Many owners know the struggle of keeping a tidy and healthy yard. But did you know that there are products that keep dogs away from certain areas? So what are the best dog repellants for lawns? Let’s take a look.
This dog repellent buying guide will take you through everything you need to know including the best products on the market, DIY dog repellents, and FAQs.
Do not get confused between repellents for lawns that are meant to repel dogs from forbidden areas, and fly repellents that are dog-friendly.
10 Best Dog Repellants for Lawns
Many dog-repelling products work in various ways. Others use natural animal-deterrent oils while others use sturdy materials such as fences. But, our best pick among the list is Broox Solar Animal Repeller.
Our Best Pick:
It is an innovative product that uses ultrasonic sound to deter dogs. Once you get past setting up the device and charging the battery on the first week, you are good to go. Here are the rest of our handpicked products in the market.
These are six of our favorite commercial lawn repellents for dogs currently available on Amazon.
1. Bonide Go Away Outside Animal Repellent
Bonide’s animal-repellent granules humanely repel animals without causing damage to property or plants. It uses natural ingredients such as thyme oil and cinnamon oil. It is easy to use and comes with a dispenser cap for the even distribution of pellets. Users simply have to sprinkle a band 4 feet wide around the area they wish to protect. Plus, it is safe to use on plants, flowerbeds, and lawns.
The product comes in a 3-pound container and several reviews state how effective it is. However, most of the feedback says the product’s lid is loose. So, handling should be done with caution. The powder may leak out of the container during transport. Also, some do mention the strong smell, so sensitive noses beware!
Pros
- Naturally sourced animal-repellent granules containing thyme and cinnamon oils
- Easy to apply and has a dispenser cap for even product distribution
- Safe for plants and lawns
Cons
- The product’s lid is loose making it easy for the powder to spill out
- Has a strong scent that is not ideal for sensitive noses
2. NaturVet Off Limits! Spray
NaturVet’s off-limits repellent spray contains a combination of natural herbs and oils like citronella, lemongrass, clove, and thyme oils. This product keeps animals away from treated areas without causing damage to grass or plants. It’s made in the USA and can be used on or around grass, plants, patios, garden furniture, and fences.
No need to worry about indoor furnishings, as this product causes no stains. It is non-toxic and water-based. Reviews are mixed but the positive ones cannot praise the product highly enough. The pungent smell of this product might not be for everyone though. Since dogs have excellent noses, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the area first before using this spray. Nevertheless, it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a commercial deterrent spray that is all-natural and dog-safe.
Pros
- Non-toxic and non-staining spray to deter dogs
- Helps train dogs from chewing furniture or other indoor furnishings
- Water-based and causes no harm or irritation to pets
Cons
- Has a strong pungent smell of cloves
- The area for treatment needs a thorough cleaning before using the spray
3. Dig Defence 10 Pack No-Dig Small/Medium Animal Barrier
Got an expert escape artist at home? Traditional fences allow small breeds to sneak out, or into forbidden areas of the home. Especially if your pets are good diggers. But, with Dig Defence 10 Pack No-Dig Barrier, your pooch is secured no matter how motivated he is to escape. This metal fence has a 2-inch spike spacing. Plus, it measures 8 inches long and 32 inches wide. You can install it as is or add it to your existing fence.
This sturdy fence extends the protection of your current fence so your dog won’t dig his way out. Once properly installed, this fence requires no maintenance. However, installation can be a bit challenging because you have to dig and bury the base of the fence. The stability of the fence may also depend on the soil of the area. Plus, this fence is quite pricey. Prepare to shell out a hefty amount if you plan to install this in a big yard.
Pros
- Prevents dogs from digging and escaping compared to traditional fences
- Can be added as reinforcement to existing fence
- No maintenance needed
Cons
- Installation needs digging
- Stability of the fence depends on the soil in the area it is installed
- Costly to use as the main fence for an entire yard
4. PET CORRECTOR Dog Trainer
Another way of preventing your dog from wandering along areas you wish to protect at home is by training them not to. When training dogs, you’ll need the aid of products like Pet Corrector Dog Trainer. You can correct your dog’s behavior by interrupting and redirecting its mind with the hissing sound of this product. This is a safe and humane way of letting your dog know the things he shouldn’t be doing. Once you see your pooch trying to escape, just spray the Pet Corrector to correct him. Then, give a reward for positive reinforcement.
