Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
You probably won’t be impressed to see that there are holes all around the garden that took hard work to cultivate and nurture. If your pooch or the neighbor’s dog has been displaying unwanted behavior that’s taking away from your beautiful garden, then you’re in luck. This guide has everything you need to know about effective dog repellents, where we list both natural ingredients and commercial products that you can use, along with the 5 best dog digging repellents.
What are Dog Repellents?
As much as we love to see our pets healthy and happy, dogs can cause serious damage around our lawns when they start digging holes. For many pet owners, dog, and cat repellent can work as deterrents that stop their pets from causing harm to their plants in a safe and effective way. These options tend to be cost-effective and come in various forms — here are the different kinds of dog repellents.
- Spray Form Repellents: Liquid repellents like these are designed for indoor use, where a spray bottle is used to startle dogs and discourage their digging habit over time.
- Granular Repellents: This type of animal repellent is ideal for the outdoors to be placed on gardens and flower beds to stop dogs from going there. Their common ingredients will usually smell unpleasant to dogs and will drive them away.
- Ultrasonic and Sound Repellents: These offer a simple solution by emitting sounds that irritate dogs and stop them from going into certain areas of your home. The sound can’t be heard by humans and they don’t use chemicals that may harm the environment.
- Dog Diging Fences: An anti-dog digging fence line can be installed around your garden beds and other problem areas to stop your furry friend from digging around it.
- Sprinklers: A sprinkler can be used with a motion sensor to startle and stop dogs from digging in a specific area and can also be a great solution for plants on hot days.
- Spiky Mats: These can be placed around your dog’s favorite digging spot to create a surface that’s unpleasant for your dog to step on.
Best DIY Dog Repellents
As mentioned above, you can create your own homemade dog repellent using a wide variety of natural ingredients. Here are a few natural ways to encourage the right dog’s response whenever they come across your garden.
Citronella Oil
A dog’s sense of smell is highly sensitive and they hate this smell in particular, so you can use it in the form of repellent sprays to take off your dog’s minds from your garden or lawn. However, make sure that you only use it in small doses — mix this oil with 10 parts water to ensure it’s safe for pets.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A lot of store-bought dog repellents will contain this ingredient, and you can do the same for a fraction of the cost. To make your own solution, mix two cups of apple cider vinegar with a cup of white vinegar and place it in a spray bottle to mist desired areas.
Citrus
Dogs also find the smell of citrus repulsive, so you can use this bright fruit to keep your garden safe. You can cut the citrus fruit itself into pieces and spread them throughout your garden, while citrus oil will work well on furniture that you want to protect. As an added bonus, you can also use citrus peels to keep aphids and ants away from your plants.
Chili Pepper
Use some chili pepper around your flower beds to keep your pooch at bay. You can also make a spray by mixing chili powder, chopped onions, and garlic with a quart of warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap.
Coffee Grounds
Rather than throwing away your coffee grounds every morning, you can use them as a great option for a dog repellent by simply spreading them around the desired area.
Black and Chili Pepper
Mix chili pepper with black pepper with oil and place it inside a spray bottle. This will help it release an active ingredient known as capsaicin — a powerful dog repellent.
Essential Oils
Using essential oils is a great way to get discourage most dog breeds from digging around your garden. The most effective dog-repellent essential oils to choose from include the following:
- Orange
- Lemon
- Sour apple
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
- Lemon Eucalyptus
Cayenne Pepper
Because cayenne can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes of dogs, this is the best option that will naturally drive your pup away from the garden. To make your own cayenne spray, simply mix 1 part of cayenne pepper with 10 parts of water.
Lime Juice and Vinegar
The smell of white vinegar is enough to stop your dog’s digging — all you need to do is to combine it with lime juice and have cotton balls soak in them. Next, place them around your problem areas where dogs will lose their instinctual behavior and stop digging.
Ammonia
The strong smell of ammonia is a huge turn-off for dogs and is among the best ways to stop your neighbor’s pet from digging around your fence. Funnily enough, dog urine also contains a high amount of ammonia, which is probably why they bury it.
