We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Dog Repellents 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mace Dog Repellent Spray - 2-Pack Dog Deterrent & Self Defense Spray, 14g, 10 Feet Range, Max Strength 10% OC Canine Safe Formula, Flip Top Safety Cap, Adjustable Hand Strap

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Coverage Area
Ease of Use
Safety

Most important from
4196 reviews

Coverage Area
Delivers effective protection with a reach of up to 30 feet, providing a strong deterrent against aggressive dogs.
Ease of Use
The included holster and flip-top safety cap make it easy to carry securely and prevent accidental sprays during outdoor activities.
Safety
Powerful enough to stop an aggressive dog quickly without causing lasting harm, making it a humane and reliable defense tool.

The Mace Dog Repellent Spray comes in a convenient 2-pack, offering effective protection against aggressive dogs from up to 10 feet away. It uses a 10% Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) formula, which is strong enough to deter dogs without causing lasting harm, making it a humane choice. The spray is designed with active users in mind, featuring an adjustable hand strap for a secure grip during activities like jogging or walking. A flip-top safety cap helps prevent accidental sprays while allowing quick use during emergencies.

The included keychain clasp makes it easy to carry the spray on your keys or bag, so it’s always within reach. The compact size (0.49 oz per canister) is easy to handle but might require multiple uses or refills for frequent use. It’s best suited for those who want a reliable, portable deterrent for occasional encounters with aggressive dogs. If you need coverage for larger areas or longer-lasting protection, this spray might not be sufficient on its own.

This product strikes a good balance of safety, ease of use, and effectiveness, making it a practical choice for everyday personal defense against dogs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Coverage Area
Ease of Use
Safety

Most important from
4196 reviews

Coverage Area
Delivers effective protection with a reach of up to 30 feet, providing a strong deterrent against aggressive dogs.
Ease of Use
The included holster and flip-top safety cap make it easy to carry securely and prevent accidental sprays during outdoor activities.
Safety
Powerful enough to stop an aggressive dog quickly without causing lasting harm, making it a humane and reliable defense tool.
#2

PetSafe ScatMat Indoor Electric Training Mat for Cats & Dogs, Sofa, 60" x 12"

Rating
10.0
Type of Repellent
Coverage Area
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
3747 reviews

Type of Repellent
Multiple correction levels, including a warning tone, allow pets to learn quickly and eventually respond without needing the static correction.
Coverage Area
The mat’s placement can successfully block pets from entering restricted areas and prevent them from leaning or pounding on doors and gates.
Duration of Effectiveness
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
Ease of Use
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.

The PetSafe ScatMat is an indoor training mat designed to keep dogs and cats away from off-limit areas like couches, countertops, and doorways by delivering a harmless static correction when stepped on. It stands out with customizable correction levels—ranging from just a tone to low, medium, or high static shocks—making it adjustable for pets with different sensitivities. The mat covers a reasonably sized area (60" x 12"), which fits well for common household zones where pets might be unwanted. Its battery-operated controller has an easy-to-read display showing battery life and correction counts, helping you track usage and maintain it simply.

Safety is well-considered, with a timeout feature preventing continuous corrections and a tone-only option for more sensitive animals. It requires a 9-volt battery (not included), so there is some ongoing cost and maintenance. The static correction method might not suit all pets or owners who prefer non-electrical solutions. The mat is thin and clear, which helps it blend into home environments but might be less durable on heavy traffic floors.

This product is ideal for pet owners wanting a straightforward, adjustable indoor repellent that trains pets without sprays or chemicals. It is not suited for outdoor use or for those preferring scent- or spray-based repellents. Customer feedback is generally positive, with a good rating around 4.3 out of 5, suggesting it works well for most users. The product also comes with a one-year warranty and U.S.-based customer support, adding peace of mind.

Rating
10.0
Type of Repellent
Coverage Area
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
3747 reviews

Type of Repellent
Multiple correction levels, including a warning tone, allow pets to learn quickly and eventually respond without needing the static correction.
Coverage Area
The mat’s placement can successfully block pets from entering restricted areas and prevent them from leaning or pounding on doors and gates.
Duration of Effectiveness
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
Ease of Use
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
#3

Motion Activated Sprinklers for Yard - Effective Deer & Cat Repellent, Skunk Deterrent, Raccoon & Dog Repellent, Lawn Sprinkler System, Water Sprinkler for Lawn Protection

Rating
9.4
Type of Repellent
Active Ingredients
Coverage Area

Most important from
620 reviews

Type of Repellent
The motion-activated sprinkler delivers superior sensitivity and a wider detection range than competitors, effectively spraying animals even when they approach directly.
Active Ingredients
Its natural, water-based deterrent keeps raccoons and other yard pests away without using chemicals, making it safe for pets, children, and plants.
Coverage Area
The device’s rotating sprinkler head and adjustable sensitivity offer good coverage, but larger yards may need multiple units for full protection.
Duration of Effectiveness
The solar panel helps keep batteries charged, adding convenience and reducing maintenance.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward with a quick-connect hose fitting, though the assembly instructions can be unclear and require a bit of trial to get the sprinkler head attached correctly.
Safety
Operating only in a constant 'on' mode requires manual switching off to prevent unwanted spraying of children or neighbor’s pets.

