My Pet World: Some humane ways to discourage community cats from your yard

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on May 17, 2023

Dear Cathy,

Your recent column mentioned dogs doing their business on private lawns. In it, you said, "If your pet really has to go on someone's property," or words to that effect. In my experience, there is never a time when a pet has to go on someone's lawn. I walked my dog for years in my neighborhood and never let her go on anyone's property. She stayed in the street, went there, or waited until we reached the public park about 400 yards away. Your advice is off-target.

Cleaning up your dog's pee is not an option, and when dozens of dogs have it on my lawn, it turns an attractive shade of brown. I prefer green. Having dogs mark their territory on my bushes is not polite either. What amazes me is that pet owners think this is fine, and nearly all dog walkers allow it, as if this is the norm.

Your column is influential, and your latest advice gives tacit permission for pet walkers to continue trespassing and allowing their dogs to pee and poo on my property. Excuse my accusation; I feel that you also may let your pet do this and, therefore, are reluctant to be hypocritical in advising others not to. Thanks for listening. Enjoy your column.

— Fred, Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Dear Fred,

I am unaware of giving anyone permission to walk their dog into a neighbor's yard. I have said that dogs can be trained to learn where and when they can relieve themselves, and I encourage pet parents to train their dogs to do so.

But I also have said sometimes things don't go as planned. My 13-year-old dog has more sudden “urges" than in his youth. If we have yet to make it to one of his permissible locations, it might mean he pees on the sidewalk or the street instead of grass, which is not popular with neighbors either.

This is a people problem, not a dog program, so my advice remains consistent. Train your dog to pee where and when you want, keep your dog out of your neighbor’s yards, and pick up after your dog in all circumstances. That’s the only way to be a good “dog” neighbor.

========

(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)