Dog Poop
Using your own dog’s poop will probably come as a surprise to you but it actually works well as a natural deterrent to stop digging breeds on their tracks. Place some of their poop around their favorite digging places to stop them from making other holes. Once your fur baby loses interest in the area, you can bury them to keep your garden looking pristine.
Best Dog Digging Repellents
Below are our top choices for the best commercial dog repellents should you forgo the DIY options above.
1. Homarden Dog Repellent Outdoor Scat Mat
Highlights:
- Covers an area of 16″ x 13″ with 1″ spikes
- Made with flexible and durable materials
- With a breathable pattern that keeps plants safe
- Won’t harm your fur babies, offering a humane solution
This Scat Mat for Dogs by Homarden can deter a bored dog from digging around your home. These spike mats can be wrapped around trees or placed on top of the soil to provide the best solution against hole-digging dogs around your garden. Because it’s made from such durable and flexible materials it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
2. Dig Defence 10 Pack No-Dig Animal Barrier
Highlights:
- Uses a patented design that’s made in the USA
- With easy installation and no maintenance required
- Provides further protection for your fence beneath the ground
- Seamlessly works with your existing fencing
With the Dig Defence Animal Barrier, you can protect both your plants and pets by strengthening the baseline of fences and stopping them from digging under your fence. Using galvanized steel rather than plastic netting like other solutions do, this option protects your pets and keeps predators away. Each barrier stretches 8” long and 32” wide with 2-inch spikes between spaces, which is why it’s considered the best dog repellent in the market.
3. PATPET U01 Ultrasonic Pet Behavior Training Remote
Highlights:
- This ultrasonic pet behavior tool won’t emit loud noises
- Can extend up to 10 feet for outdoor use
- Won’t cause physical harm to your dog’s ears
- Can be used on cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses
When your pet has excess energy that it wants to take out on your vegetable garden, you can stop your dog in its tracks using the PATPET U01 Ultrasonic Pet Behavior Training Remote. With frequent application, this safe and effective solution won’t affect humans and can help train your dog to adapt to behaviors you want them to learn without any physical contact. The best part is that you can also use it on your other pets, so everyone can be well-behaved!
4. Zone Protects No Holes! Digging Prevention Spray
Highlights:
- A great solution for flowerbeds, yards, and gardens
- Designed to cover up to 500 square feet, and lasts even when it rains
- Smells good for humans but terrible for cats and dogs
- Contains an all-natural formula that’s harmless to animals and plants
Using the Zone No Holes! Digging Prevention Spray, you can easily protect your plants from dogs before they even make the first step to digging. With an all-natural formula, it uses oils that are highly repellent to a dog’s nose, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. When used according to the instructions, this spray will leave a nice scent to people and is also harmless for your animals and plants.
5. NaturVet Pet Organics No Dig! Lawn & Yard Spray
Highlights:
- A long-lasting spray that stops cats and dogs from digging
- Uses an all-natural solution with essential oils and herbal plants
- No unpleasant odors or harsh chemicals
- Proudly made in the USA
Using only natural ingredients such as clove oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, and more, the No Dig! Lawn & Yard Spray by NaturVet Pet Organics is the ideal solution for your plants. This harmless formula helps to train cats and dogs not to dig and can be simply sprayed one foot above your plants for lasting results. This effective spray uses a very little percentage of active ingredients, so it won’t hurt your pup’s sensitive nose but it will be enough to stop destructive behaviors.
Conclusion
Among the common reasons behind your dog’s digging includes separation anxiety. If you’re away a lot or don’t spend much time with them, be sure to give them more attention and mental stimulation, which might help to fix the problem. Otherwise, you may choose an option from the natural and commercial dog repellents we have outlined above.
If you’re working with a budget, a good place to start is to make a DIY formula using natural ingredients which can be as effective as a store-bought option. But if you want to get something fast, you can look into various repellents such as sprays, fences, and even training remotes.
