Has anyone tried using coffee grounds to keep dogs away from the garden? I’ve heard it can be an effective deterrent.
I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to use coffee grounds around pets. Wouldn’t it be harmful if they ingested it?
Coffee grounds contain caffeine which isn’t great for dogs, but it’s mostly the strong smell that deters them. As long as they’re not eating it, should be fine.
I can vouch for coffee grounds! Been using them for months and noticed fewer paw prints and dug-up beds.
Interesting, gardenGal1975! Do you just sprinkle them around or is there a specific method you recommend?
As a vet, I would advise against using anything that could be harmful if ingested. Even if it’s not meant to be eaten, accidents can happen if dogs get curious.
I actually tried this and it didn’t keep my dog away at all. He just sniffed around it and then ignored it.
That’s Great！. I was hoping it would be a non-toxic way to protect my flower beds.
It probably depends on the dog. Some dogs might dislike the smell more than others.
I don’t think coffee grounds alone do the trick. You might need to combine them with other deterrents.
Absolutely! It’s all about using a combination of scents, textures, and tastes to deter dogs effectively.
I’ve read about using citrus peels along with coffee grounds. Dogs usually don’t like the citrus smell.
In my experience as a dog trainer, using scent as a deterrent is hit or miss. Some dogs are more sensitive or just don’t care.
Good point. Training and positive reinforcement to stay out of certain areas might be more reliable than using scents.
I’ve heard about coffee grounds repelling insects, but never dogs. 
I don’t know about dogs, but it did help in keeping ants away from my patio.
@gardenGal1975 I’ve had similar success! I mix used coffee grounds with crushed eggshells around my vegetable beds - deters dogs while adding nutrients to the soil."
The effectiveness varies by breed. Terriers and scent hounds seem less bothered by coffee smells than other dogs. Always supervise at first!
Has anyone tried coffee grounds combined with vinegar spray? I’ve found the double scent barrier works better than either method alone.
@q8EmmaDonovan makes a crucial point. Even if coffee grounds deter, the caffeine risk isn’t worth it. Try bitter apple spray instead - safe if licked.