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Dogs bring endless joy to our lives, but they can also be menaces. Whether it’s because they’re marking furniture, trampling flower beds, or digging up carefully tended plants, sometimes a dog repellent is a necessity. Shopping for the best dog repellent can quickly become overwhelming because so many options are available at a wide range of prices. Keep reading to learn which features to look for when shopping for the best deterrent for dogs as well as the key considerations.
Learn our tips for choosing the best option, and explore our curated choices for the best repellent for dogs.
- BEST OVERALL: Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bonide Go Away! Rabbit, Dog, & Cat Repellent
- BEST PHYSICAL BARRIER: Dig Defence No-Dig Small/Medium Animal Barrier
- BEST INDOOR: Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Natural Repellent
- BEST OUTDOOR: Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor Scat Mat
- BEST CORRECTOR: The Company of Animals Pet Corrector
- BEST ULTRASONIC: Broox Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller
- ALSO CONSIDER: EverJoice Dog Not Here! Spray
Types of Dog Repellents
A number of factors go into determining the most effective dog repellent for any one issue. Several styles of dog deterrents are available, each of which has its advantages. However, some types work better for a particular situation than others.
Spray and Granular Repellents
Some of the best dog repellents come in spray form. Some are designed to be used indoors to prevent dogs from marking on furniture and upholstery. A dog deterrent spray must be applied regularly in order to continue to work over time.
Spray correctors emit a blast of air that startles dogs, discouraging them from certain behaviors over time. These correctors can be set up with a motion sensor to stop negative behaviors even when you’re not there to witness them.
Granular repellents are designed for outdoor use and can be placed in flower beds or gardens to deter dogs from venturing there. They typically contain natural ingredients that smell unpleasant to animals and therefore keep them at bay.
Sound and Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic dog deterrents emit a sound that dogs find unpleasant, deterring them from entering certain areas. They may be motion activated or may emit a constant ultrasonic vibration. This style of dog repellent for lawns is also effective for cats and wildlife like raccoons, skunks, and opossums. Since these devices are designed to be used outdoors, they are often solar-powered, using a small solar panel, and therefore don’t need to be connected to an electrical outlet. The sound they produce cannot be detected by human ears, and they don’t use any chemicals that may have a negative impact on the environment.
Physical Repellents
Some behaviors can only be prevented with a physical repellent or deterrent. There are several types of physical deterrents, each of which has a specific purpose:
- No-dig fences are designed to be installed around garden beds to prevent dogs from digging. The best dog-digging repellent goes several inches into the ground in order to make digging practically impossible.
- Sprinklers can be specially designed to be motion activated in order to startle and deter any dogs from entering a specified area. This makes them a great dog repellent for a yard.
- Spiky mats protect specific areas by creating a surface that’s unpleasant for dogs to step on but doesn’t cause them any harm.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Repellent
While it’s easy to assume that all dog repellents offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Features such as safety, intended use, and the product’s coverage can make one better than another for a specific situation. Keep reading to learn about these important features to consider when choosing a good dog deterrent.
Location and Behavior
Before shopping for a dog deterrent, start by establishing the behavior you’re trying to prevent. There are many different types of dog deterrents available, each of which is designed to deter a specific behavior. A product for preventing dogs from marking on furniture will have little in common with a product designed to stop dogs from digging in flower beds.
It’s also important to consider where the product will be used. Indoor dog deterrents have different characteristics than outdoor dog deterrents. There are, however, some products that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Safety
Safety is a primary consideration when choosing a dog repellent. Not only should the product be safe to use around young children, but it should also not cause the dog any harm. For this article, we focused only on repellents and deterrents that were safe for both people and animals. Pepper spray for dogs, for example, is often sold as a personal safety device for preventing dog attacks but is harmful to dogs and is therefore not included in our recommendations.
Ingredients and Scent
While ingredients aren’t a factor for physical or ultrasonic dog deterrents, they should be considered when shopping for a liquid or granular formula. Many of these products contain ingredients with scents that dogs find off-putting, like citrus and herbal essential oils. While there are products on the market made with synthetic chemicals, we focused on dog deterrents that are formulated with natural ingredients in order to ensure they are safe for both humans and pets.
Our Top Picks
Now that you’ve learned more about dog repellents, it’s time to start shopping. The following are the top picks for the best dog repellents.
Best Overall
Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
A motion-activated sprinkler is an excellent way to startle dogs and keep them off your lawn without causing them any harm. This model from Orbit uses an infrared sensor to detect animals in the vicinity and is therefore effective for dogs as well as cats and other wildlife. When activated, it makes a noise that startles animals and simultaneously emits a spray of water to deter them.
