than a taste repellent; allergies are possible; effect depends on your dog’s preferences. |
| Motion Activated Sprinkler. Rating: 9 | Does not take much time, irrigates the soil, its effect does not depend on your dog’s preferences. | Reacts to any movement, water overspending is possible, can be more expensive than planned. |
| Diet Modification. Rating: 5 | Dilutes urine and reduces grass damage. | No scientific research can confirm effectiveness, can do harm to your dog or retaliate by making the dog urinate more frequently. |
| Dog Training. Rating: 10 | The most effective method. | Takes time, patience and persistence. |
| Fences. Rating: 10 | The best way to fence away from your neighbors’ or stray dogs. | Is unaesthetic in the garden, short fences are a psychological barrier only. |
| Electric Fences. Rating: 9 | Are both a physical and a psychological barrier, the best way to fence away from your neighbors’ or stray dogs. | Can do harm to pets, large wild animals can damage the fence, is ineffective during snowstorms, charge must be checked regularly. |
| Watering Places Of Urination. Rating: 6 | Reduces damage through diluting. | Is only effective if watering is done immediately after urination. You should watch your dog all the time and always have a water basin or a hose at hand. |
TOP-10 Best Dog Repellents
We’ve picked ten products to protect your shoes, a cycling spray used by post services for over thirty years, a spray hissing like a snake and modern ultrasound devices along with a gadget that makes extreme noise. Granules or liquid taste and odor repellents are also available for protecting lawn, as well as a motion activated sprinkler that solves the problem of unwanted neighbors’ dogs’ visits.
1. Grannick’s Bitter Apple | Best Dog Repellent Spray to Protect Your Shoes
Use Grannick’s Bitter Apple spray that contains bitter substances, water and 20% isopropanol (an alcohol used in the making of acetone and hydrogen peroxide). These chemicals are non-toxic and safe both for humans and pets, and at the same time, are effective at preventing the dog from damaging your shoes.
It is very simple to use. All you have to do is spray any problematic areas. Because the product is versatile, it can be applied not only on your shoes, but also on furniture and other objects to be protected. You can also apply it on your hands but make sure you don’t lick them by accident, as the substance is indeed nasty to taste.
We cannot say that this product is extremely popular with users. Most negativity is experienced due to the reported short duration of effect. The good news is that the product is affordable and your specific dog’s reaction to it will be immediate. To avoid a negative experience with this product remember that it is most potent indoors.
Price: Check the current price
2. Halt! Dog Repellent 1.5 oz | Best Dog Repellent Spray for Cyclists
You can use HALT Spray with an active ingredient capsaicin made from peppers for personal protection against dog attacks. The fact that the American US Postal Service has been using it for thirty years proves its worth. Users also approve of this spray as 68% consider it to be the best dog repellent.
Another advantage of this product is that it does not have an expiry date. You can use it once, and re-use it several years later, and it will still be very effective. The SPI Research Team would like to point out that this spray is a simple, easy to carry defense against most dogs but a large very aggressive dog will be less affected by this spray if the dog is already in attack mode – a direct hit to the face will still be effective but be prepared to take secondary measures.
Price: Check the current price
3. The Company of Animals Pet Corrector
The manufacturer claims that another product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector, is recommended by trainers and behaviorists worldwide to correct unwanted dog behavior. It is more popular that pepper sprays mainly because users are not afraid of accidentally getting pepper in their eyes.
When used, compressed gas is released and it makes a hissing sound resembling that of snakes or geese trying to shoo a predator. Pets have an inherent fear of it. Just like the previous product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector is ineffective against some stray or highly aggressive dogs. The product is odorless and safe, and additionally, a detailed dog training manual is supplied. When used as a training tool, the SPI Team would like to note that it is nest to use this as a reinforcement to a verbal command – that way you are not dependent on having the bottle with you at all times.