Aside from training him to stay away from protected areas, you can also use Pet Corrector to train your fur baby not to bark or jump on people. Not only that, you can train your pooch with countless tricks and commands, too. However, like any training strategy, you’ll need consistency. You also need to catch the dog doing the act. This will allow you to correct the behavior effectively. This product is also not recommended for puppies or anxious dogs who may get scared of the hissing sound.
Pros:
- Interrupts the dog’s actions through a hissing sound
- Safe and humane way of training
- Can also be used in training your dog other tricks
Cons:
- Needs time and consistency
- You need to catch the dog doing the act for effective results
- Not for puppies or anxious dogs
5. Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor
Keep your pets away from the fences by using Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor. This flexible plastic mat with spikes deters cats or dogs away from protected areas. Plus, you can wrap this product around anything that needs protection against your pets. Don’t worry, even if it has spikes, this Scat Mat will not harm your dogs and cats. This is a safe and humane option for keeping your pets away from the fence, plants, or any place in the house.
You can use Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor indoors or outdoors. Installation is simple. You can also customize the size by cutting it. Because it’s bendable, it adapts easily to the shape of the surface you wrap it on. However, the interlocking part of the mat is not only hard to snap together but also challenging to keep locked. The spikes might be too soft or brittle for huge dogs. Because they are made of plastic, some dogs may chew on the product.
Pros
- Flexible mat with spikes to keep pets away
- Harmless and safe for pets
- Can be cut to any size and bends to wrap around any surface
Cons
- Interlocking parts can be challenging to snap
- Big dogs may break the spikes
- Dogs who love to chew might chew the product
6. Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Level up your dog repellent strategy by getting the Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler. This automatic sprinkler detects your dog’s movements and sprays water to drive him away. Installation is easy! Just press the sprinkler firmly to the soil or turf. No need to worry about the battery or water consumption of this product. Its motion-sensing technology helps in battery and water conservation.
The Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler sprays an area of up to 70 feet in diameter. Protect plants and grassy areas with this innovative yet safe strategy. However, the fittings of this sprinkler are made of plastic instead of brass. So, you’ll need to check for leaks from time to time. The angle of the spray is aimed upwards, so it may not be as effective for small breeds. Also, if your dog loves water he’ll enjoy this product making it ineffective.
Pros
- A motion-activated sprinkler that helps conserve water
- Sprays water to pets making it a safe option
- Easy to install
Cons
- Needs constant checks for leaks
- Sprays upward making it ineffective for small breeds
- Not recommended for dogs that love water
7. Broox Solar Animal Repeller
Keep your dog off your plants in the yard safely using Broox Solar Animal Repeller. It is an ultrasonic device that emits a high-frequency sound to scare animals away. Once it detects the motion of your pets, it releases the ultrasonic sound so they’ll stay away. It is easy to install as it can be mounted or placed on the ground. Plus, it is solar and waterproof which is great for outdoor use.
Since it’s ultrasonic, humans are not affected by the sound of this device. Aside from the sound, this device also has led lights when there is motion. However, charging the device the first time can be a struggle. You’ll need to repeat the correct charging until the solar charging works. Also, even if it is waterproof, it can still get wet with heavy rains. Adjusting the different set up on the device can also be a bit confusing.
Pros
- Emits ultrasonic sound to deter animals
- With led lights that activate when motion is detected
- Has solar panels for charging and is waterproof
Cons
- Needs consistent charging for the first few weeks before relying on solar
- Can still get wet with heavy rainfall
- Different settings can be a challenge to set up
8. Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Stain And Odor Remover With Repellent
Dogs love to go back to familiar places to relieve themselves. So if they had accidents on the lawn, there are likely to keep coming back to repeat the same action. That is why you’ll need a deodorizing product that removes the marking odor by dogs. Nature’s Miracle No More Stain and Odor Remover exactly does what it needs to. This stain and odor-removing spray work even on tough stains and deep-set urine odor. So, dogs will stop revisiting and marking the same area again.
