A Sly Solution to the Phantom Pet Pooper

DEAR PAW’S corner: I read your recent column about the homeowner who was struggling to find out which owner was allowing their dog to poop on their lawn. Your ideas were pretty good, but I have another one that they might consider.

I run a small bed and breakfast, and dog poop on the front lawn is a huge concern to me. No guest wants to see that, much less accidentally step in it! I installed cameras and caught a couple of neighbors’ dogs in the act, but the problem continued. Then I noticed something. My landscaper applies a fertilizer and pest control to the lawn in the spring and fall, and he puts up a little sign that warns people not to allow pets or children onto the grass until the application dries. When that sign is up, no neighbors come near my property. I asked the landscaper to leave the sign up year-round. I haven’t had a single “deposit” since! I hope this sneaky idea helps. -Vince in Saratoga, New York

Dear VINCE: That is a genius idea. And while it is a little sneaky, it controls the pet waste problem in a non-confrontational way. Hopefully, no one calls your bluff!

Another option is to periodically treat your front lawn with a dog-repelling scent. These products, both sprays and granules, are available at pet and home-improvement stores and online. Spritz the borders of the lawn and plants or spread the granules around on a dry day that isn’t windy.

You can even make homemade repellent by mixing one part cayenne pepper with 10 parts water and spraying around the yard. ( Do not spritz these repellants directly at a neighbor’s dog!)

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.