Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) are domestic animals – usually loved by humans but sometimes, especially dogs without shelter, can become a problem because they can cause property damage. Therefore, certain measures need to be taken in order to keep dogs away from the yard/property.
Dealing with stray dogs can be a real headache, especially if you live in rural areas or neighborhoods where this is a common problem. I’ve personally faced this issue at my own property and understand the frustration it can cause. Whether you’re worried about your safety, your pets, or your livestock, finding humane solutions to keep strays away is important.
In this article, I’ll share practical methods to deal with stray dogs that keep coming to your yard, based on real experiences and expert advice. These solutions range from simple deterrents to more involved approaches depending on your situation.
Understanding Why Stray Dogs Come to Your Property
Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why these dogs are visiting your yard in the first place. Strays are typically driven by basic needs:
- Food sources – leftover pet food, unsecured garbage, etc.
- Water – pet water dishes, leaky faucets, birdbaths
- Shelter – porches, decks, under structures
- Companionship – your pets or friendly human interaction
Once you identify what’s attracting them you can address these issues directly. In my experience removing attractants is often the first and most effective step.
Method 1: Remove Food Sources
This is probably the most important step Stray dogs are often hungry and looking for food
- Never leave pet food outside overnight
- Secure trash cans with locking lids
- Clean up food scraps after outdoor meals
- If using compost piles, make sure they’re secured
One time, I discovered stray dogs were visiting because I’d accidentally left my dog’s food bowl outside. Simply bringing it in after feeding time reduced visits significantly.
Method 2: Use Scent Deterrents
Dogs have powerful noses and dislike certain smells You can use this to your advantage
- Vinegar solution: Spray white or apple cider vinegar around the perimeter of your yard
- Citrus: Dogs typically dislike citrus smells – scatter orange or lemon peels
- Black pepper or cayenne pepper: Sprinkle small amounts along boundaries
- Commercial repellents: Products like Critter Ridder or Liquid Fence
Remember not to use excessive amounts of pepper or other irritants that could harm the animals – we want to deter them, not injure them.
Method 3: Install Physical Barriers
Sometimes the most effective solution is simply blocking access:
- Fencing: Install a fence at least 6 feet tall
- Repair existing fences: Check for holes or gaps where dogs might enter
- Plant barrier plants: Thorny plants like rosemary can create natural boundaries
- Gates: Ensure gates have secure latches
My neighbor installed a simple chain-link fence and that solved about 90% of his stray dog problems within the first week.
Method 4: Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Technology can help keep unwanted dogs away:
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These startle dogs with water spray
- Ultrasonic devices: Emit high-frequency sounds dogs dislike
- Motion-sensor lights: Sudden brightness can scare away nighttime visitors
I installed a motion-activated sprinkler and it worked like a charm! The dogs learned pretty quick to stay away after getting sprayed a few times.
Method 5: Remove Sheltered Areas
Stray dogs often look for protected places to rest:
- Clear debris piles
- Block access to spaces under decks or porches
- Remove or secure old furniture or equipment
- Trim overgrown areas where dogs might hide
Method 6: Contact Local Animal Control
If you’ve tried deterrents and the problem persists, it’s time to call professionals:
- Local animal control departments are equipped to handle stray dogs
- They can safely remove the animal without harm
- The dog will receive proper veterinary care
- They might be able to find the dog’s owner or a new home
In most areas, this service is free to residents.
Method 7: Humanely Trap the Dog
If animal control is unavailable or delayed, you might consider trapping:
- Use a humane live trap large enough for a dog
- Bait it with food like canned dog food or treats
- Check the trap frequently – never leave a dog trapped for long periods
- Contact animal control once the dog is trapped
Important: Never release a trapped dog in another location! This is inhumane and potentially illegal in many places.
Method 8: Talk to Your Neighbors
Community effort can make a big difference:
- Discuss the stray dog problem with neighbors
- Ensure everyone is properly disposing of garbage
- Work together to identify where the dogs are coming from
- Pool resources for solutions like community fencing
Method 9: Check for Identification
Sometimes what appears to be a stray is actually a lost pet:
- Look for collars with ID tags from a safe distance
- If the dog seems friendly and approachable, check for contact info
- Contact the owner if possible
- Take to a vet to scan for microchips if safe to do so
Method 10: Use Dog-Repellent Plants
Certain plants naturally repel dogs:
- Marigolds
- Citronella
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Rue
Planting these around your yard’s perimeter can create a natural barrier.
Method 11: Spay/Neuter Your Own Pets
This might seem unrelated, but it’s crucial:
- Female dogs in heat attract male strays from miles around
- Spaying your female dogs eliminates this powerful attractant
- This also prevents accidental litters that could contribute to the stray population
Method 12: Support Local Spay/Neuter Programs
Addressing the root cause of stray dogs helps everyone:
- Donate to local spay/neuter initiatives
- Volunteer with animal welfare organizations
- Advocate for better animal control policies in your community
Method 13: Use Mothballs with Caution
Some people recommend mothballs as deterrents, but use extreme caution:
- They contain harmful chemicals
- Only use in areas completely inaccessible to children and pets
- Better alternatives exist that are safer for everyone
Method 14: Consider a Guardian Animal
If you have livestock or a large property:
- Livestock guardian dogs can protect your property from strays
- Certain breeds like Great Pyrenees excel at this
- Llamas and donkeys can also serve as guardians for farm animals
Method 15: The “Shoot, Shovel, Shut Up” Approach
I need to mention this because it appears in rural discussions, but I DO NOT recommend this approach:
In some rural areas, people resort to shooting stray dogs that threaten livestock. While this might be legal in certain jurisdictions when animals threaten farm animals, it should be an absolute last resort and only if:
- The dog is actively threatening livestock
- No other options exist
- It’s legal in your area
- You can do so humanely
Instead, I strongly encourage using the humane methods listed above.
