How do dogs react to low frequencies? Annoying dog sounds

I think everyone knows that hearing in dogs much thinner than in humans. In other words, if a person distinguishes sounds with a frequency of up to 20 kHz, then most dogs - up to 40 kHz, that is, they perceive frequencies that are "ultrasonic" for us.

What frequencies do dogs hear?

Dogs are great at hearing musical sounds, in particular consonant and dissonant.

Consonance And dissonance in music theory - the categories of harmony that characterize the merging or non-merging in the perception of simultaneously sounding tones, as well as the consonances themselves (intervals, chords), perceived / interpreted as "fused" and "non-fused".

Dog Repeller Frequency

It is the differences in sound perception between humans and dogs that underlie dog repellers which emit ultrasonic vibrations that are not audible to the human ear.

Any Dog Repeller has an emitter in order to give out a directional beam of ultrasound in the range of 20-30 kHz, which corresponds to the work of a jackhammer of 1 meter, causing a feeling of panic, oppression and fear in the animal. Effective action within a radius of 3-5 meters, up to a maximum of 10 meters, while it is absolutely safe for humans.

The principle of operation of the dog repeller

The ultrasonic dog repeller is a pocket high-tech device designed to protect against attacks and scare away any aggressive animals.

Dog repellent devices fit easily in your pocket, on your belt or in your purse.

By pointing the device at an aggressive dog and pressing a button, you send a powerful ultrasonic signal (typically 24.3 kHz, 116.5 dB) towards the animal.

When the dog repeller is on, an aggressive animal will either keep its distance from you or run away.

Who needs a dog repeller

Unfortunately, stray dogs is the rule rather than the exception. And if you are forced to return home through poorly lit streets or through yards in which you previously noticed packs of stray dogs, you should not risk your life.

large dogs stronger than a man, and the strength of the jaws in dogs is on average 150 kg - Measurements were taken on Rottweilers, German Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers. By comparison, human jaws can exert a pressure of 50 kg, white shark jaws 250 kg, and crocodiles a monstrous 1000 kg! In addition, dogs have 42 teeth, as opposed to humans, who have 32.

In addition, a pack of dogs can not only bite a person (and then he will have to give injections for rabies, which is also unpleasant), but even bite to death. According to some data, over 11 years in Russia, dogs killed 391 people (hence, on average, dogs bite 3 people per month or 35 people per year) - source site www.animalsprotectiontribune.ru

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This story began with the fact that my wife is very afraid of dogs. And I bought her an ultrasonic repeller on Ali a long time ago. It has already been used with great success many times. Really works. And it was especially indispensable at the beginning of spring, when in our city dogs huddled in packs and behaved extremely aggressively. There were a lot of bites. I thought about purchasing a second repeller in reserve, in case the first one breaks down, and it would come in handy for me, I repeatedly took a repeller from my wife for a walk with my dog, and he always helped out when a rabid flock rushed towards us. No sooner said than done.

The order was sent to me on April 17, 2014, and on May 12 I received a standard yellow package in the mail:

What is a dog repeller?
This is an ultrasonic emitter with a frequency of 18,000 to 25,000 Hz, which causes considerable discomfort to the animal. And if you combine the infliction of this discomfort with the execution of the given commands, or vice versa, the non-performance of the given actions, then the dog will reflexively do what you are striving for.

And here I will make a small digression and write an important warning on the use of an ultrasonic repeller.

ATTENTION! IMPORTANT WARNINGS!

1. The repeller only works on angry and aggressive (excited) dogs! The device may not be effective against sick, deaf or highly trained dogs.
2. Do not point the turned on device at the hearing organs of a person at close range. An ultrasonic repeller in such a situation has an effect on the hearing organs, the consequences of which may be “ringing” in the ears, headache etc. Do not point the flashlight in the direction of a person's eyes, especially in the dark.
3. Do not test the device on your pets - this will cause a negative attitude towards you as an owner.
4. Do not modify the design of the instrument! Do not cover the ultrasonic emitter with your hand or clothing.
5. Do not drop the instrument or allow moisture to enter the instrument.
6. Do not use the device against an indifferently wandering or peacefully lying dog - you can cause its ambiguous reaction;
7. Do not use the device against a dog in rooms with a limited volume (elevator cabins, closets, etc.) - you can cause her an ambiguous reaction.

The repeller was packed in a cardboard box. By the way, the name of the company is different than on Ali.

Inside is, in fact, the repeller itself:

And the instruction is in Chinese and English.

Consider the ultrasonic repeller in more detail.

Specifications from the store page:

Specifications
Functions Dog training, Dog repelling, LED light
Dimension 130 x 40 x 22 mm/ 5.12 x 1.57 x 0.87" (L x W x H)
Weight 98g
Frequency 25 kHz
Max current 130 mA
Power 9V battery
package includes
1 x Ultrasonic dog trainer repeller
1 x User manual
1 x 9V battery

On the bottom of the case is a sliding switch of operating modes. Mode 1 - flashlight only, mode 2 - training, mode 3 - scare. All this is illustrated near the switch.