The motion-detecting lens has a 120-degree field of view and can detect animals that are up to 40 feet away. The spray itself reaches 35 feet in each direction, for a total coverage area of 3,840 square feet. One downside is that it does require four AA batteries, but the device uses little power, and each set of batteries should last for 7,500 on/off cycles.
Product Specs
- Type: Motion-activated sprinkler
- Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor
- Quantity: N/A
Pros
- Effective for dogs, cats, and other animals
- Large coverage area
- Safe and humane
- Several operation modes available
Cons
- Requires batteries
Get the Orbit dog repellent at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
Best Bang for the Buck
Bonide Go Away! Rabbit, Dog, & Cat Repellent
Those trying to keep dogs out of specific outdoor areas should consider the Bonide Go Away! Rabbit, Dog, & Cat Repellent. It’s a granular formula that’s designed to be sprinkled around your lawn or garden to keep pets and wildlife at bay.
The granules come in a 3-pound container and contain cinnamon and thyme essential oils, both of which act as natural deterrents for dogs. These essential oils are biodegradable, so they won’t negatively affect the environment and are completely safe for both people and animals. The container has a dispenser cap that makes the granules easy to apply.
Product Specs
- Type: Granules
- Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor
- Quantity: 3 pounds
Pros
- Effective for cats, dogs, and other critters
- Made with a natural formula
- Container features an easy-pour dispenser cap
Cons
- May need to be paired with corrective training
Get Bonide dog repellent on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Best Physical Barrier
Dig Defence No-Dig Small/Medium Animal Barrier
Dig Defence barriers is one of our top picks for the best dog repellent for yards. The fencing is crafted from 4-gauge galvanized steel, making it incredibly durable. The spikes are placed at 2-inch intervals, so while they’re suitable for preventing dogs from digging, they are unlikely to work for smaller burrowing animals.
These barriers each measure 32 inches wide by 8 inches deep and are available in a variety of quantities, allowing shoppers to choose the number that best suits their particular situation. Installation is a breeze, simply requiring a hammer and a pair of gloves.
Product Specs
- Type: Physical barrier
- Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor
- Quantity: Varies
Pros
- Various quantities available
- Easy to install
- Made with durable galvanized steel
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller animals
Get the Dig Defence dog repellent at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Petco.
Best Indoor
Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Natural Repellent
When a dog starts marking indoors, it’s an uphill battle to correct the behavior. The Nature’s Miracle No More Marking spray cleans deep-set urine stains while leaving behind a scent that deters dogs and discourages them from marking in the same area repeatedly. To use, soak the affected area thoroughly with the spray and let it sit for 5 minutes before dabbing it dry with a clean cloth.
The formula contains three active ingredients: cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, and sodium laureth sulfate, a detergent and foaming agent. While the formula is not all-natural, it’s safe to use around children and pets.
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor/outdoor
- Quantity: 24 ounces
Pros
- Cleans stains while preventing future marking
- Safe for children and pets
- Can be used on carpets and upholstery
Cons
- Not an all-natural formula
Get Nature’s Miracle dog repellent spray at Amazon, Chewy, or Petco.
Best Outdoor
Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor Scat Mat
Spiky mats are an excellent choice for a physical barrier that can be used both inside the home and in the yard or garden. They will work to keep dogs out of a certain room or prevent them from digging in a garden bed. The Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor Scat Mats are made of a flexible material and feature 1-inch spikes that cause cats and dogs discomfort but won’t injure or harm them in any way. Each mat measures 16 inches wide by 13 inches deep, so when placed together, they are capable of covering a total area of 13 square feet. Since they’re flexible, they can either be placed flat on the ground or wrapped around furniture, fence posts, or trees as needed.
Product Specs
- Type: Spiky mat
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor/outdoor
- Quantity: 10 mats
Pros
- Humane solution for a variety of animals
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Provides a large coverage area
Cons
- May be unsightly
Get the Homarden dog repellent on Amazon.
Best Corrector
The Company of Animals Pet Corrector
When training a dog out of certain behaviors, there are many approaches to consider. Many professional trainers recommend using a corrector spray, which startles dogs as it blasts a small spray of air that mimics the warning hiss made by a variety of creatures in the natural world. This noise interrupts negative behavior and gives trainers the opportunity to distract the dog with something positive. The Company of Animals Pet Corrector is designed to be used to prevent barking, nipping, and jumping up on people or furniture.
This product isn’t designed for puppies and should never be sprayed directly at a dog.
