# Dog repellent to prevent dogs pooping on lawn? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 2, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317 "2026-02-02T19:03:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LynnM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b2d939/32.png) [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/1 "2026-02-02T19:03:15Z")
I need a recommendation for a dog repellent that when put on lawns, will discourage dogs from doing their business there. A search gives a number of products but reviews are mixed. If you’ve dealt with this problem successfully, plse let me know–what did you use? [Personally confronting the offenders is not an option…] Thx in advance– ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/2 "2026-02-02T19:05:18Z")
Do people not pick up after their dogs in your neck of the woods? ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/3 "2026-02-02T19:07:24Z")
Bloodmeal works, but it smells and has a relatively short effective life. Not only will you need to reapply frequently, but you probably wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in your yard. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/4 "2026-02-02T20:37:48Z")
I don’t think there is such a thing. Not anything that won’t kill your yard, at any rate. The only sure fire thing would be a fence. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/5 "2026-02-02T20:39:59Z")
Considering what my dog decides to roll in, I can’t imagine a smell that would turn him away. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/6 "2026-02-02T21:13:37Z")
I think a [motion activated sprinkler](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=motion+activated+sprinkler&crid=Y1BXMZNJ4VRI&sprefix=motion+activ%2Caps%2C132&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_ci_cl-br-left_2_12) is likely the best. Harmless but makes the dogs move on (and most any other critter). Otherwise some kind of scent repellent. I have read coffee grounds or citrus peels/sprays can work but they are very short-lived and need constant reapplication. Or, plant hedges they can’t get through. Especially things with thorns (maybe even some roses). ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/7 "2026-02-02T21:38:29Z")
Fence or move. Sorry, no easy answer. 🫡 ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/8 "2026-02-02T21:44:48Z")
Wag (pun intended): Wolf urine? Hot pepper/capsaicin extract? ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/9 "2026-02-02T22:02:30Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > Bloodmeal works, but it smells and has a relatively short effective life. Not only will you need to reapply frequently, but you probably wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in your yard. Bloodmeal, which is just powdered, dried blood, once it gets wet, will smell a lot worse than an entire yard full of dog shit. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/10 "2026-02-02T22:12:02Z")
I’d think that bloodmeal would be _attractive_ to dogs, rather than a repellent. And wolf urine might well inspire competitive peeing, from dogs as well as the occasional coyote. The motion-sensitive sprinkler option is a possibility, though difficult to calibrate to avoid wetting down passersby. If you know whose dogs are making deposits on your lawn, you could place the poop in a little box wrapped with a ribbon and put it on the offender’s doorstep, with a kind note. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/11 "2026-02-02T22:49:21Z")
You could try putting some signs on your lawn that say something like “Damaged lawn. Please keep dogs away”. Most reasonable people would respect that and have their dogs go somewhere else. It won’t stop them all, but it should cut down on it a lot. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/12 "2026-02-02T23:17:58Z")
Why is confronting the offenders not an option? Because you don’t catch them/their dog in the act? Or because you don’t want the confrontation? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/13 "2026-02-02T23:21:42Z")
I always, always, _always_ picked up after my dog, but if somebody had a yard sign – like one of these > **[Amazon.com: Vintage Metal Tin Sign, There Is No Poop Fairy Pick Up After Your...](https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Metal-Poster-Plaque-Garden/dp/B0BM84KG7B)** > > Amazon.com: Vintage Metal Tin Sign, There Is No Poop Fairy Pick Up After Your Dog Poster Signs Wall Art Decor Plaque for Home Bar Pub Club Cafe Garden Farm 8x12 inch: Posters & Prints I wouldn’t let him poop on their lawn in the first place. Two different homeowners who had these in their yards – when I chatted with them – said they were very helpful, if not totally successful. I think it’s a little like the old saying about locks (“locks keep honest people honest”). A gentle reminder will generally help remind a _responsible_ dog owner to be responsible. But a-hole dog owners gonna’ a-hole dog owner. I’d probably treat those as the exception (as I do now with my own lawn) and, grudgingly, just pick up the poop. ETA: Correction. I generally wouldn’t let him poop on a yard with THOSE signs (above), but I would NOT let him poop in a yard with signs like this > **[Amazon.com : Mr. Pen- No Dog Poop Signs for Yard, 12" x 6.5", 2 Pack, Aluminum,...](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Pen-Yard-Signs-Pooping/dp/B0DH4PHDXX)** > > Mr. Pen no dog poop signs for yard come in a 2 pack and offer a polite yet clear way to maintain cleanliness and respect on your property.Constructed from high-quality aluminum, these signs are rust-resistant and built to endure harsh outdoor... So it depends on which message you’d prefer to send. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/14 "2026-02-02T23:27:42Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > You could try putting some signs on your lawn that say something like “Damaged lawn. Please keep dogs away”. Or some of those that say the lawn was sprayed with poison and to keep away. I’d think that would work _way_ better to discourage people from letting their dogs even near the grass. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/15 "2026-02-02T23:27:42Z")
What about the poop is causing the problem? Is it being left behind or is it killing the lawn? Generally, poop that’s picked up doesn’t hurt the lawn. It’s often pee that causes the grass to become sick or die. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/16 "2026-02-03T04:39:06Z")
I’d leave out the word “poison” for legal liability reasons. Just posting that it’s a “treated” lawn might be helpful. The trouble is, most dogs don’t read. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/17 "2026-02-03T05:05:20Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > The trouble is, most dogs don’t read. I think it is unclear if the dogs pooping on the OP’s lawn are running wild or with a human walking with them. If the latter then the best course is to confront the human. I assumed these were dogs left to run about on their own. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/18 "2026-02-03T07:54:43Z")
Dogs connect scent with territory claims. I would use something longer lasting like those waxy laundry scent beads - and just sprinkle them around the perimeter of the whole property. Then I would put up a motion sensored alarm in a very high pitch. Calibrate it carefully to go off if an animal crosses your scent line. You haven’t given much detail, so I’ll just note that raccoon poo is very similar, and nothing deters those critters. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/19 "2026-02-03T08:27:54Z")
We humans keep dogs. Them dogs gotta poop. We humans tend to clabber up together in close communities. Them dogs still gotta poop. At a certain time in a humans life they buy a house and decide lawn care is uppermost in their minds. Them dogs still gotta poop. Somehow you’d think we could mesh these things where it would work for human and dog. 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317/20 "2026-02-03T10:16:00Z")
Here’s an idea: That post with the humorous “poop fairy” sign reminds me of a cute but effective sign I saw which applied to hygiene practices (of humans ,not dogs.) In a public restroom. the exit door had two handles, each labelled with a sign and an arrow pointing to it. “Use this handle if you washed your hands” "Use this handle if you didn’t ". Maybe you could do something similar for dogs. Build a little doggy fun-spot. Maybe a hoop to jump through, or a plastic ramp to run up and down. And put a sign next to it :“the use of this play area is for good doggies only!–the ones who don’t leave poop on my lawn.” Illustrate the sign with a photo of a cute dog in the arms of a smiling owner. Using good humor and smiles makes people happy, and might work better than ,say, putting up a sign threatening people with fines. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-repellent-to-prevent-dogs-pooping-on-lawn/1027317.md?page=2)