The reverse side of the repeller. The battery compartment and a hologram that acts as a seal on the screw. There was no hologram on the repeller with Ali.

Name:

Front view, in the form dog muzzle. Ultrasonic emitter and 2 LEDs. They shine quite brightly. In flashlight mode - constantly while the button is pressed. In scare mode, they work in strobe mode. The strobe is quite effective against dogs in dark time days. (I repeatedly used my flashlights, of which I have a little,))) for these purposes.)
Light is white. On the repeller with Ali - with a very noticeable blue and dimmer.

Dimensions:

Let's compare 2 repellers. They are slightly different in color. In addition, the old one with Ali is already noticeably worn. In this case, the Ali repeller is on the left, the new Tmart repeller is on the right:

New bottom:

The body of the new repeller is made much better. One example is the power button.

When shipped from Tmart, the battery is included in the package:

I did not want to disassemble the repeller with Ali, but then I decided that the truth is more expensive. Yes, it was interesting to compare.

So, we disassemble the ultrasonic repeller with Ali:

The installation is done rather sloppy:

Now let's analyze the ultrasonic repeller from the Tmart store:

To be honest, at first I was even taken aback when I saw a very small set of parts, which made me wonder how it still works:

But as it turned out, the mounting on the board here is double-sided (!) And made very carefully using SMD components, unlike the repeller with Ali:

The power of the new repeller is higher. Under equal conditions, and new batteries, the range is greater. If you still point the included repeller at yourself, there are discomfort. It hurts my head, there is a squeak in my ears. The effect is more pronounced when using the repeller with Tmart.

Similar repellers are also used by various organizations. For example, our staff who work with clients in rural areas are given EcoSniper scarers. The same China, only with the Russian name. It is considered to be effective, it has been sampled and its users are very satisfied. Let's take a look at it:

Doesn't it remind you of anything?

I was not allowed to take it apart. Very brittle plastic case.

Instruction in Russian:

In terms of impact, it’s about the same as the repeller from Ali and falls short of the level of the repeller from Tmart.

The body is made of thin plastic. It also has 3 functions. But it does not have a slide switch. The modes are turned on by pressing uncomfortable, moreover, unsigned on the case. three buttons. Accidental clicks are not ruled out. There is such a product - 1000 rubles.

Therefore, in terms of efficiency, repellers can be arranged in the following order:

1 place. Repeller from Tmart store.

2nd place. Ali Repeller.

3rd place. Repeller EcoSniper. Of course, in terms of efficiency, he could compete with Ali's repeller and share 2nd place with him. But could not. In the last place, he was driven by an uncomfortable body in the hand and extremely inconvenient control.

*This is supposed to be a video of the process. But... I don't carry a camera ready. And dogs tend to show up suddenly. I just can't take it off. In addition, they mostly rush at me when I walk the dog. And there are simply no free hands. In one leash, in the other repeller. Yes, and a pack of dogs running around the neighborhood - wiser. A few uses of the repeller were enough, now they bypass me and my dog.)))
____________________________________________

The product was provided for review by the Tmart store, for which many thanks to them.

This concludes my review. Let on the way you come across only kind dogs, for example, like this one.

What is better for scaring away dogs - sound or ultrasound?

Maybe our loud cry is enough? There is some truth in this, but most likely there will be no result, well, unless the animal is self-confident, demoralized, or the owner just put up his true friend outside the door and any sounds that scare away dogs scare him.

We are talking about something completely different - an electronic device that generates ultrasound to scare away dogs.

In order to understand how this interesting from the point of view of technology, but more importantly, a life-saving tool works: an ultrasonic dog repeller, let's turn to physics.

Let's compare the known facts from the field of sound engineering to understand how ultrasound is formed and propagated against dogs, and other animals, including rodents, which are sensitive to high frequency radiation beyond our hearing.

How does the repeller work - ultrasound that protects against dogs

Ideally, the human ear should respond to frequencies in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, under which sound reproducing equipment is designed. Immediately, we note that the dog repeller captures a much wider range of "ultra" sound.

With age, in case of illness, injury, prolonged and systematic listening loud music in headphones, as well as at least a dozen other reasons, we hear much worse. However, fortunately, the frequency range of the main means of communication - speech is much lower and is only 3-4 kHz. So we can talk until old age.

But our degree of perception of the world is limited by sound vibrations, and even a person with an absolute ear for music cannot perceive ultrasound, which scares away dogs.

The sensitivity spectrum of animals has been expanded several times, it captures, in addition to the sound, also a part of the ultrasonic spectrum and extends up to 30 and even, according to some sources, up to 70 kHz.