This motion-activated sprinkler by TruRid is designed to keep dogs and other common yard animals like deer, cats, raccoons, and skunks away by using a burst of water triggered by movement. Instead of chemicals, it relies on a natural, water-based deterrent making it safe for pets, children, and plants. Its rotating sprinkler head offers good coverage for typical yard sizes, and the metal stake ensures stable placement in the ground. The device is easy to set up with a quick-connect hose fitting, and it runs on included AA batteries, adding to its convenience.

While it doubles as a lawn sprinkler, which can be helpful for irrigation, its effectiveness depends on the animal's sensitivity to water bursts, so persistent animals might get used to it over time. The product is unscented and chemical-free, which is a plus for those looking for a natural solution. However, it requires a connected water source and batteries, and it might not cover very large areas without repositioning.

For those wanting an eco-friendly, easy-to-use option to protect their yard from dogs and other wildlife, this sprinkler offers a solid alternative to sprays or sonic devices.

Rating
9.4
Type of Repellent
Active Ingredients
Coverage Area

Most important from
620 reviews

Type of Repellent
The motion-activated sprinkler delivers superior sensitivity and a wider detection range than competitors, effectively spraying animals even when they approach directly.
Active Ingredients
Its natural, water-based deterrent keeps raccoons and other yard pests away without using chemicals, making it safe for pets, children, and plants.
Coverage Area
The device’s rotating sprinkler head and adjustable sensitivity offer good coverage, but larger yards may need multiple units for full protection.
Duration of Effectiveness
The solar panel helps keep batteries charged, adding convenience and reducing maintenance.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward with a quick-connect hose fitting, though the assembly instructions can be unclear and require a bit of trial to get the sprinkler head attached correctly.
Safety
Operating only in a constant 'on' mode requires manual switching off to prevent unwanted spraying of children or neighbor’s pets.

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Repellents

Choosing the right dog repellent can be crucial for keeping unwanted dogs away from your property or ensuring your own dog's safety in certain situations. The key is to understand the different types of repellents available and how they work, so you can select the one that best fits your needs. Here are some important specifications to consider when choosing a dog repellent.
Type of RepellentDog repellents come in various forms, including sprays, granules, ultrasonic devices, and natural remedies. Sprays are easy to apply and can be used on specific areas, while granules are spread over larger areas and provide longer-lasting protection. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to dogs but inaudible to humans. Natural remedies often use ingredients like vinegar or citrus, which are safe but may be less effective. Choose the type based on the area you need to cover and your preference for chemical versus natural solutions.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in dog repellents determine their effectiveness. Chemical repellents often use ingredients like methyl nonyl ketone or capsaicin, which can be very effective but may cause irritation to pets and humans. Natural repellents use ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, or vinegar, which are safer but may need more frequent application. Consider the safety of the active ingredients, especially if you have pets or children, and balance it with the level of effectiveness you need.
Coverage AreaThe coverage area of a dog repellent indicates how much space it can protect. Sprays typically cover smaller, targeted areas, while granules and ultrasonic devices can cover larger spaces. For small gardens or specific spots, a spray might be sufficient. For larger yards or properties, granules or ultrasonic devices might be more appropriate. Assess the size of the area you need to protect and choose a repellent that can cover that space effectively.
Duration of EffectivenessThe duration of effectiveness refers to how long the repellent remains active after application. Sprays may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain, while granules can last several weeks. Ultrasonic devices provide continuous protection as long as they are powered. If you need a long-term solution, consider granules or ultrasonic devices. For short-term or occasional use, sprays might be more convenient.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially if you need to apply the repellent frequently. Sprays are generally easy to use and can be applied directly to specific areas. Granules require spreading over a larger area, which can be more labor-intensive. Ultrasonic devices need to be installed and powered, but they require minimal maintenance once set up. Consider how much effort you are willing to put into applying the repellent and choose one that fits your lifestyle.
SafetySafety is a crucial consideration, especially if you have pets, children, or sensitive plants. Chemical repellents can be effective but may pose risks if ingested or touched. Natural repellents are generally safer but may be less effective. Ultrasonic devices are safe for humans and most pets but may not be suitable for households with small animals like hamsters or guinea pigs. Evaluate the safety of the repellent based on your household and choose one that minimizes risks while providing the protection you need.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now