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
The Best Service Dog Breeds
Throughout history, dogs have worked alongside humans, with evidence of domestication dating back nearly 30,000 years. Over time, that partnership has evolved into countless roles, from hunting and herding to companionship and protection. Today, many breeds are trained for specialized service work, using their loyalty, intelligence, and focus to support people who need extra assistance. In this article, we break down the most popular service dog breeds in the United States, what makes each one effective, and the unique ways they can help their handlers live safer, more independent lives. What are Service Dogs? At its most basic definition, service dogs are canines trained to perform tasks that can assist their owner or handler with a disability. They can help to remind people with mental illness to take their medication, alert deaf people, and protect those suffering from seizures. Moreover, […]
Can Dogs Have Allergies?
Unfortunately, allergies in canines are more common than we think. Understanding the signs and symptoms will help ensure that your canine companion enjoys a comfortable and allergy-free life. In this article, we share an in-depth guide that addresses the question, “Can dogs have allergies,” while covering other topics such as diagnosing and treatment options for allergies. What are Allergies? Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system negatively reacts to substances that are normally harmless. Also known as allergens, these substances can often result in an allergic response when ingested, inhaled, or make contact with your dog’s skin. When this happens, the canine body will mistake these environmental items as a threat, which can result in many different physical symptoms. These reactions can significantly vary in severity, which will range from mild discomfort to a severe reaction, and in serious cases […]
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
What you might not know is that pet allergies are common; in fact, around 10% to 20% of people around the world are allergic to cats and dogs. The good thing is that even people with allergies can own a furry friend — while there’s no such thing as an entirely allergy-friendly breed, some dogs can be easier on allergy symptoms. In this article, we share all you need to know about the best hypoallergenic dog breeds. What are Hypoallergenic Dogs? There are many misconceptions about what this means, so we need to clear things up; there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, there are a few breeds that create fewer allergens compared to others, which makes them better suited for allergy sufferers. These canines will generally come with low-shedding coats, which produce less dander and will […]
Schnauzer Poodle Mix 101
If you’re looking to add a new member to the family, but aren’t in the market for a purebred dog then consider poodle crosses such as the Schnauzer Poodle mix. The teddy bear Schnoodle is beloved for their high levels of intelligence, calm demeanor, and hypoallergenic coats. These designer dogs are some of the fluffiest breeds out there; here, we share all you need to know about them including their appearance, temperament, history, and how you can care for them. What is the Schnauzer Poodle Mix? The Schnauzer-Poodle mix is a loving, smart, and level-headed companion. While there are no dogs that can truly be called hypoallergenic, both Poodles and Schnauzers can be a good fit for those with allergies, which means their offspring will be too. This gorgeous mix of Schnauzers and Poodles produces a curly-haired hybrid that comes […]
Husky Samoyed Mix 101
Maybe you’ve heard of the Siberian Samoyed, a gorgeous, mixed breed canine that’s known for its boisterous personality and striking appearance. This designer dog is a large ball of fluff that can bring happiness and energy into your home but before you get one, there are a few things you need to consider first. In this article, we share all you need to know about the Husky Samoyed mix, including their appearance, temperament, history, and how to care for them in your home. What is the Husky Samoyed Mix? The Husky Samoyed mix is also known as the Samhusky, Siberian Samoyed, and Samusky and is a beautiful mix of the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed. Because both have bright eyes and fluffy coats, you can expect their offspring to be just as impressive-looking as their parents. These dogs are becoming […]
Papillon Dog Breed 101
Papillon dogs are known for their petite, yet sturdy bodies that come with an active, alert, and friendly nature — they are among the smartest breeds in the world and can make wonderful companions. Dog owners looking for a gorgeous toy dog will be more than pleased to add one of these playful pups to their family. In this article, we share all you need to know about how to care for these dogs in your home while discussing their temperament, history, and where you can find one. What is the Papillon Dog? Papillons are playful, spirited, and small dogs that come from Spaniels and toy breeds. These cute dogs come with high energy levels and will excel in obedience and agility competitions. They have sparkling personalities that endear them to anyone who owns them and despite their appearance, they […]
