Dear Mrs. O,

I can completely understand why this situation is frustrating, especially since it can be difficult for you to pick up after other people’s pets. While it’s wonderful that you don’t mind your neighbor’s dog using your side yard – (you already tolerate and are much more patient than the average homeowner), it’s definitely reasonable to ask that they clean up after their pet.

The best first step is to address the issue directly with your neighbor in a kind and non-confrontational way. You could approach them in person or leave a polite note explaining the situation. Let them know that while you appreciate their dog and don’t mind them using your yard, could they be a dear and pick up after them, especially since it’s physically challenging for you to do so. People often respond more positively when the request is framed as a favor, as it makes them more likely to cooperate.

In your conversation, you might say something like, “I really love seeing your dog enjoying the yard, but it’s becoming hard for me to clean up the waste. Would you mind helping me out by picking up after him? I would really appreciate it.” This type of message comes across as friendly and collaborative rather than accusatory, which can make a big difference in how people respond.

If you’re hesitant to approach your neighbor directly, or if the problem continues after you’ve spoken to them, another option is to post a friendly sign in your yard reminding all dog walkers to pick up after their pets. Sometimes people simply forget or aren’t aware that it’s an issue, so a gentle visual reminder can be helpful. There are many premade signs available that say things like, “Please pick up after your dog,” or you could create your own with a light-hearted message like, “My paws don’t pick up dog poop—please do it for me!”

If this problem affects other neighbors too, you might consider speaking to your neighborhood association (if you have one) or posting a general reminder in a neighborhood online group. Many communities use newsletters or apps, like Nextdoor, to encourage good pet-owner behavior. You could ask the association to send out a reminder about pet waste or even explore the option of adding dog waste stations with bag dispensers around the neighborhood. These stations serve as both a reminder and a convenient way for dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Lastly, if you still have trouble with neighbors not cleaning up after their dogs, and it’s causing significant problems (like health hazards or repeated offenses), many cities have ordinances in place requiring owners to pick up after their pets. You could report the issue to your local animal control or neighborhood services if it becomes a recurring problem. But my guess is your neighborly way of interacting with your neighbors will illicit a positive response and solve the issue.

Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, and columnist with more than 35 years in the field of animal welfare. If you are interested in her children’s books, please visit https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/. Send your pet questions to cathy@petpundit.com

Originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | Polite boundaries: Asking neighbors to scoop after their dogs