Neighbor's dog in the garden – How to drive him away without conflict

People love dogs, especially their own. But what if the neighbouring dog constantly gets lost in strange gardens and does its mischief there? This puts neighbourly relations to the test. In order to avoid further conflicts, solutions are needed that reliably keep the neighbouring dog away from its own property. 

We clarify the problems that can occur in the garden due to an unwanted dog. In addition, we present ways in which you can keep the neighbor's dog off your property in an animal-friendly and conflict-free way.

Aggressive neighbor dog – danger to humans and pets

Although dog owners have a duty to educate their dog to behave peacefully towards other people and animals, this does not always happen. The danger posed by an aggressive and uncontrollable dog should not be underestimated. 

Especially if the neighboring dog rips off the leash or snags, it can happen that injuries due to bite wounds occur. Especially for children who may not yet have experience in dealing with strange dogs, it can get tricky in the garden with a strange dog. And your own pet can also be in danger – for example, if it wants to put the strange dog to flight. 

Dog faeces in the garden – a health risk

Dog poop in the garden is a big nuisance, especially if it comes from foreign dogs. Dog droppings on the lawn are not only disgusting, but can also contain a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause serious health problems.

Bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal diseases in humans, especially in children who frequently play in the garden. Parasites such as roundworms (Toxocara canis) and hookworms can get into the soil via the feces and lay their eggs there. These parasites can also lead to serious illnesses.

Damage to property by the neighbouring dog

Dogs digging in a foreign garden can cause significant damage to plants and lawns. They destroy flower beds, vegetable gardens and other planted areas that have been created with great care.

On top of that, dogs that gnaw or climb over fences or other structures can cause significant property damage. Wooden fences can be nibbled on and affected. Scratching doors, gates or walls can also lead to visible damage.

Another problem is marking territory by urinating. Dog urine can leave permanent stains on sidewalks, driveways, terraces, and house walls. It can also damage plants and attract more dogs.

Keeping your neighbour's dog away – this must be taken into account

Disobedient pets are a sore subject for many owners. Due to the bond with their dog, many pet owners perceive it as offensive to draw their attention to their dog's misconduct.

So it may be that the direct confrontation does not contribute to the neighbor's dog no longer getting lost on your property. In order to avoid a major conflict with the neighbours, solutions are therefore necessary that work reliably without provoking an argument. 

The top priority here is that animal welfare is safeguarded. Dogs are sensitive animals that should not be punished for the failures of their owners. Inflicting suffering on them would not only be inhumane, but sometimes also punishable. Under no circumstances should chemical measures applied to pests such as cockroaches or rats be used to keep dogs away. 

Garden owners who are annoyed by a strange dog often face an additional problem: the cost aspect. They do not want to have the neighbouring dog on their property and also prevent it from causing possible damage and costs. However, some dog repellent measures, such as erecting a high fence, are also costly.

Driving away a neighbor's dog – the possibilities

There are different methods if you want to drive adog away. There are several ways to keep the unwanted neighbor dog out of your own garden. However, not every solution is equally effective and applicable in every situation.

Here we take a closer look at the different approaches. 

A sturdy and high fence 

One of the most obvious solutions for dog repulsion is to erect a fence around your own property. The fence should be at least 1.8 meters high to ensure that dogs cannot jump over it.

However, this is a matter that involves high costs – especially if you want to get a decent fence made of stable material. In addition, certain prerequisites must be met for this structural intervention, as far as official requirements are concerned.

Plants and natural barriers

Certain plants such as rose bushes or other thorny shrubs can be planted along the garden fence to create a natural deterrent for dogs. Creating dense hedges can also help keep dogs away. Nevertheless, many animals manage to slip through gaps – this variant is unfortunately not one of the safest solutions. 

Chemical repellents for dogs

There are a variety of dog repellents on the market that promise to keep dogs out of the property with the help of unpleasant odors. These products are available in various forms, for example as sprays or granules, which can be distributed in the garden.