Additionally, this product contains lemongrass and cinnamon scents to veer away dogs. You can use this product on carpets, floors, clothing, and furniture indoors. However, this product isn’t certified to be safe on plants or grass. Some dog owners also shared that the scent of the product is too mild. Another thing, you’ll need to buy this brand’s cleaner. The company recommends using the cleaner first before spraying it for effective results.
Pros
- Removes stains and marking odors
- Has lemongrass and cinnamon scents
- Good for various surfaces like clothes, furniture, floor, and carpets
Cons
- You’ll need to buy the cleaner from the same brand for it to be effective
- Not certified safe for plants
- Its scent might be too mild
9. Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate
Protect your lawn or plants from your dogs and other pets with Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate. It works by creating a mild irritation on the animals’ nasal passages causing them to stay away. It has no toxic ingredients and only uses natural ones. Its components include garlic oil, cloves, and putrescent whole egg solids. It protects the plants in three ways, through the animals’ sense of smell, taste, and touch. It is also economical as every application can last for up to two months.
However, even though it is mild, the product still causes some form of irritation. This may work for the short term but the long-term effects of the irritation are unknown. The product has a strong odor which may be unpleasant not just to animals but to humans as well.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients that are safe for animals
- Repels through smell, taste, and touch
- Last for 2 months after application
Cons
- Although mild, still creates some irritation to the animal’s nasal passages
- Has a strong unpleasant smell
Bonide Lawn & Garden Products (@bonideproducts) • Instagram photos and videos
10. Uncle Ians 100045830 Organic Dog and Cat Repellent
Keep the dogs and cats at bay by sprinkling Uncle Ians Organic Dog and Cat Repellant. It is a powder composed of natural ingredients including cayenne pepper. Also, it is easy to apply to the area to fend off your pets. It is safe to use on plants and lawns. Plus, it works by targeting the animal’s sense of taste and smell.
It has a strong odor that helps repel dogs and cats. However, the same scent can be unpleasant to humans. To achieve good results, you’ll need to use a considerable amount of this powder to keep the dogs away. This may be costly in the long run. Lastly, when using this product, you need to be extra careful. The powder can cause irritation if it comes in contact with your nose or eyes.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients like cayenne pepper
- Safe for plants and lawns
- Available in powder form which is easy to sprinkle
Cons
- Has an unpleasant odor
- Need to apply a considerable amount of powder for it to be effective
- Needs extra care during application as it may irritate your eyes or nose
What Are Dog Repellents
Dog repellents are products that repel dogs from certain areas of grass areas to keep them healthy. Owners with dogs that dig or dogs that like to pee in the same spots until the grass dies may opt to use a lawn repellent to keep their lawn looking good. You can buy commercial dog repellents or make your own.
Types of Dog Repellents
There are a few different types of commercial dog repellents for lawns including sprays and ultrasonic repellents.
Dog Spray & Granule Deterrents
Dog repellent sprays are sprayable bottles of liquid that smell unpleasant to dogs. They should use natural ingredients that dogs are not attracted to, and never anything chemical or toxic that could upset your dog’s stomach if ingested. To use, simply spray the product over your lawn.
Deterrent sprays are typically used to stop teething puppies from chewing on furniture, but there are a number of commercial sprays available for outdoor use. Owners can also make their own ones at home with a few simple, inexpensive ingredients. This may be preferable as spraying will have to be redone often, as the scent will dissipate whenever it rains.
There are also granule deterrents that work in a similar way to sprays, but they are in a hard granule form that owners can spread around a particular area such as a flowerbed. They also dissipate after heavy rain.
DIY Deterrent Spray
Owners can also make their own deterrent sprays at home using pungent ingredients commonly found in the kitchen that dogs don’t like, such as citrus, garlic, olive oil, and almond oil. Simply mix the repellent ingredient(s) with some water and spray it over the area you want to keep your dog out of.
Some owners hide hot chili peppers around the area. They are especially good as they don’t attract pests and dogs hate them, but they may not be suitable for young or especially curious dogs, as hot peppers can burn their noses, mouths, and skin.
Other owners place cotton balls soaked in vinegar around the area, vinegar is a great repellent but cannot be sprayed directly onto the lawn as it can kill it. However, again, this requires some supervision for curious pups, as cotton balls pose a choking and/or internal blockage hazard.
