DIY: Homemade Dog Repellent

Dogs have a knack for finding their way into places they should not be. Whether it is on the furniture, in your potted plants, near a smaller pet in a cage or around your garden, dog repellent is a sure way to keep them out. Dog repellents are sold in pet stores and online pet supply shops. However, you can make dog repellent with everyday items you may already have in your home. Make up any size batch you need simply and inexpensively, and use it to keep dogs away from your no-dog zones.

Cut up several oranges or lemons (or both). Sprinkle the chopped citrus bits around any areas of your yard you want dogs to avoid. Dogs hate the smell of citrus and stay away from it when possible.

Add 20 drops of citrus-scented essential oil to a spray bottle of water. Spray the mixture around any area of your home you want dogs to avoid.

Sprinkle chili powder into potted plants, onto areas of carpet in a no-dog zone, and around gardens or other areas of your yard to keep dogs out. The pepper in chili powder irritates a dog's nose, eyes and mouth so they avoid it. Never apply chili powder directly to your dog; it could harm it.

Soak several unbleached (the brown kind) coffee filters in distilled white vinegar. Lie flat on a cookie sheet and allow the filters to air dry. Once dry, shred the filters into slivers. Sprinkle the slivers into the grass in areas you want dogs to avoid, as they hate the strong smell of vinegar.

Combine one part rubbing alcohol to two parts water and spray around your home and yard to keep dogs away. Do not spray alcohol onto your plants, however, as it will severely damage them.