It was this fact that made it possible to develop an electronic ultrasonic dog repeller, as well as a device similar in principle of operation against rodents and urban birds (pigeons, crows).
Why do quadrupeds sense ultrasonic vibrations, but we don't? We note that it is very good that we do not perceive! We already live in a world so polluted with noise that a sound level meter will show even indoors, and every additional ten kHz would have an extremely adverse effect on our health.

The ultrasound from dogs that we would hear would turn our lives into torture.
We would hardly then be able to concentrate on work in the office or indulge in relaxation at home if we felt the ultrasound that repels dogs, which is also perceived by mice and rats.

Structurally, the canine auditory system is not too different from ours. Probably still from school they know about the eardrum. In dogs, this most important part of the hearing apparatus is more sensitive than in ours, on which, in fact, the effect that ultrasound has to scare away dogs on changing the behavior of animals is based.

How? Recall that in sound reproducing technology, each range has its own speakers. A massive cone that reproduces bass will not respond to high frequencies. He just can't move to the beat. Won't make it. Too slow, very heavy.

The eardrum of an animal fluctuates in time with ultrasonic vibrations, just as successfully as we hear the sounds of our favorite music or news on TV and high frequency ultrasound from dogs reaches its goal

What does it give animals? Recall that the ancient ancestors of dogs - wolves lived in wild nature and sensitive ears acted as a means of survival, warning of danger, and helped in the hunt.

And now, centuries later, ultrasound that repels dogs has been put at our service.
Concluding the topic, let's say that back side medals of fine hearing of the animal - a high probability of damage from prolonged exposure to very loud signals and noises.

Yes, it is difficult for us to compete with the "friends of man" in terms of the perception of ultrasound. But we have the power of the human mind to put us at our service:

• knowledge about the features of the hearing aid and the behavior of dogs, which made it possible to design a dog repeller;
• achievements of modern radio electronics.

Ultrasonic Dog Repeller

In order to develop and put into production an electronic device for repelling dogs, it is necessary that the repellers of dogs satisfy several criteria at the same time.

1. Acceptable coverage area.
   If ultrasound that repels animals acts within a radius of 1-2 meters, then there is almost no point in such a protective keychain from dogs.
   The beast will manage to bite several times before we can use the dog repeller we just bought.
   The zone of influence on the auditory receptors of the animal should be at least 7-10 meters, this is one of the criteria, so that, firstly, by the habits of the animal, we can assess its intentions, and secondly, in order to orient ourselves and, figuratively speaking, press the “panic button”, to use ultrasound for protection.
2. The frequency of the signal emitted by the ultrasonic speaker is above 20 kHz.
   Such fluctuations are unlikely to be heard by people, but animals, as we found out, feel.

   But it is not difficult to check how the dog repeller works, using an ordinary lighter or matches.
   

3. Safety for dogs, for us and those around us.
   Just because we're going to use ultrasound on dogs doesn't mean we're that cruel. As they say in one famous cartoon - "let's live together." But still, let the attacking animal better feel the ultrasound to scare away the dogs - I would not want to be bitten, and there is no desire even to experience fear.
4. Response speed and efficiency.
   You must be sure that the ultrasonic dog repellent will 100% cope with its main role, the dog repeller "does not jam", does not crumble in the hands and even a child can use the dog keychain on the way to school or on a walk.

So, what frequency to choose at which ultrasound will be emitted to scare away dogs? 25.30 or 40 kHz?

We think for buyers of such devices, this specific issue is in second or even tenth place. Reliability and confidence are much more important. But since, firstly, we delved into the field of ultrasound, we will figure it out to the end, and secondly, this parameter is indicated in the instructions for the ultrasonic repeller of dogs (rodents, insects, birds), and we must mention it.

For designers and manufacturers, it does not really matter with what frequency to design a generator that emits into space the protective ultrasound that is so necessary for us, scaring away dogs - 10, 100 kilohertz or even 10 MHz. You just need to tune the frequency by replacing electronic components- quartz resonator or capacitors.

Can he choose a frequency maximum, at the upper limit of the audibility of a toothy quadruped, so that the ultrasound for protection from dogs goes off scale in frequency?

And if the dog is of “retirement age”, by its standards, of course, and like a pensioner-man, higher frequencies no longer catches, but not averse to using teeth in his declining years? Of course if they still exist...

We turn on the repeller, but the ultrasound does not work, because the animal does not hear it due to the high frequency! What he is, what he is not!

It is unlikely that anyone wants to receive complaints from customers that the ultrasonic keychain from dogs "is a myth", "I was deceived", "I was told, but I did not believe."

The manufacturer will not risk his reputation, and limits the frequency to 20-30 kHz, simultaneously solving 2 tasks:

• we are leaving our native area of ​​​​the sound range - we do not plan to scare ourselves away, we need a repeller from stray dogs, not people;
• dog repellent ultrasound captures even the range of hearing-impaired, elderly animals.