Ultrasonic Dog Repellers
Ultrasonic repellers producing high-pitched noises that most humans can’t hear. They deter dogs from entering the area as they’re unpleasant to listen to. Most ultrasonic deterrents are activated by a motion sensor, but there are some handheld ones owners can buy to teach dogs where not to go potty.
They may be the better option for owners that are worried about tampering with their yards by using sprays or granules. And unlike sprays and granules, ultrasonic users don’t need to keep buying more of the product and adding more of it to the garden every week.
However, some owners don’t like them as the sound can frighten sensitive dogs and potentially cause them pain. Some dogs may also react aggressively to the noise if they find it frightening.
Alternative Options
If you don’t like the idea of using either kind of repellent in your yard, consider putting up a fence to gain full control of your dog’s outdoor roam. You could also train your dog using reinforcement as to where is an acceptable place to go to the toilet outdoors.
What to Think About When Buying a Lawn Repellent
This is what to take into consideration when looking for a lawn repellent for your dog.
Your Dog’s Personality
First and foremost, you want to consider your dog’s personality when looking for a lawn repellent. If they are nervous about unfamiliar things or have trauma that is triggered by certain sights and sounds, an ultrasonic repellent is not appropriate for them and could create a phobia of the outside world altogether.
Similarly, if your dog is young and curious, or just has an investigative personality, you may want to avoid granule deterrents or DIY methods that involve inedible items.
Ingredients
This is arguably the most important factor in choosing your deterrent method. Make sure you check the ingredient list of any spray or granule repellent. Watch out for anything that is not dog-safe and double-checks any homemade recipes you see online.
Ingredients should be all-natural and non-toxic. Even though they are not there to attract your dog, it’s better to be safe, just in case your dog does decide to investigate.
Whilst the health and safety of your dog are our top priority, your garden’s health is also important! Make sure that none of the ingredients used will do any damage to your lawn or plants either.
You can check this by looking at product labels or product descriptions online. If you’re still unsure, you can always contact the manufacturer and ask.
Your Garden
Your garden is obviously important to you – or you wouldn’t be reading this article! If you are opting for an ultrasonic sound device, you may want something that won’t disrupt the appearance of your garden. There are plenty of green repellents that will blend right in and won’t detract from your yard. There are even some that come in the shapes of birdhouses and other garden ornaments that add a decorative touch.
Dog Lawn Repellent – FAQs
If reinforcement training or putting up a fence is not an option, commercial and homemade spray and granule repellents are some of the most popular ways to keep your dog away from your lawn. Ultrasonic repellents are also popular and effective.
When choosing a lawn repellent, consider your dog’s personality. If they are young or especially nosey, you might want to avoid anything that could cause harm, such as hot chili peppers. Similarly, rescue dogs with anxiety issues should not be subject to anything that makes a scary noise.
You also want to make sure any sprays or granules used are dog-safe and non-toxic, natural, and won’t negatively affect your garden. If the appearance of your yard is a priority, you might want to stay away from any unattractive ultrasonic products or opt for one that remains hidden or looks ornamental.
Owners can make their own deterrent sprays at home using pungent ingredients commonly found in the kitchen that dogs don’t like, such as citrus, garlic, olive oil, and almond oil. Simply mix the repellent ingredient(s) with some water and spray it onto the area you want to keep your dog away from.
Cayenne peppers and hot chili peppers in general are very effective at deterring your dog from going to the toilet in certain outdoor areas. However, you need to keep an eye on them when they are getting used to the scent, as curious dogs may want to investigate. Hot peppers can burn the noses, mouths, and skin of dogs.
Ultrasonic repellents work with some dogs and not with others. They are not quite as reliable as sprays because different dogs react differently to the sound. They can frighten sensitive dogs and anger others. However, they may be the more desirable option for owners that are worried about tampering with their yards by using sprays. And unlike sprays, ultrasonic users don’t need to keep buying more of the product or adding more to the garden every week.
Those are our 6 best dog repellents for lawns. Will you be trying out any of our recommended products or have any tips for homemade lawn repellent? Let us know!