Though most people love dogs and cats, many find them to be bothersome at times. For example, ferociously barking, over-protective dogs are not viewed as cute and friendly. And most every neighborhood has some. On or off a leash, these dogs may attack passersby, trying to bite or jump on them. Both dogs and cats leave "deposits" in yards, sandboxes, gardens, etc. Cats are less likely to attack people but bird lovers don't appreciate them wandering into yards.more likely to tend to avoid such confrontation, but they are still classified as pests to many. Appealing to the animal owners before calling animal control might work, depending upon where you live and who the owners are. There are other methods to reduce problems with roaming animals including sonic and ultrasonic repellents and taste/odor repellent products.
To protect your yard, purchase ultrasonic animal repellers specific to cats or dogs or choose ones versatile to deal with groundhogs, rabbits and more. Positioned properly around the perimeter of your yard, these ultrasonic pest control devices can operate on either batteries or AC power. AC units can be set to operate continuously: others operate only when motion sensors are activated. Place repeller units such the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller, the Contech Cat Repeller, the Animal Away or the Yardgyard in bushes or attach to stakes, trees, fences, etc.
For protection against dogs when you are walking, biking, running or enjoying your backyard, use a handheld ultrasonic device tuned especially to a dog's hearing. The Dazer and Pet Agree operate on a single 9 volt battery and work best against aggressive or barking dogs. Having ears hurt discourages a dog from coming near you.
Use Critter Ridder, ShakeAway Small Animal Repeller or similar taste and odor repellers to make a perimeter barrier around your yard to discourage dog and cat (and other small animal trespassers. These are safe products, not poisons, that discourage animal trespassers.
As a last resort, after animal owners refuse to control their dogs and cats, also consider having the local animal control office send them a letter. Most communities have leash laws for both dogs and cats. Yes, there are some safe products, both for you and the animals, that can help control the problems of roaming and/or aggressive animals.