Related
Best Dog Jackets for Winter Walks, Rainy Days, and Cold Weather
There’s something magical about winter walks: crisp air, warm drinks, your dog trotting beside you. That is, until the chill sets in and you realize your pup’s shivering halfway down the block. Suddenly, you’re online searching for a jacket that actually keeps them warm and comfortable. The good news? You don’t need to settle for bulky, awkward fits or fashion-only designs. These are the best dog jackets for a range of climates and breeds, chosen for function and fit, durability, and honest comfort. Below you’ll find tested picks that balance warmth, water protection, and style, with practical notes for Chihuahuas, Labradors and everyone in between. Best Overall Dog Jacket for Cold and Wet Walks This Frisco jacket is lightweight, quilted, and made from water-resistant polyester. It’s reversible, offering two color options in one design, and comes in multiple sizes to […]
Is it Safe for Dogs in Snowy Weather? Snow and Cold Guide for Pups
Practical tips to keep dogs safe in snowy weather: safe outing times, frostbite signs, paw protection, booties, and quick warming steps.
The Best Parasite Prevention for Dogs
One of the most important parts of caring for our canine companions as pet parents is to look for the best tick preventatives to keep them safe from potential parasites. Many dog flea and tick treatments can also help prevent heartworm infection and treat lice. There are many effective and safe medications in various forms, including chewable tablets, collars, topical spot-ons, and shampoos. In this article, we discuss the best parasite prevention for dogs and where you can get them so you can choose the best product based on your dog’s needs and symptoms. Types of Parasites Before we can discuss the best treatments available online, it’s important that we first learn about the most common kinds of parasites that dogs are likely to encounter. We also share the right preventative treatment for them. Fleas These are small, wingless, external […]
The Best Water Shoes for Dogs
While dogs will usually be happy to walk and frolic around in their bare paws, there are times when the weather conditions simply won’t allow them to do so. There are times when the winter chill can get too cold, and the hot summer sun can make walking on pavement unbearable; as such, our dogs will need protection and insulation from the elements. If you’re looking for the best water shoes for dogs, then you’ve come to the right place; here are just a few of the best dog boots that you can get right now. Why Dogs Need Water Shoes When you take your pup walking outside in the snow, ice can quickly accumulate around the hair in your dog’s toes, which can put them at bigger risk for injuries such as bleeding and cracked paws. Pet owners should […]
Waterproof Dog Jackets That Make Wet Walks Easier
Rainy mornings and muddy sidewalks don’t stop your dog from needing daily exercise, and they shouldn’t stop you either. As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your pup gets the movement it needs, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. For many dog parents, heading out for a walk in the rain or snow can feel like a hassle. Thankfully, the right waterproof jacket can make all the difference. With this list of the best waterproof jackets for dogs, you’ll find options for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and activity levels, helping make wet-weather walks easier and a lot more enjoyable. Cold, Wet Walks? Your Dog’s Gear Might Not Be Complete Yet Finding the best waterproof jackets for dogs is a great first step, but your wet-weather setup doesn’t have to stop there. When rain turns to slush […]
The Best Dog Harnesses for Neck Problems
If your dog pulls on the leash or struggles with neck pain, even a short walk can feel stressful for both of you. Choosing the right harness can make a real difference, especially for dogs with sensitive necks or existing discomfort. A well-designed neck-friendly harness shifts pressure away from the throat and spreads it more evenly across the chest and shoulders, helping your dog move more comfortably and safely. A dog owner will often find it difficult to find a good neck harness for dogs, whether it’s for a small or big dog, but it’s still an important tool when it comes to taking your dog for a walk. This type of leash attachment helps take pressure off your pup’s neck and can be a better option for relieving discomfort in dogs with neck issues. Luckily, we’ve put together a […]