It is important to use such products regularly, especially after rains, to maintain their effectiveness. So a simple purchase is not enough. 

Irrigation systems with motion sensors

If an unwanted dog enters the garden, these systems spray water to expel it. Unfortunately, this does not work reliably for all dogs and also has the problem of habituation. So it may be that the dog is deterred by the water the first few times, but eventually sees through the pattern and maybe even likes them. Irrigation systems are also associated with higher costs. 

Ultrasound equipment

The use of ultrasound against dogs is extremely effective. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for dogs but inaudible for humans. These devices can be installed at strategic points in the garden and activated automatically when a dog enters the area. This works, for example, with a motion sensor. 

Ultrasound has not only proven to be extremely effective, it is also an animal-friendly solution that also has the advantage of preventing possible conflict situations with neighbours. The noise is not perceptible to humans and the device is usually so small that it does not cause a sensation. This allows you to protect your property from intruders in a discreet way. 

Drive away neighboring dogs in a pet-friendly and conflict-free manner with IREPELL®

No one likes to voluntarily enter into a neighbourhood dispute. Unfortunately, pets are often a sensitive issue, as the ability of dog owners to keep their own dog in check is questioned.

To avoid this sensitive issue and still protect your own garden from unfamiliar dogs, there is IREPELL ®: The device was developed for inconspicuous and animal-friendly dog repellent – here are some of its advantages:

• Animal-friendly: IREPELL® does not harm dogs, but keeps them away painlessly through animal-friendly defense mechanisms.
• Different defense modes: Targeted settings repel different animals; so there is also a special mode for dogs.
• Long range: IREPELL® protects your own property with long-range ultrasound – this is not audible to humans.
• Easy to use:IREPELL ® is easy to install and can be controlled via a user-friendly app.

With a far-reaching ultrasound signal that is imperceptible to humans, it reliably keeps dogs away, saving you the hassle of a shattered garden and conflicts with neighbors.

The intuitive app also allows you to switch between different animal species to be repelled by IREPELL ®. In addition to dogs and cats, pests such as rats or ticks, ants, mosquitoes, moths and cockroaches as well as martens, mice or raccoons can also be kept away.

Because the device uses motion sensors, ultrasonic speakers and strobe flash to choose the right defense strategy. And thanks to AI, the device is constantly learning and optimising its defence strategies from time to time.

FAQs

What to do if a strange dog is in the garden?

If there is a strange dog in your yard, you should stay calm and not make sudden movements so as not to scare the dog or make it aggressive. Try to locate and inform the owner. If the dog is not wearing identification tags, you can notify local authorities or animal welfare organizations that care for stray animals.

How do I drive strange dogs out of my yard?

To drive foreign dogs out of your yard, you can use the following methods:

• Ultrasonic devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant for dogs but inaudible for humans.
• Fences or Barriers: A sturdy fence can help keep dogs away.
• Repellents: Sprays or granules that smell deterrent to dogs can be applied along the property boundaries.
• Irrigation systems: Motion-activated sprinklers that emit jets of water as a dog approaches.
• Natural deterrents: Vinegar, citrus fruits or cayenne pepper can be used as natural dog deterrents.

What to do about dog droppings on private property?

In order to take action against dog droppings on your private property, the following measures are recommended:

• Set up signs: Signs reminding dog owners to remove their animals' feces.
• Use repellents: Apply deterrent to areas that are frequently soiled.
• Communication: Talk to the dog owners in your neighborhood and remind them of their responsibilities.
• Surveillance cameras: These can act as a deterrent and help document repeated violations.
• Inform authorities: In the event of repeated violations, you can notify local regulatory authorities.

Are dog owners required to remove dog feces?

Yes, dog owners are required by law in many regions to remove their dogs' feces. This serves the cleanliness of public and private areas and the avoidance of health risks. Violations can result in fines, so dog owners should always carry poop bags with them and properly dispose of their dogs' legacies.