Price: (2-pack) Check the current price
4. Electronic Dog Repellent and Trainer with LED Flashlight
Brellavi Electronic Ultrasonic Handheld Dog Repellent and Trainer with LED Flashlight can train your dog to avoid unwanted behavior and will repel aggressive dogs for a low price, as the manufacturer claims. This device emits ultrasound that human ears cannot hear, and that dogs absolutely detest but does not harm them.
The manufacturer positions Brellavi as the most humane way to repel aggressive dogs. It is completely safe and has a long action distance of up to about fifteen feet. The gadget is compact and can fit into a pocket, which is crucial for cyclists.
However, as with any product made to deter strays and train domesticated dogs, there will be mixed results. The SPI Editorial Review Staff has concluded that much of the negativity experienced with this product is over expectations. The package clearly says 16 feet effective range but some people are complaining that is doesn’t work across the street. We like this product and see it as an excellent companion to some of the sprays since it works regardless of the wind direction.
Price: Check the current price
5. First Alert Bark Genie Handheld Bark Control Device
First Alert Bark Genie Handheld Bark Control emits ultrasound that only dogs can hear. It makes them stop barking. The device’s action distance is fifteen feet.
The manufacturer also recommends using it as a training supplement. However there is some disagreement online about this topic. Here is what a dog center specialist has to say: “It does not work without consistent use and incorporating basic training concepts. You can’t just point it at a dog while it’s barking and expect it to become silent after repeated uses; many of them become acclimated to the sound and are no longer affected.” What this tells us at SPI is that, along with any dog deterrent, it is best to combine techniques – stern vocal commands, standing your ground (not running away), Physical barriers like a walking stick. Just because you have a little sound shooter tool doesn’t mean you can forget all the other “tools” that you know about dog behavior.
Only 41% of users gave it the highest rating while 24% gave it the worst rating.
Price: Check the current price
6. SAFETY-SPORT DOG HORN XL | Attack Deterrent
Another treatment, DOG HORN, also makes sounds that are unpleasant to dogs. It is useful in training pets and repelling stray animals when camping, for example. Both vets and trainers recommend it.
Once you press a button, the device will make a sound that is unfortunately heard by people too. It is loud enough even for your neighbors to hear it. This gadget has several modes, so if you press the button quickly enough, the sound made will be more like a whistle. Users are generally satisfied. The SPI Team actually sees the volume as a good thing – if there is an aggressive dog then the noise can alert other humans to help you! An added benefit is that it can deescalate your own dog as well as the approaching dog at the same time. Preventing a behavior is actually easier than changing an aggressive behavior in dogs. SO use this tool quickly before the situation is too extreme.
Price: Check the current price
7. Havahart Critter Ridder 3146 Animal Repellent | Best Dog Repellent to Protect Your Lawn
Havahart Critter Ridder 3146 Animal Repellent, 5-Pounds Granular Shaker is made of natural components and repels dogs through taste and odor. It contains oil of black pepper, pepperine and capsaicin. This treatment will save your budget as it targets not only dogs, but also cats, squirrels, skunks and raccoons.
It is used outdoors: in the garden, on the lawn, around the flower bed, decorative plants and trees. It can be used indoors too, for instance, in warehouses. As the manufacturer claims, the ingredients are water-resistant and cover an area of 300 square feet. The treatment is supposed to act for thirty days after use.
To avoid any negative experiences use it in dry climates and specifically in the area that repelling is needed keeping in mind that if an awesome food source is near by, a repellent will not over come the drive to eat.
Price: Check the current price
Another product aimed at protecting the lawns from dogs, Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon Dog and Cat Repellent Granules, 2-Pound, is no more popular than the last granular repellent we reviewed. This product is much more accessible than the previous one (it is half the price), due to the reduced amount of contents.
Its active ingredients are geraniol, castor oil, and peppermint oil. Unlike Havahart Critter Ridder, it acts only against cats and dogs, but its coverage area is much larger and reaches 1,400 square feet. The spray must be applied on garden soil so that the smell, unpleasant for cats and dogs, will keep these animals away from the restricted areas. When applying it on the soil with edible plants, make sure the substance does not get on their leaves.