What NOT to Do
Let’s also cover some approaches to avoid:
- Don’t use poison – this is cruel, illegal, and dangerous to wildlife and pets
- Don’t physically harm the dogs
- Don’t trap and relocate – this just moves the problem elsewhere
- Don’t leave dogs trapped for extended periods without food/water
- Don’t approach aggressive strays – call professionals instead
The Most Effective Combined Approach
In my experience, the most successful strategy combines several methods:
- Remove all food and water attractants
- Apply scent deterrents around your property
- Install physical barriers where possible
- Use motion-activated deterrents
- Contact animal control for persistent problems
Final Thoughts
Dealing with stray dogs requires patience and compassion. Remember that these animals are often abandoned, lost, or born into difficult circumstances. While protecting your property is important, so is treating all animals humanely.
I’ve found that prevention is always better than reaction. By making your yard less attractive to strays and working with your community to address the underlying causes of stray dog populations, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
Have you dealt with stray dogs at your property? What methods worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Always check local laws and regulations regarding stray animal management in your area. Some methods may be restricted or regulated depending on your location. This article is meant for informational purposes only.
Sings of dog presence
First, identify the areas dogs frequent and the type of damage they cause and only after choosing an optimal method for removing them. Among the damage that dogs can cause to a certain property we mention: – Digging holes in the lawn/garden; – Urinating on trees; – Damaging garbage bags, as well as scattering garbage; – Aggressive behaviour towards other pets; – Consumption and degradation of certain plants/crops; – A depreciation of the lawn due to the fact that they repeatedly defecate on it.
Often, the main reasons why dogs are attracted to a certain property are the existence of a source of food, water or the presence of the smell of other dogs. Thus, it is important to take a series of measures, so that the space does not attract them in particular.
Some of the measures that can be applied: – Avoid feeding dogs or other wild animals on the property; – Remove water sources from the yard; – Bring leftovers and drinks inside; – Use sealed containers for garbage collection and storage.
Dogs have very different behaviour and they respond to a certain type of stimulus. Therefore, for their removal/repulsion to be efficient, it is best to use multiple methods (repellents, traps).
How to use traps
For dogs in need, we recommend using special traps that allow you to catch them safely, without harming them in any way. Traps are often used to: – Bring a lost animal home; – Transport an abandoned dog to the vet; – Save a dog from abandonment and/or a situation that may endanger it; – To facilitate the meeting of a lost dog with its owner.
Bait will also be used inside the trap. Dogs are attracted to chicken, beef, fish and familiar things that have the smell of the house they come from. Thus, it is advisable to use boneless, cooked food that does not spoil quickly, such as dog food, sardines, freshly cooked meat, etc. In addition to choosing a suitable bait, an important aspect is its positioning in the trap for efficient trapping.
The correct placement of the bait ensures:
– Complete entanglement of the dog in the trap; – It blocks the access of other animals from reaching from outside the trap; – Rapid triggering of the trap when the animal enters.
For the bait to meet and respect these criteria you must place it behind the trigger rod, towards the end of the trap, as far away from its walls as possible. It is recommended to wear gloves to avoid transferring the odour, as any traces of human odour can diminish the chances of catching the dog in the trap.
Choosing bait and recommendations:
– Avoid feeding them bones, as they may rupture and cause internal injuries or there may be a risk of them drowning; – Avoid using raw or uncooked meat, as it may damage or cause serious harm to the dog; – Instead of using a larger piece of bait in the trap, it is advisable to use smaller pieces, scattered around / behind the trigger. This will keep the dog inside and increase the chances of it activating the trigger.
Placing the trap
The perfect time of day is at dusk, when the chances are stray dogs leave their shelter and go in search of food. Do not place traps when there are extreme weather conditions, such as frost, heat, wind, rain or snow. Therefore, carefully place the trap in the open position. Always follow the specific instructions of the chosen trap.
Trap monitoring
After being caught – if neglected the dog can quickly become agitated, thirsty/hungry and may be susceptible to attack by various predators. Therefore, it is essential to always monitor the trap and not leave a dog for too long inside the trap.
Capturing dogs
After the dog is captured, it is recommended to use protective gloves when handling the trap, and if possible, it is recommended to have another person available to help you with the transport. Cover the trap with a blanket, handle the trap with great care and keep the trap at the same level, and stable. If an abandoned dog is transported for a long period of time, make sure it has enough food and water.
Moreover:
Before using a trap, make sure you understand and follow the legal provisions governing the capture of animals using lids;
Place the trap on a straight, flat surface. If it cannot be placed on a straight surface, it is advisable to place it on a wooden board.
Disarm the trap when you can’t monitor it.
How To Keep Dogs Out of Your Yard – (8 Easy Ways)
FAQ
How to get rid of unwanted stray dogs?
Contact Local Animal Control: Reach out to your local animal control agency or humane society. They can provide assistance in safely capturing and removing stray dogs. Avoid Feeding Strays: While it may be tempting to feed stray dogs, this can encourage them to stay in the area. Instead, refrain from providing food.
How to get a stray dog to leave your property?
Avoid Confrontation: Do not try to scare the dog away, as this may provoke aggression or cause the dog to become more entrenched in the area. Contact Local Animal Services: Reach out to local animal control or a humane society. They can help assess the situation and may be able to safely capture and relocate the dog.
How to get rid of stray dogs permanently?
What to do with a stray dog that won’t leave?
Contact Local Animal Control: If the dog doesn’t leave or if you’re concerned about its welfare, contact local animal control or a rescue organization for assistance. Use Social Media: Post on local community groups or lost pet websites to see if anyone recognizes the dog.