And why, in fact, does a portable keychain or a stationary dog ​​repeller generate vibrations exclusively in the ultrasonic range? After all, the animal hears perfectly, and from a long distance, compared to us

To answer this question, let's say a few words about such a device as a propane gun - this is a powerful repeller used to protect territories up to 10 hectares from birds. Gas-powered “thunder gun” produces sounds similar to explosions and attention!
The gas bird repeller is installed far from the habitats of not only people, but even poultry.

Of course, for engineers, it will not be difficult to create a sound repeller that emits a powerful sound to scare away dogs with a pressure of 120 dB at a frequency that we can hear, but no one will do it for the following reason.

Let's imagine that the ultrasound from stray dogs turned into a thunderous noise in the audio range.
For example, nothing else came to mind than to use an improvised remedy for dogs - to carry a wooden stick and a tin basin with you and, when animals appear, strike, remembering the program about the natives with a tambourine.

With a high degree of probability, it can be argued that within a radius of several tens of meters, such an original sound that scares away dogs will panic not only animals, but also grandmothers peacefully napping on benches.

From all the windows and balconies, surprised and annoyed residents will look out. And if a sleeping child suddenly wakes up in a stroller, then the sound method of scaring away dogs will turn against you - you can also get hit on the head by his parents.

Of course, we are talking about cities. On a remote country road, any ultrasound and sound will do against dogs, and even more so against a pack. There is no choice. Even a thick branch will come in handy.

meet in life different cases and so that there are as few questions about dog repellers as possible, we recommend where we systematized the available information on the topic of ultrasonic dog repellent.

It is unlikely that we will know what is going on in the head of animals when you try to defend yourself and turn on a small and harmless-looking ultrasonic repeller - a dog repellent keychain that looks like a toy, but with a completely unchildish effect of exposure to sound on aggressive animals.

Animals won't tell us about it. We dare to suggest that the feeling is comparable to the feeling that each of us experienced at a disco or a rock band concert, standing half a meter from a working music speaker 2 meters high.

This is, to put it mildly, unpleasant, which means that the dog repeller worked 100% with ultrasound!

Man and dog have been living side by side with each other since time immemorial, but this coexistence is not always peaceful and without problems. There are still stray dogs that can scare you or your child. On the other hand, even the behavior of domestic dogs can cause trouble for the owners. Their pets often gnaw on furniture, shoes, spoil gardens and lawns. The same applies to neighborhood dogs. In this review, we will talk about what scientists write about methods to combat this behavior of dogs, how to choose the best dog repeller and introduce the 10 most popular products from American Amazon.

Choosing the right dog repellant

Some problems lie in animal biology itself: “Dog poop can be a real frustration with lawn care. If a small amount of them serves as a fertilizer, then a large amount often leads to lawn burns or “dead spots”, tells Dr. Steve Thompson (Director, Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Wellness Clinic, West Lafayette, Indiana). The damage can be so significant that you have to re-sow plants in the damaged areas.

To choose the best dog repellant, you first need to understand why dog ​​urine is so toxic to the garden - it contains high concentrations of nitrogen, which "burns" lawns, as well as mineral fertilizer if you go overboard with it. If you look at the places where the dog urinates, you can see brown "scorched" grass in the very center, where there was a maximum concentration, and along the edges, on the contrary, the grass is green, because nitrogen in a small amount acts as a fertilizer. For this reason, drugs designed to neutralize the acid are not effective. Remember, your target is nitrogen, not acid. Dog feces are also a problem for lawns, but not as serious as urine because by-products are released from the feces slowly.

How do repellents work?

One way to keep dogs away from lawns is to use repellents, which can be purchased at the store or make your own. Dr. Steve Thompson claims that taste repellents work better than those that work by touch or smell. The benefit is also about ease of use. The unpleasant sensation from the smell of repellent will appear not only in your pet, but also with the interlocutor or guests. Is it really uncomfortable when your hands smell like vinegar? Moreover, in some cases, dogs tend to re-mark the territory, smelling someone else's smell.

They affect taste. So, dogs have the same taste sensations as humans - they distinguish between salty, sweet, sour and bitter. And just like us, they do not like bitter. But be sure to temporarily remove the water from the dog's field of vision, or rather, for no more than 30 minutes, otherwise he will not have time to experience the unpleasant sensation of bitter taste. Meanwhile, taste has its drawbacks. First, each dog has its own personal taste preferences, and what repels one will have no effect on the other. Secondly, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Most repellents are designed to be applied to inanimate objects such as furniture and shoes, not to human or dog skin. One way to test the allergenicity of a drug is to apply thin layer on the skin and see if allergic reaction. Anyway, best option- consult your doctor before using any medication.

