If you know approximately the time the neighbors dog gets the paper, sprinkle cayenne pepper around it. They always sniff first. The pepper will burn their nose but not hurt them. They also will remember and stay away.
I suggest that you take some small empty plastic pop bottles with the twist caps, and fill them with small rocks. Make a noise make out of the pop bottles. Put them in your mail box so when the dog pulls out the paper they will fall out and make a noise and startle the dog.
Once he has this happen a couple of days in a row, he will be afraid to take the newspaper because he will think they will fall out on him. Let me know if that works.
IMHO Pikka's suggestion is the kindest and most reasonable if what you mean is the mailbox type but even if not that kind why don't you simply ask the paper carrier to place it under your doormat? They're putting it in a specific place already so it's really not a big deal to change the delivery spot.
Make some sort of latch and wire it shut with bread wrapper wire until dog discovers it can't get in a few times. Then you probably won't have to do it anymore.
This might not be nice, but it was effective for my dad. When I was a kid, one of our dogs kept pulling laundry off the clothes line. Dad took some rag towels and put an assortment of peppers on the bottom edges (Tabasco, some Korean hot pepper from the Oriental food store, etc.). He hung the towels on the line and waited. He watched from the kitchen as the dog went to pull the towels off the line. Dog tried, then stopped and licked his mouth a long time. Dog didn't pull laundry from the line any more.
So if you don't mind causing some temporary discomfort to the neighbor's dog, maybe you could do something similar with a newspaper. Take your day-old paper, put hot pepper sauce on it, and leave it for the dog to pull out. Or you could put citronella oil or citrus peels in the paper. I hear dogs don't like the smell, but it won't actually harm them.
Best of luck. I hope you find a good solution. It's no fun when someone elses pet messes up your stuff.
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Request: Keeping My Neighbor's Pets Out of My Yard (02/25/2010)
Someone said there was a spray that smelled like skunk to help keep neighbor's pets out of your yard? I could not find it at Wal-mart as suggested.
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Request: Keeping My Neighbor's Pets Out of My Yard
Archived on 02/25/2010
Someone said there was a spray that smelled like skunk to help keep neighbor's pets out of your yard? I could not find it at Wal-mart as suggested. Any ideas of what it's called?
I cannot even enjoy play time with my pets for the neighbor's lab puppy. I've asked nicely, but I got "threats" in return. Help.
Brenda from Stanfield, NC
Feedback:
RE: Keeping My Neighbor's Pets Out of My Yard
Do you have a leash law in your town? Most places state that animals must be kept on a restraint. Try calling the Dog Pound for the laws in your area.
Owners can be fined or sit in jail for a few days for not restraining their animals. (04/02/2007)
Below are 3 possible solutions for you, but your best bet would be to fence them out. Than is, if it's practical and if you have the money. I have a cheap chain-link fence in my back yard and it works wonderfully. My front yard is different thing altogether. Boy, Oh Boy! There's nothing like trying to mow your front yard and stepping in the neighbors' dog's mess. I suppose I'm going to have to fence the front yard in, too.
Dog owners, please watch your dogs. And when you take them out for walks, please remember, this is our yard, not your's and we don't appreciate your dogs going to the "bathroom" on it. Yes, I've sat on the front porch and watched as the dog owner walking their dog on a leash, has steered their dog to my lawn. Of course the dog owner acts like they don't understand anything's wrong, when I've told them to stop. Please be responsible for your animals. Buy a fence before you get a dog.
Here's some suggestions for you:
The "ScareCrow Sprinkler" Here's a quote from their web site:
"Protect your garden or pond from unwanted animal intruders. The Scarecrow motion activated sprinkler instantly releases a short, but startling burst of water when it detects animals. The sudden water, movement and noise scare animals away, and help teach them to avoid the area in the future. Simply and effectively chases animals out of your pond or garden with water.
Humane, safe and environmentally friendly; uses only a small amount of water each time
Highly sensitive motion detector senses large and small animals
No chemicals, shocks or unsightly, costly fences or barriers
Smart circuitry automatically dampens sensitivity in windy conditions to reduce false triggering
Works day and night for up to 4 months on a single battery
"Liquid Fence": This is something to spray around your yard. A quote from their web site:
"Keep dogs and cats away with Liquid Fence Dog and Cat Repellent. Our all natural spray is a great way to keep them at bay. Just spray the Cat and Dog Repellent on the areas where your pets, your neighbor's pets and strays don't belong, lawns, flowerbeds, garden beds, trees, shrubs, and trash containers. Their favorite spots become areas to avoid, not visit. And don't worry, the spray is made from all natural plant oils, so it's biodegradable and earth friendly. You can safely use it around your family and it won't harm animals or your plants."
How Liquid Fence Dog and Cat Repellent works:
"Pets and strays will habitually visit the same areas 'seeking familiar animal scents' to perform their 'duties'. When Liquid Fence Dog and Cat Repellent is sprayed in areas that contain these familiar animal odors, it will mask the odors, causing the animals to become uneasy, thus repelling them."
"DirectStop animal deterrent spray", This one is something safe to spray at the dog:
A quote from their web site:
"If your own pets frequently visit your yard, a handheld deterrent will be a better solution, since you'll want to determine for yourself which animals need to be discouraged from entering your property. DirectStop Animal Deterrent Spray sends out a strong, 10-foot stream with the odor of citronella to surprise the offending animal. DirectStop does not cause pain, and it will not increase aggression, but since animals are not used to the scent, it is an effective deterrent. In addition, it won't injure the user or onlookers if the spray is accidentally blown back into the eyes.