To avoid negative experiences the manufacturer suggests to time application because heavy rains reduce the repellent’s effectiveness. That is why you should be attentive. Downpours can wash off the repellent and in that case, you are 100% bound to waste money.
Price: Check the current price
8. Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use | Best Dog and Cat Repellent to Protect Your Yard
Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use is made of natural vegetable oils. It is to be applied on the lawns, gardens, flower beds and is designed to prevent cats and dogs from digging the soil and damaging plants.
Beware, this product does have a strong smell. To avoid negative experiences make sure you wear gloves as the smell will stick to your hands. The results are mixed. It is a good place to start for those homeowners who want a gentle approach. If the animals are persistent then you may need to escalate.
Price: Check the current price
As you can see, ready-to-use repellents are rated lowly although the scientists claim that theoretically, all these ingredients must repel dogs. The causes of failure are rain and low concentration. Let’s see whether gadgets can help us.
9. Dog Repellent, Thanos Solar Animal Repellent
Pest Repeller, Thanos Solar Animal Repellent has the highest rating for products in this price bracket. Pretty impressive results! The device emits an ultrasonic signal that repels cats, dogs, wild bears, mice and birds and is great protection for your house. It is energy-saving and can be powered by solar batteries. The manufacturer claims it is effective in any weather and season.
The built-in sensor detects motion and automatically makes a sound unheard by humans but repelling to animals. It is easily installed in the soil or hung on the wall.
Users are unanimous that it is truly effective. Among the disadvantages, note that you will have to replace batteries every three to four months. Adding AA Batteries to your auto ordering will lessen this inconvenience. Place it where your own dog will not be bothered by it! I am actually so impressed with this product that I will need to try it in up here in Alaska for bears!
Price: Check the current price
10. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Let’s continue with the gadgets. This time, we’ll check out Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler with Day and Night Detection Modes. The device has a day and night mode and can rotate 120?. The sprinkler showers its target with water is activated when an animal approaches the device.
Special technology helps to optimize water spending and save battery life, which is important as water overuse will increase your water bill to a great extent.
The SPI Team suggests moving this sprinkler to different spots occasionally to keep the critters guessing. We recommend this product for a variety of pests as the sight, sound, and touch multiply the effectiveness. Just remember that it probably wont work in freezing weather…
Price: Check the current price
The Best Dog Repellents Comparative Chart
Type of Repellent: Taste 
Type of Repellent: Touch 
Type of Repellent: Touch 
Type of Repellent: Scare Tactics, Sound 
Type of Repellent: Scare Tactics, Sound 
Type of Repellent: Scare Tactics, Sound 
Type of Repellent: Odor 
Type of Repellent: Scare Tactics, Sound 
Type of Repellent: Scare Tactics, Water 
Type of Repellent: Odor 4 Homemade Dog Repellent Sprays and 1 Unusual Way to Use Coffee
Buying repellents regularly can cost you a fortune. The best dog repellent can be prepared on your own as you won’t need anything extraordinary for that. Remember that each dog is individual and you might have to try out several options before finding a perfect one. First of all, you will need an empty spray bottle. You can buy a new one in a store or re-use one. If it is the latter case, rinse the bottle thoroughly to remove any debris of the previous substance.
Which mix is the best? Hot pepper spray with an active ingredient capsaicin that burns the tongue on contact proved to be the most effective homemade remedy. Dissolve two tablespoons of crushed hot pepper powder in ten cups of water to prepare your taste repellent. Afterwards, apply the mixture on an object that your dog loves to chew. If you prefer odor repellent, vinegar will be the best choice as it is especially unpleasant for dogs that have sharp smell. Mix one portion of vinegar with five portions of water to achieve the required deterring smell.