To achieve the desired result, it is important to apply the drug correctly. To begin, apply the repellent to a small piece of cloth and place it over your dog's mouth so that he has time to taste the substance and spit it out. If your pet began to shake his head, or he began to salivate and vomit, then this taste causes rejection and the drug can be safely applied to the desired objects or plants. The dog will remember the smell associated with it. bad taste, and will avoid it in the future. Do not limit yourself to a single use of the drug, even if you immediately received positive result- Apply repellant daily for a month on the same items to finally discourage your pet from tasting them.

They affect the sense of smell. The advantage of such drugs is that they are as safe as possible for the dog. Vinegar, the substance most commonly used in such products, has no side effects and is non-toxic to humans and cats. An ingredient such as citronella oil is good for applying to plants in the garden, especially since this oil, which means it has more long-term action and less washed away by rain. Cayenne pepper or chili pepper is strong, but be careful - if your pet inhales too much, it can burn the nasal mucosa. Another ingredient that has a powerful effect is ammonia, but it is quite toxic to plants and requires several applications to achieve results.

This group of repellents has significant disadvantages. They can cause discomfort in a person and accumulate unpleasant odor in the house. In addition, the effect of such substances does not last long and requires frequent re-application.

Repelled by water. If you are not attracted to the prospect of using such drugs, try installing a motion-sensing sprinkler that will spray water on the animal in response to its approach. It is best to install this device in small gardens or in the corners of the lawn, where the damage is greatest. However, a significant drawback of such sprinklers is that the device will respond to any movement, be it squirrels or children. As a result, you run the risk of overspending water, and then the device will be a very expensive pleasure. And not only. “Leaking water not only hurts your wallet, it also makes it difficult to maintain the beauty of your lawn in areas where water accumulation matters,” warns Anna Busby, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

4 homemade dog repellant sprays + 1 unusual way to use coffee

Regular purchase of repellents in the store can be expensive. The best tool can be made independently, because this does not require any unusual ingredients. But remember that each dog is different and you may have to try several options before finding the best one. First of all, you will need an empty spray bottle, which you can buy at the store or use the one you already have. In the second case, rinse the container thoroughly so that there is no substance left that was previously in the bottle.

What is the best mix to make? From among home-made products, spray from hot pepper the most efficient. It contains the active substance capsaicin, which, upon contact with the tongue, burns it. Take two tablespoons of ground pepper, dilute with 10 cups of water - and your hot repellent is ready! Then regularly apply the mixture to the object that the dog likes to chew. If you prefer a taste repellant, then the best choice there will be vinegar, which is especially unpleasant for the dog because of its acute sense of smell. Mix it with water in a ratio of one to five and you will get the desired repulsive smell.

There are other options. Mix half a cup of citronella oil with 4 cups of water for another repellent. It is very convenient to use the smell of citrus fruits: while this smell is pleasant to humans and is even used in aromatherapy, it is extremely unpleasant for many dogs. mix citrus juice and finely chopped cleanings in a spray bottle and spray in areas of your garden that you want to protect from dog sabotage. In addition, citrus juice will repel aphids and ants. If you are a coffee lover, then you have the opportunity to extract an additional bonus - do not throw away coffee grounds, but collect and arrange them in places that your pet should not disturb.

Top Best Dog Repellents

Ultrasonic dog repeller Typhoon LS 300+

Attacks by wild and aggressive dogs are becoming more frequent both on city streets and in rural areas. The most common cases of attacks on children, due to their active behavior and screams that provoke animals. In order to protect both adults and children, the Typhoon LS 300+ ultrasonic dog repeller was developed. Its action does not harm either the animal or the child and is aimed at stunning and disorienting the dog with low-frequency radiation. The device is light, compact and battery operated, which allows you to always carry it with you. To use, just point the emitter at the animal and press the button for 3-5 seconds.

31st Century EcoSniper LS-937 CD

31 century EcoSniper LS-937 CD is a modern ultrasonic repeller that allows you to protect your home, cottage, hotel, playgrounds, gardens, parking lots and other objects from pest intrusion. The repeller has an effect on cats, dogs, squirrels and other rodents. The area covered by the device is 200 square meters with an angle of 90 degrees. The EcoSniper can be ground-mounted, wall-mounted, or hung from a mount. The device is completely harmless to humans and does not contain any poisons and chemicals. Ultrasound is aimed only at scaring away animals. The abundance of trees, bushes and other obstacles can reduce the effectiveness of the device.

Tornado 112 Duo

ultrasonic device"Tornado 112 Duo" features a miniature size of 90x50x25 and less than 40 grams of weight. This allows you to always carry it with you as an adult and a child. The device is powered by batteries, which are purchased separately. The effectiveness of the action is due sonic boom on the auditory system of the animal, disorienting and neutralizing it. In addition, the device is equipped with a heavy-duty LED that creates a directional bright beam of light that effectively repels stray and wild dogs. The emitted low-frequency waves are absolutely harmless to humans. It is forbidden to use the device against calm and domestic dogs, this can provoke an attack of aggression.