Product Specs
- Type: Corrector spray
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor/outdoor
- Quantity: 6.35 ounces/200 ml
Pros
- Humane corrective tool
- Contains no harmful chemicals
- Suitable for correcting a wide variety of behaviors
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies
Get The Company of Animals dog repellent spray at Amazon, Chewy, or Petco.
Best Ultrasonic
Broox Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller
The Broox Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller is a humane and effective way to keep a variety of animals off the lawn. When it detects motion, it emits a high-frequency sound and uses a flashing LED light to startle and deter pests. It will repel not only dogs but also cats, skunks, raccoons, rodents, deer, and foxes. In fact, there are five different modes that operate at different frequencies and with different lighting effects, allowing users to target specific animals.
It has an IP44 waterproof rating, making it water-resistant in most normal weather conditions. It’s solar-powered, so it doesn’t need to be connected to an electrical outlet and doesn’t require batteries.
Product Specs
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor
- Quantity: N/A
Pros
- Effective for a wide variety of animals
- Solar-powered design
Cons
- High price
Get Broox dog repellent on Amazon.
Also Consider
EverJoice Dog Not Here! Spray
In order to discourage dogs from marking or urinating in the house, a liquid formula like this one from EverJoice should do the trick. The formula is free of alcohol and parabens and comes in a convenient spray bottle. Along with preventing marking, it can also be used to discourage dogs from chewing shoes, furniture, and other surfaces.
It can be used either indoors or outdoors and is safe to use on carpeting, rugs, furniture, and upholstery. It’s important to note that this product needs to be paired with a separate cleaning agent because it won’t clean any stains on its own.
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor/outdoor
- Quantity: 8.45 ounces
Pros
- Discourages dogs from marking or urinating indoors
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Can be used on carpets and upholstery
Cons
- Does not act as a cleaning agent
Get the EverJoice dog repellent spray on Amazon.
Our Verdict
After reviewing this guide, you now know more about effective dog repellents and how they work. We recommend the Orbit dog repellent because it’s effective, humane, and works with both household pets and neighborhood dogs. Those on a budget may appreciate the Bonide dog repellent, which is a great option for keeping animals out of gardens and flower beds.
How to Make a DIY Dog Repellent
While plenty of products are available to deter dogs, some pet owners opt to create their own solutions. Luckily, it’s easy to make a DIY dog repellent with ingredients you likely already have around the house.
- For an indoor dog repellent that’s safe to use around the house, mix ½ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add several drops of citrus essential oil, and shake to mix.
- To keep dogs away from specific outdoor areas, mix 1 part citronella oil with 10 parts water, and apply with a spray bottle.
- Dogs are deterred by coffee grounds, so sprinkling leftover grounds around garden beds can help keep them away.
How We Chose the Best Dog Repellents
Years of experience covering home goods as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 dog deterrent options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
- Type: There are many types of dog repellents on the market. In order to make this guide as comprehensive as possible, we included a wide variety of products designed to prevent and discourage different behaviors.
- Reviews: We included only well-reviewed products on this list, regardless of format, to ensure that they actually perform well and hold up to the manufacturer’s claims.
- Safety: For this piece, we only considered dog repellents that were safe and nontoxic to ensure that they could be used around humans and pets without inadvertently causing any harm.
FAQs
Though you now know more about dog repellents, you may still have questions about how to use them. The following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about how to select and use dog repellents around the home.
Q. How do dog spray deterrents work?
A dog repellent spray typically contains ingredients that are unpleasant for dogs to smell, which deters them from the area. Some sprays also use a sharp blast of air, which startles a dog and corrects any unwanted behavior.
Q. Which dog repellent is best?
Our top choice overall is the Orbit dog repellent, which is ideal for outdoor use. We recommend Nature’s Miracle repellent spray for preventing dogs from marking and having accidents indoors.
Q. How do I keep dogs out of my yard naturally?
The best natural way to keep dogs away from your yard is with a motion-activated sprinkler. We recommend the Orbit dog repellent as the best dog repellent for lawns.
Q. What scents will keep dogs away?
Several natural scents keep dogs at bay, including vinegar, citrus fruits, and essential oils made from herbs like rosemary and mint.
Q. What frequency is most annoying to dogs?
Dogs tend to be annoyed by frequencies of around 25,000 hertz.
Q. What sounds are dogs afraid of?
Dogs tend to be afraid of loud noises—like fireworks and thunder—but can also be deterred by certain sound frequencies.
Q. What can I use to deter dogs from attacking me?
When shopping for an aggressive dog repellent, it can be difficult to find something that’s both humane and effective. Citronella-based sprays are a great option because they’re made with natural ingredients. While citronella-based sprays are safer than pepper spray, they still may be an irritant to dogs.
