Neighbor Keeps Letting Their Dog Poop In Your Yard? Here's What You Can Do

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Whether you narrowly avoid a new poopy pile on your morning trot to the mailbox, or you've repeatedly stepped (or slipped!) on a stinky surprise after trudging down the driveway with heavy garbage cans, nothing puts your neighborly goodwill to the test quite like discovering a neighbor's dog has claimed your lawn as its own personal restroom. We've all been there. When a neighbor keeps letting their dog poop in your yard, it's not the end of the world, but it does get infuriating after a while. Occasionally forgetting to carry a stash of poop bags is one thing, but what are your options when a neighbor's canine companion repeatedly violates your turf? Should you knock on their door to start an awkward conversation that could ignite a feud? Post passive-aggressive memes in the neighborhood group chat or Facebook page? File a complaint with your HOA or animal control? Or maybe just mutter to yourself loudly while you clean up the mess?

Even if you're dog tired of finding poop in your yard, it's best to approach the situation with a little restraint. Start by reviewing your home's security cameras to pinpoint the offending pooch, as well as the timing of their regularly scheduled performance. You may also want to take a few photos that clearly show the offending piles on your property. By documenting the problem, if you do decide to raise the issue with the owner, you can ground your complaints in facts instead of emotions. When it comes to keeping it good in the neighborhood, calm and direct conversations often solve more problems than, well, fighting like cats and dogs.

If your neighbor simply won't play ball, you may find yourself wondering if you can report someone for not picking up dog poop. Not every neighbor will apologize while explaining that no matter what dry food they try, little Lassie is really struggling with doggie diarrhea that's difficult to pick up. Some will simply shrug, while others will deny their dog would ever do such a thing! In those cases, getting along with difficult neighbors may require a different approach.

Start by installing deterrents. For example, a motion-activated sprinkler system, like the highly-rated Orbit motion-activated enforcer, placed at the scene of the crime, can surprise and discourage both the dog and its owner from visiting. Spraying the spot with vinegar, a natural household staple that deters dogs, may also do the trick. In fact, because dogs have such a keen sense of smell, using scents they hate (like citrus or eucalyptus) in the area may also make them decide to find a new rest area altogether.

If those attempts don't work, and you find yourself repeatedly cleaning up the same messes, you don't have to let sleeping dogs lie. Before escalating the issue, don't forget to document each incident with dates, photos, and videos if possible. Then, contact your homeowner's association, local animal control service, or public health department to file a formal complaint. Technically, a dog and its owner may be trespassing on your property during the unwanted bathroom breaks. In extreme cases of repeated waste or nuisance, you can even take legal action.