Comparison table of the best dog repellers

Changing Your Dog's Diet: What Foods and Drugs Affect Urine Acid Levels?

On the Internet, you can see advice to change the diet of dogs, which supposedly should affect the effect of dog urine on grass and plants. To begin with, we immediately dismiss the commercially available drugs containing methionine or ascorbic acid that affect the level of acidity in the urine, since, as we have already found out, this has nothing to do with “scorched grass”. Moreover, they can cause harm to the health of a pet, for example, kidney stones can form. Special preparations can dilute urine, but this is achievable and more. in safe ways. For example, you need to feed your pet more often with canned food, and dilute dry food in water. Salts, garlic and tomato juice, when added to food, increase the amount of water consumed, which leads to urine thinning, but these products should not be used without first consulting a veterinarian, Colorado State University Extension scientists recommend.

Researchers at Purdue University are extremely skeptical of changing the diet with drugs as a way to keep dogs from damaging the lawn: “Most of these products just make pets drink more water thereby diluting the nitrogen content in the urine. Additional by-effect is that the animal will need to urinate more often, increasing the likelihood of "accidents". In addition, the use of these products is potentially dangerous,” says the article Animal Urine Damage in Turf.

As another scientist notes, Ali Harivandi, Environmental Horticulture Advisor, U.C. Cooperative Extension, Alameda County, claims that dietary changes help solve the problem are based on nothing. According to him, no scientific research confirming the effectiveness of dietary changes to reduce damage to the lawn. Ali Harivandi considers the most effective way to immediately flush urine with a large volume of water. Thus, the water will wash away the nitrogen and salts from the leaves. In this case, the time factor plays a key role - the sooner you water the place where the dog urinated, the better. True, from the point of view of convenience, this method does not seem the most attractive. Imagine yourself guarding your pet with a hose or a basin of water in your hands?

If you spend your precious time, it is better to train the dog, weaning it from leaving waste products where it is not needed. Select a specially designed place in your garden for this, lay it out with fine soil. Then, for several weeks, collect urine and feces from your pet and transfer them there. Take your dog to the garden on a leash and leave it there. When your dog defecates in this area, give him some treats as a reward. You may need to repeat these exercises for a month or even longer to achieve results, but the price of these efforts is your peace of mind and a beautiful garden.

Veterinarian Stacey Schat (Oregon State University Master Gardener in Columbia County) recommends installing low fences along the “no-go zone” that are more likely to act as a psychological barrier. Even low bushes can perform this function. In addition, densely plant beds with flowers - this will make them look less attractive to the dog. Lay a path along which it will be convenient for your pet to run and frolic, he will appreciate it. But Stacey Schat is convinced that all these measures will be useless if the owner does not spend time training the dog and this is important to learn: “If the dog remembers that the sofa does not have a “visit limit”, then he will think the same about your garden. A little training will go a long way, spend more time with your pet." she advises.

If the dog is not trainable, do not despair - perhaps you have not taken into account some personal characteristics of the dog. Christopher Enroth, Extension Educator, Horticulture Henderson/ Knox/ McDonough/ Warren Unit, shared his experience with two dogs. He arranged a special place in the garden, lined with wood mulch, and began to train his dogs. But Christopher achieved results with only one of them, and the second refused to succumb to training. “It's something about old dogs and new tricks. Dog owners will understand me,” he joked. But in the course of his experiments, Christopher found that the second dog prefers to defecate in a pile of fallen leaves - now it is hers. permanent place for these purposes.

It is helpful to regularly walk your dog in parks and other open spaces, which will reduce damage to your garden and at the same time give pleasure to both the owner and his pet.

Fences from wild dogs

Above, we have already mentioned low fences used as a psychological barrier. This method works for your pet, but if you want to get rid of the unwanted presence of neighbors or wild dogs, then in this case you need to install a large full-fledged fence.

Jeffrey S. Green, Assistant Regional Director at USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, Colorado, and Philip S. Gipson Unit Leader Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Kansas State University Manhattan recommend installing a mesh fence with barbed wire along the base to keep out wild dogs so that a wild dog does not try to dig a passage under the fence. The height of the fence must be at least 6 feet, otherwise the animal will try to jump over it. To increase the effect, run an electrically charged wire along the bottom and top of the fence, then the dog will certainly not attempt to dig under the fence or jump over it.

Fully electric fences have also proven to be practical. It is desirable that they have 12 alternating wires, in which case the fence is an effective deterrent against dogs. But electric fences have a number of disadvantages. First, it is necessary to regularly check whether the wires are sufficiently charged. Secondly, mice and bears can damage such structures. And thirdly, such fences are difficult to maintain in regions where there are blizzards.

However, Jeffrey S. Green and Philip S. Gipson consider building fences the best investment when it comes to keeping out wild dogs. Another option for dealing with wild dogs is to install cages with baits. However, by resorting to this method, you run the risk of being bitten by a wild dog and contracting rabies. In addition, puppies are most often caught in a cage, not adult dogs. If you are afraid of a wild dog attack outside your home, then wear special sound or visual devices to scare away dogs.