There are other options. To prepare another odor repellent, mix half a cup of citronella oil with four cups of water. Citrus smell is very convenient as it is pleasant for humans and even used in aromatherapy while many dogs despise it. Mix some citrus juice with shredded peels in a spray bottle and spray the parts of your garden that you would like to protect from your dog’s vandalism. Citrus juice will also deter ants and aphids. If you like coffee, you can have an extra perk. Do not throw away coffee grounds. Instead, collect them and leave them in places that your pet shouldn’t touch.
Diet Modification and Products Impacting Urine Acidity
You can find tips on dog diet modification that is supposed to adjust the impact of the dog’s urine on plants and grass. First, immediately discard products that contain Methionine or Ascorbic Acid, which affect the level of acidity in the urine, because, as we have already found out, this has nothing to do with scorched grass. Moreover, they can harm your pet’s health as kidney stones may form. Special remedies can dilute urine, but safer ways serve the same purpose. For example, feed your pet canned food more often, and dissolve dry food in water. Salts, garlic and tomato increase the amount of water consumed when added to food, which leads to liquefaction of urine. These ingredients should not be used without prior consultation with a vet, as the Colorado State University Extension scientists recommend.
Purdue University experts are extremely skeptical about medical diet modification as a means of reducing the damage dogs can cause to lawns. The article “Animal Urine Damage in Turf ” states that “Most of these products simply cause the pet to drink more water, thereby diluting the urine’s nitrogen content. An added side effect is that the animal will need to urinate more frequently, increasing the potential for “accidents.” Furthermore, using these products is potentially dangerous.”
Another scientist, Ali Harivandi, Environmental Horticulture Advisor, U.C. Cooperative Extension, Alameda County, notes that the claims of diet modification as a solution are unsupported. According to him, no scientific research attests to the effectiveness of diet modification for reducing the damage caused to lawns. Ali Harivandi considers washing urine off with plenty of water is the most effective measure. Water will wash nitrogen and salts off the plants. Time is the key here as the earlier you water the place of your dog’s urination, the better. This method, of course, does not seem to be the most attractive one from the point of convenience. Do you imagine watching your dog while holding a hose or a basin filled with water?
You’d be better spending your precious time training your dog and training it to leave its waste products where you do not see it. Select a place specially designated for this in your garden and lay it with fine soil. Next, for several weeks, collect your pet’s urine and feces and relocate them there. Take the dog out into the garden on a leash and leave it there. When the dog defecates in this place, reward it with a treat. To achieve good results, you will need to repeat this exercise for at least a month, but your efforts will pay off with your peace of mind and a beautiful garden.
Stacey Schat, a veterinarian and an Oregon State University Master Gardener in Columbia County, recommends installing short fences along the restricted area that will serve as a psychological barrier. Even small shrubs will do. Plant the flowers in flower beds densely so that they look less attractive to dogs. Don’t forget to make a trail for your dog to run and have fun on. Stacey Schat is convinced that all these measures will be in vain unless you spend time training your dog. She assures that “If a dog can learn that the sofa is off-limits, it can learn that particular areas in the garden are also off limits. A little behavior training goes a long way. Spend some time working with the pet before redoing the entire landscape.”
If you can’t train your dog, don’t despair. Perhaps you haven’t taken into account some personal peculiarities of the dog. Christopher Enroth, Extension Educator, Horticulture Henderson/ Knox/ McDonough/ Warren Unit shared his experience with two dogs. He laid wood mulch on a spot in his garden and trained his dogs there. One was able to achieve results while the other refused any training whatsoever. He jokingly said that it is “Something about old dogs and new tricks; dog owners know what I mean.” During his experiments, Christopher found out that the second dog preferred defecating in a pile of fallen leaves, and it has become her permanent toilet.
It is crucial to walk your dog regularly in parks and other spacious places to reduce the damage to your garden. This will simultaneously cause more pleasure both to the dog and its owner.
1 thought on “TOP-10 Dog Repellents to Protect You, Your Yard and Your Stuff”
how can I get rid of dogs and cats in my yard? the pepper does not work it also burn my grass. Liquid fence does not last long.I can not put up a fence. ultrasonic does not work the dog just look at it and the cat it means nothing.
Please help me?