Scots living in the hugely popular city apparently like to have a good snoop on their neighbour’s furry friend
April marks National Pet Month, a time to celebrate our furry friends. Scotland is a nation of dog lovers, where owners go above and beyond to make sure their pooches are loved, well cared for, and enjoy good walks.
However, it turns out dogs are, bizarrely also a leading cause of neighbourly snooping, a recent survey from curtain specialists, Hillarys, has discovered.
Seven per cent – that’s 4.7 million Brits – admit to watching their neighbours to ensure their pets don’t stray into the gardens or lawns. And Scotland is not immune to the nosey parker problem.
While London leads the pack, with four out of 10 (3.4 million) residents confessing to spying on neighbours’ pets, and Birmingham in second place, Edinburgh ranks in the top 10 list of residents who like to have a snoop.
More than 10,000 people in the Scottish capital are having a peek into their neighbour’s outdoor space to make sure their pets don’t wander cheekily into theirs.
But whether it’s a wandering dog or a curious cat, keeping pets from straying onto your lawn requires a mix of training, deterrents and secure boundaries.
Thankfully, pet behaviour experts have waded in to share tips on how to keep curious pets and nosy neighbours under control.
Establish clear boundaries for your pets
Terry Cuyler, Certified Dog Trainer & Owner of Pawsprof.co, stresses the importance of training to stop dogs from trying to escape their quarters.
“Dogs don’t run away just to cause trouble,” he explained. “They roam because they’re bored, spot something exciting, or don’t understand their boundaries. That’s why training is essential, even with a fence.
“Teaching your dog their limits by walking them along the lawn’s perimeter, reinforcing recall commands, and keeping them mentally engaged with puzzle toys and training games can make all the difference.
“A well-exercised dog is far less likely to look for adventure elsewhere. Even with great training, secure fences, patched-up holes, and supervised outdoor time help keep determined explorers safe.
“No matter the breed, consistency and clear boundaries lead to success, keeping your dog safe, happy, and out of the neighbour’s flower bed!”
Secure your garden
If neighbouring pets frequently wander into your garden, various strategies can help. Physical barriers such as strengthening fences, adding roller bars or installing inward-tilting panels can prevent cats from climbing over.
Scent-based repellents are also advised. Pets dislike strong scents like citrus peels, coffee grounds, and vinegar. Sprinkling these around entry points can help.
Thirdly, motion-activated deterrents such as ultrasonic devices, sprinklers or lights can discourage pets from entering without harming them. Cats are legally free to roam in the UK, so deterrents should always be safe.
Be a good neighbour
If a neighbour’s pet frequently visits your garden, a friendly chat can go a long way. Many pet owners may not realise their animal is straying. Working together can help find a solution that keeps your lawn and their pet safe.
“Good neighbourly communication with the homeowner is key,” said Eunice Arauz , Owner of Pets Avenue, said. “Use open-ended dialogue without angrily approaching them, and focus on discussing what can be done.
“You can start by having a conversation and suggesting options that could benefit both of you. A friendly tone can go a long way, and sharing feasible ideas is always a good move. For example, you could suggest low fencing, moving plants, or even planting lavender, rosemary, or other plants that pets generally don’t like.”
Rank
City
% of residents spying on pets on lawns
Number of people spying on pets on lawns
1
London
38%
3,400,000
2
Birmingham
13%
148,850
3
Manchester
9%
49,674
4
Leeds
7%
57,573
=5
Liverpool
5%
24,838
=5
Cardiff
5%
18,115
=5
Southampton
5%
12,445
=8
Belfast
4%
13,920
=8
Bristol
4%
19,320
=8
Plymouth
4%
10,588
=10
Edinburgh
2%
10,299
=10
Newcastle
2%
6,004