Comparison table of 8 methods and drugs for dogs

TOP 10 best dog repellents

We've rounded up 10 products to help you protect your shoes, including a cycling spray that the postal service has been using for 30 years, a spray can that hisses like a snake, state-of-the-art ultrasonic devices, and a device that emits incredible sounds. strong sound. To protect lawns, we offer products that affect the sense of smell and taste buds– in granules and in the form of a liquid, as well as a sprinkler that solves the problem of unwanted visits from neighbor dogs with water.

How to protect your shoes from a dog

Use Grannick's Bitter Apple spray, which contains bitter substances, water and 20% isopropyl alcohol. This composition is non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals, and at the same time effectively solves the problem of damaged dog shoes.

Very easy to use, all you have to do is spray on problem areas. At the same time, the drug is universal and can be applied not only to shoes, but also to furniture, as well as other items that you would like to protect from dog bites. You can also apply it on your hands, but in this case, the main thing is not to accidentally lick this substance, it really tastes vile.

But the product is not very popular among Amazon users: only 43% of them gave it five stars, while 17% rated it only one star. Buyers talk about the successful experience of using the drug: “They were chewing on my friend's shoes, so I sprayed it on the shoes. It was funny, they walked around the shoes, sniffed and couldn't figure out why they weren't no longer delicious – it worked,” writes one of the Amazon users.

But the disadvantage of the drug is the fragility of action, and if applied outdoors, in the garden, for example, then it will generally be useless. One owner of such a spray can writes: “It didn't damage painted surfaces, metal, plastic or wood, but to be honest, we wasted a product. Even at home it seems to lose its effect pretty quickly.”

Best dog repellants for cyclists

HALT Dog Repellent Spray

For personal protection against dog attacks, you can use HALT Spray with the active ingredient capsaicin, extracted from peppers. Judging by the fact that the drug has been used by the American Postal Service for 30 years, it has proven itself well. Approved product and users - 68% consider it the best.

The 4.9" tall bottle is easy to use and fits comfortably in your hand. The jet from the balloon will hit the target even if the dog is 12 feet away from you. Direct the jet not at animated objects or plants in the garden, but at an animal, because the dog must inhale the substance or it must get into her eyes. Otherwise, there will be no effect. However, the use of the drug requires precautions, in particular, make sure that the substance does not get into your eyes.

Another advantage of the product is that it does not have an expiration date. You can use it once, and then after a few years, it will still be functional. One Amazon user who had the unfortunate experience of being confronted by a pack of aggressive dogs came up with this verdict: “For dogs that don't really intend to kill your dog, this works really well. For a big dog that is used to pain and wants to fight, I think a pepper spray or a pepper gun would be the best choice."

Another product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector, is claimed by the manufacturer to be recommended by trainers and behaviorists around the world to avoid unwanted behavior by the dogs. Amazon users seem to like this product more than the previous one - 73% gave it five stars.

When pressed, compressed gas is released from the can, creating a hissing sound. Such a sound is emitted by snakes or geese to scare away a predator, and domestic animals are instinctively frightened of him. But, as with the previous product, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector is not effective against wild or aggressive dogs.

The drug is odorless and safe, and as a bonus you will receive detailed instructions for dog training. Judging by customer reviews, this product is really only suitable for training your own dogs.

Hoont Electronic Ultrasonic Handheld Dog Repellent and Trainer with LED Flashlight for a lower price will not only help to wean your dog from unwanted behavior, barking, but will also scare away aggressive dogs - at least that's what the manufacturer claims. This device emits high-pitched ultrasound, which is not perceived by the human ear, but it is extremely annoying to dogs.

Hoont is positioned by the manufacturer as "the most humane way to scare away aggressive dogs." It is completely safe and operates at a great distance - up to 50 feet. The device is compact and fits in a pocket, which is especially convenient for cyclists.

However, judging by the reviews of Amazon users, this device does not guarantee the result. One disappointed customer writes: “I would say that it is not very powerful if the dog or cat is not sensitive. My dog ​​just ignores it and neighbor dog Same".

It emits ultrasound, which is perceived only by dogs and stops barking. The device operates at a distance of up to 15 feet.

The manufacturer also recommends using it when training your own dog. But there are buyers who have a different opinion: “This only works well if your dog is already trained. If she is stubborn from the word “in general”, it’s all useless”,- says one owner of the goods. And here is what a specialist from the canine center says: “It doesn't work without consistent use and basic training principles. You can't just point it at a dog while it's barking and expect it to become quiet after repeated applications; many of them become accustomed to ultrasound, and it no longer has any effect on them.”

Only 41% of users gave the product five stars, while 24% gave it the lowest rating.

