Dogs (Canis familiaris) – are domestic animals usually loved by humans but sometimes, especially stray dogs without shelter, can become a problem because they can cause property damage. Therefore, certain measures need to be taken in order to keep dogs away from the yard/property. 

Presence of dogs and interpreting signs

First, identify the areas that the stray dogs usually frequent and the type of damage they cause, and only after that choose an optimal method for removing them. Among the damage that dogs can cause to a certain property we mention: 

• Digging holes in the lawn/garden;
• Urinating on trees;
• Damaging garbage bags, as well as scattering garbage; 
• Aggressive behaviour towards other pets; 
• Consumption and degradation of certain plants/crops; 
• A depreciation of the lawn due to the fact that they repeatedly defecate on it 

Often, the main reasons why dogs are attracted to a certain property are the existence of a source of food, water or the presence of the smell of other dogs. Thus, it is important to take a series of measures, so that the space does not attract them in particular. 

Some of the measures that can be applied:

• Avoid feeding dogs or other wild animals on the property; 
• Remove water sources from the yard;
• Bring leftovers and drinks inside;
• Use sealed containers for garbage collection and storage. 

Dogs have very different behaviour and they respond to a certain type of stimulus. Therefore, for their removal/repulsion to be efficient, it is best to use multiple methods (repellents, traps).

How to use traps

For dogs in need, we recommend using special traps that allow you to catch them safely, without harming them in any way. Traps are often used to:

• Bring a lost animal home;
• Transport an abandoned dog to the vet;
• Save a dog from abandonment and/or a situation that may endanger it; 
• To facilitate the meeting of a lost dog with its owner.

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To effectively catch them, traps will be put in places that dogs frequent in search of food or near where they can hide.

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At the same time, baits will be used inside the trap. Dogs are attracted to chicken, beef, fish, as well as familiar things, which have the specific smell of the house they come from. Thus, it is advisable to use boneless, cooked dishes that do not spoil quickly, such as dog food, sardines, freshly cooked meat, etc. Besides choosing a suitable bait, an important aspect is its positioning in the trap.

The correct placement of the bait ensures:

• complete entanglement of the dog in the trap;
• it blocks the access of other animals from reaching from outside the trap;
• rapid triggering of the trap when the animal enters.

For the bait to meet and respect these criteria you must place it behind the trigger rod, towards the end of the trap, as far away from its walls as possible. It is recommended to wear gloves to avoid transferring the odour, as any traces of human odour can diminish the chances of catching the dog in the trap. 

Choosing bait and recommendations:

• Avoid feeding them bones, as they may rupture and cause internal injuries or there may be a risk of them drowning;
• Avoid using raw or uncooked meat, as it may damage or cause serious harm to the dog.
• Instead of using a larger piece of bait in the trap, it is advisable to use smaller pieces, scattered around / behind the trigger. This will keep the stray dog inside and increase the chances of it activating the trigger.

Placing the trap 

The perfect time of day is at dusk, when the chances are stray dogs leave their shelter and go in search of food. Do not place traps when there are extreme weather conditions, such as frost, heat, wind, rain or snow. Therefore, carefully place the trap in the open position. Always follow the specific instructions of the chosen trap. 

Trap monitoring

After being caught – if neglected the dog can quickly become agitated, thirsty/hungry and may be susceptible to attack by various predators. Therefore, it is essential to always monitor the trap and not leave a dog for too long inside the trap.

Capturing dogs

After stray dogs are captured, it is recommended to use protective gloves when handling the trap, and if possible, it is recommended to have another person available to help you with the transport. Cover the trap with a blanket, handle the trap with great care and keep the trap at the same level, and stable. If an abandoned dog is transported for a long period of time, make sure it has enough food and water.

Moreover:

• Before using a trap, make sure you understand and follow the legal provisions governing the capture of animals using traps; 
• Place the trap on a straight, flat surface. If it cannot be placed on a straight surface, it is advisable to place it on a wooden board. 
• Disarm the trap when you can’t monitor it. 

How to use dog repellents 

Use repellent products to keep dogs away from the property. Thus, after identifying the damaged areas and determining the habits they have in the yard, it is recommended to use a repellent appropriate to your requirements.

However, it is important to note that once a stray dog marks its territory or establishes a certain habit, it takes a longer period of time and perseverance, as well as the use of several repellent methods, to prevent it from returning. 

Depending on the product, the repellents may be liquid, in the form of granules or powder. They will be applied/used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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In addition to the regular application of repellents, certain measures are also very important, so that the respective space does not attract them in a special way. Respectively, it will be avoided to feed the dogs or other wild animals on the respective property, the water sources will be removed and at the same time, it is recommended to collect the garbage and keep it in sealed containers, feed the pets inside, etc.

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RECOMMENDED ULTRASOUND DEVICES:

They are special, portable devices with ultrasound that are used to remove dogs. These sounds are perceived only by dogs, being only easily perceived by humans. It is important to mention that these devices do not hurt the dogs, they only cause great discomfort, their reaction being to stop, and then withdraw from the respective perimeter. 

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In conclusion, when opting for the removal/expulsion of dogs, we recommend you choose the optimal methods (traps, repellents) and adapt to the given situation. Do not cause stray dogs or normal dogs any harm.