How to Keep Your Neighbor’s Dog From Pooping In Your Yard

It’s possible to keep your neighbor’s dog far away from your yard. Yes, many of us love to spend time with dogs; however, even the most adorable canine is an unwelcome nuisance when it’s pooping in front of your front door. It’s especially annoying when it’s not your dog; a neighbor’s dog who defecates in your yard can be an extreme annoyance. If this becomes a habitual act of rudeness, take control of the situation.

Ensure It’s the Right Dog

You’ll look quite foolish if you confront the neighbor, and it’s actually another dog in the neighborhood that’s defecating on your property. Also, a neighbor may try to deny this when confronted out of defensiveness of embarrassment. You want to be able to have a clear example to give him if this occurs. Some people go to the extreme of using a nanny cam in the yard so that they have a video copy of the defecation. However, simply keeping a watch out on your hard will usually do the trick, especially when you hear barking.

Talk to Your Neighbor

He’s either allowing this on walks with the dog or allowing it when he lets the dog roam free. If he simply lets the dog out without accompanying him, the neighbor may have no idea of what his dog is doing. Inform him of the situation. It may be difficult for you to vocalize. However, you can simply say neutral language. You may, for instance, state, “The fact that your dog regularly relieves himself on my yard is becoming a problem.” You may also opt to joke about it, informing him that you appreciate the fertilizer, but that it’s actually harmful to your yard where you enjoy spending time without a smell or perhaps where you play with your kids.

Whatever your personal situation, explain it from your perspective without placing blame. Simply state how the situation is affecting you and harming our yard. If you approach it with that point-of-view, your neighbor is far more likely to take immediate action to put a stop to it. Remain polite even if the neighbor is defensive.

Take Action with the Landlord

Speak to your landlord about the problem. He may be able to mediate. If your neighbor doesn’t listen to you alone, he’ll probably listen to the person in charge of the building. If he is still unreasonable, speak to the landlord about physical actions that you may take. 

Ask if a fence can be put in to keep dogs out of the main yard of your building. Fences can add beauty a property if they are wooden or perhaps a white picket fence. Although a traditional white picket fence offers little protection, the simple barrier will likely send the dog and his owner a clear message. You may ask your landlord if there can also be a “No Dogs Allowed” sign on the section of the yard that you frequently use.

There are other options as well. If the dog always is allowed out to do his business at the same time, you may ask your landlord to turn on a sprinkler system or have the gardener water the lawn with a hose at exactly that time. This will keep a dog from pooping in the lawn. He’ll move on to the next place.