How To Tell Your Neighbours To Pick Up Their Dog Poop

As concerns grow about zoonoses and we hear how the wastes from our dogs can contribute enough bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorous to swimming, shellfishing, and the air we breathe, a lot of us are wondering what we can do to keep ourselves and our environment safe. The clear answer is that dog owners should pick up their dog poop.

Confronting people who allow their dogs to mess up our property can be incredibly frustrating, but there are respectful, impactful ways to discuss picking up dog poop with neighbours without alienating them or having the conversation descend into a screaming match.

We talked to several experts about how to have this conversation with your neighbours. Here’s what they suggested.

Before You Talk To Your Neighbours, Show Them The Evidence

Because dogs are drawn to the smell of one another, meaning that other pooches or even stray dogs can be responsible for the poop on your property, it’s important to make sure you’re armed with the evidence. Get a footage from the security camera, or draw the attention of your neighbour immediately when you notice that their dog is about to poop on your property.

Start The Conversation Respectfully

How you want to open the conversation is up to you. You can wait until their dogs poop before asking them to pick up or find a time when they're relaxed to ask if they’re open to having a discussion about it.

If your neighbours seem uninterested, let them know you're worried about the harmful pathogens the dog poop can harbour — including E. coli, Giardia and Salmonella and then leave the ball in their court.

If they are interested in the discussion, assume that they're unaware of what their dogs are doing and that you just wanted to inform them about it. If they agree to do something about it, end the conversation, but if they're unwilling, ask some open-ended questions to try to understand how they feel about the situation.

Hear Them Out, And Keep It Respectful

It can be really tempting to interrupt or talk over someone who has refused to pick up their dog poop—but don’t do it. Listen first, then speak.

Before you jump into the list of reasons why your neighbours should pick up their dog poop, pause and let them share their opinions. Try not to dismiss their opinions, but look at it in an unbiased and nonjudgmental way. No matter how rational or irrational you feel their reasoning is, it’s important to value these concerns to form a relationship of trust and respect.

Keep Your Tone Calm

Instead of threatening to report your neighbours to authorities, try to be neighbourly by avoiding bullying, guilt trips, and control. Threats can lead to feelings of disrespect, and when people feel disrespected, the last thing they want to do is cooperate with you.

Be Willing To Discuss With Your Neighbours Down The Line

There are some neighbours you will reach an agreement with the first time you raise concerns about their unwillingness to pick up their dog poop. However, many may require several conversations before changing their minds. Try to view the conversation as an opportunity to help them know the dangers of allowing their dog poop remain in the environment without proper disposal and don’t take it personally if they choose not to follow your advice. This leaves the door open so they feel comfortable coming back to you to continue the discussion.

And if you get to the point where your neighbours tell you they're ready to be picking up their dog poop, ask if they would like help setting up a designated area where their dogs can defaecate or train the dog to poop in one spot. Let them know you’re there to support them however they need.