Another product, DOG HORN, also makes an unpleasant sound for the dog. Useful when training pets and scaring away wild animals, for example, when you are in nature. Recommended by trainers and veterinarians.

The device makes a sound when a special button is pressed, but the problem with this product is that people also hear its sound. The sound is strong enough that even neighbors can hear it. True, the device has several modes, and when you quickly press the button, the outgoing sound will be more like a whistle.

Users are satisfied with the result - 60% of them gave DOG HORN the maximum rating. “It's the first thing I use when someone approaches me. strange dog. For now, that's all I need. It also stopped my dog ​​from reacting to another dog. Stops aggression and no one gets hurt... win-win! ",- writes one of the buyers.

Price: ~$8.99

How to protect your lawn from dogs

Havahart Critter Ridder 3146 Animal Repellent, 5-Pounds Granular Shaker based on natural ingredients and repels dogs through taste and smell. The composition of the drug includes black pepper, piperine and capsaicin. This product is a good cost savings, because designed not only for dogs, but also cats, squirrels, skunks, raccoons.

Used outside the home - in the garden, on the lawn, around the flower bed, ornamental plants, trees. It can also be used indoors, for example, in warehouses. According to the manufacturer, the substance is resistant to rain and covers an area of ​​300 square feet, and after the first application, the drug lasts up to 30 days.

But users rated this product low, only 24% gave it five stars, while 40% rated it one star. “I tried it on purpose to disturb the dogs. I scattered it as instructed...it didn't rain...and within 24 hours the dogs (thanks to their irresponsible owners as well) left a notice that the Critter Ridder was out of service,” writes one Amazon buyer. In addition, buyers do not confirm the manufacturer's claims that the product is resistant to rain.

Price: ~$25.92

No more popular with another product designed to protect lawns from dogs, Ortho Dog and Cat B Gon Dog and Cat Repellent Granules, 2-Pound. Only 23% of users gave it five stars, while 43% rated it one star. This product is much cheaper than the previous one, almost twice, but this is due to the smaller amount of content.

Active substances- geraniol, castor and mint oils. Unlike Havahart Critter Ridder, it only works against dogs and cats, but the coverage area is much higher - 1,400 sq. ft. Applied by spray on the soil in the garden, and the unpleasant smell for dogs and cats will keep these animals away from the “no-go areas”. When applying to the soil next to edible plants, make sure that the substance does not come into contact with their leaves.

Buyer writes: “I bought it to keep the cats from the neighborhood from marking our yard and teasing our dogs. Nothing. An absolute waste of money. I received a refund from Amazon.” The manufacturer of the product, in response to this comment, suggested that the problem could be heavy rains, which reduced the effect of the repellent. Therefore, be careful, during the rain the product can be washed off and then it will definitely be a 100% loss of funds.

Price: ~$15.61

Got exactly the same scores. Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use, based on natural vegetable oils. Designed to be applied to lawns, gardens, flower clubs to keep dogs and cats from digging and ruining plants.

According to buyers, the drug has an unpleasant odor that remains on the hands, and therefore it is better to apply it with gloves. Judging by the responses of Amazon users, the effectiveness of this drug is very doubtful: “It doesn't work as promised. I thought, ok, maybe I should spray it more often, but it still didn't work. I tried spraying this with a commercial large sprayer but the same came out.”- writes one of them.

Price: ~$36.48

As you can see, all ready-made repellents are given fairly low ratings by buyers, although scientists say that all these ingredients should theoretically scare away dogs. But in practice it doesn't work. Perhaps because of the rains, perhaps because of the low concentration. So let's look further, can technology help us?

Received more approval from Amazon buyers: 54% gave it five stars, despite the fact that it costs less. The device emits an ultrasonic signal that repels dogs, cats, wild bears, mice and birds - good protection for your garden. Energy efficient, solar powered. According to the manufacturer, it can work at any time of the year in any weather.

The built-in sensor detects movement and automatically generates ultrasound, which a person cannot hear, but scares away animals. Easily installed in the ground or hung on the wall.

Users agreed that the device is really effective: “I don't usually write reviews, this is an exception. Place two devices in the garden next to the new lawn. In a couple of days there will be no more animals. I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone.”- one of the owners of the goods shares his experience. Among the shortcomings indicate the fact that it is necessary to change the batteries every three to four months.

Price: ~$19.99

We continue to communicate with technology. This time consider at a price three times higher. The device has day and night modes, rotates 120 degrees. When an animal approaches, the sprinkler activates and starts spraying the object with water.

Thanks to special technology, optimal water consumption and battery savings are provided, which is important, because water overrun will cost you a considerable amount when paying bills.

55% of users gave the highest rating to the product: “Looks like it's working OK. The water hit two local dogs and they no longer walk in circles, as before. They literally try to avoid the sprinkler when they see it.”- writes one of the buyers.

Price: ~$60.40

Comparison table of the best dog repellants and repellers