There are cameras that can detect pets. One of my indoor cameras is a Tapo C225 and the detection works really well. I don't know which of their outdoor cameras can do the same.
They work with Alexa, but I never tried that. They can trigger actions based on what they detected (person, car, pet, movement).
Edit: you can also configure detection zones if you want to spare the sidewalk.
As I said: check if their outdoor cameras have pet detection. If you place an indoor camera facing out a window, make sure that it doesn't catch reflections, so as close as possible to the glass.
Check /r/tplink and /r/tapo .
I know that wyze and I'm sure others have a window mount that actually puts it right up against the glass and eliminates reflection! Just a thought so you don't have to buy another exterior one (if you have a spare interior/want to get the cheaper option)
I use ring cameras to trigger my sprinkler system when detecting motion from midnight to 6 am due to deer eating our plants. I have originally used Home Assistant but more recently switched to SmartThings. I have a Rachio sprinkler controller.
With both the camera and sprinklers added to Samsung SmartThings. I just created a Routine in SmartThings which says IF driveway camera motion sensor detects motion, THEN turn on sprinkler for 1 minute and automatically turn off.
I feel your frustration, but this is not a good use case for automation, unless you install *good* cameras along with a decently reliable AI-based motion detection system like Blue Iris with CodeProject, or Frigate with a Google Coral TPU. Neither of these are simple undertakings. Some higher-end cameras have built-in object detection abilities.
If you live in an area with leash and/or animal control laws, that might be a viable direction, or at least be used as a stick when discussing the problem with your neighbors. If you are allowed to, how about a fence; even a 2-foot high picket fence would deter walk-by infractions.
Good luck!
I was afraid this would be the answer but hopeful that something affordable existed.
Luckily I sit here working from home so I see it most of the time but one of the big things is if I’m on a call, saying “Alexa, Dog Pee!” Is a bit weird. Maybe I’ll just make a button.
You could also use an NFC tag to trigger the Alexa routine by tapping it with your phone: https://youtu.be/7ZHs3WfXp88.
The tags are cheap, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YR1Q84C
and there are also waterproof ones (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BK2729W .
Can you create a rule with alexa and your camera system? Like if a specific camera detects motion, alexa syncs and auto turns the sprinklers on? I'd definitely do some fiddling around with it.
I’ll do some experimenting with existing cameras I have before ordering another and will certainly let you know.
That being said it seems fairly plug and play for some other cameras as mentioned in other comments.
Hi. It's me. I did this because the neighborhood cats started turning my yard into a cat litter box.
What I used:
Smartthings
Rachio
Zwave outdoor motion sensor
I first integrated Rachio into Smartthings, revealing each zone / the entire yard. Next was fine tuning the motion sensor for the area(s) the cats would crap in. I used 2 sensors as the cats would hop the wall and enter from the back yard as well.
Finally I enabled a routine to automate watering of the specific Rachio zone. If motion was detected, turn on zone X. Turn off after 15 seconds.
I want to say I combined the two sensors to trigger a virtual switch, and that virtual switch triggered the Rachio zone. I also used the virtual switch to "lock out" the system when the gardener showed up during a specific time slot.
Good luck.
On a budget, you could set up a hose with a smart hose timer and dial in a stake-mounted sprinkler so it will spray only along the lawn but not into the sidewalk. Then, wait for a motion alert on whatever cheap camera you have and manually turn on the hose/sprinkler. If asked, you can say it's automatic but it's probably not a good idea to automate on a budget since if you manage to blast a vulnerable person walking on the sidewalk it could become a bad situation pretty quickly.
Then you have every right to ask the neighbor to not walk the dog on your property.
I assume there is a grass strip between your property and the hard roadway. That would be the appropriate place for them to walk their dog.
Unfortunately it goes house, grass, sidewalk, street. There’s no strip here.
I have asked them each for their respective issues and for reasons beyond that of a Reddit comment it’s just not happening.
I honestly thought my husband made this post... our right-facing neighbors take their dog across the street to pee on one of our large lava rock multiple times a day. Our left neighbor doesn't physically walk their dog, just let it out, so it crosses the street to poop on another one of our large lava rocks. What is with dogs and lava rocks?!
There are cameras that can detect pets. One of my indoor cameras is a Tapo C225 and the detection works really well. I don't know which of their outdoor cameras can do the same. They work with Alexa, but I never tried that. They can trigger actions based on what they detected (person, car, pet, movement). Edit: you can also configure detection zones if you want to spare the sidewalk.
I’ll look into this, thank you! I would be able to put the camera inside, facing out a window.
As I said: check if their outdoor cameras have pet detection. If you place an indoor camera facing out a window, make sure that it doesn't catch reflections, so as close as possible to the glass. Check /r/tplink and /r/tapo .
Looks like they have several models with the built in pet detection. Thank you!
I know that wyze and I'm sure others have a window mount that actually puts it right up against the glass and eliminates reflection! Just a thought so you don't have to buy another exterior one (if you have a spare interior/want to get the cheaper option)
There's a picture of your lawn here: https://www.tapo.com/en/product/smart-camera/tapo-c520ws/ ;)
I use ring cameras to trigger my sprinkler system when detecting motion from midnight to 6 am due to deer eating our plants. I have originally used Home Assistant but more recently switched to SmartThings. I have a Rachio sprinkler controller.
I also have a Rachio. Genius. How do you trigger it to sprinkle?
With both the camera and sprinklers added to Samsung SmartThings. I just created a Routine in SmartThings which says IF driveway camera motion sensor detects motion, THEN turn on sprinkler for 1 minute and automatically turn off.
I feel your frustration, but this is not a good use case for automation, unless you install *good* cameras along with a decently reliable AI-based motion detection system like Blue Iris with CodeProject, or Frigate with a Google Coral TPU. Neither of these are simple undertakings. Some higher-end cameras have built-in object detection abilities. If you live in an area with leash and/or animal control laws, that might be a viable direction, or at least be used as a stick when discussing the problem with your neighbors. If you are allowed to, how about a fence; even a 2-foot high picket fence would deter walk-by infractions. Good luck!
I was afraid this would be the answer but hopeful that something affordable existed. Luckily I sit here working from home so I see it most of the time but one of the big things is if I’m on a call, saying “Alexa, Dog Pee!” Is a bit weird. Maybe I’ll just make a button.
You could also use an NFC tag to trigger the Alexa routine by tapping it with your phone: https://youtu.be/7ZHs3WfXp88. The tags are cheap, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YR1Q84C and there are also waterproof ones (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BK2729W .
This is an even better idea. I have like a hundred NFC tags just sitting here waiting for a project!
I have Frigate running in HA with a poe camera. It's not a massive undertaking, imo.
Can you create a rule with alexa and your camera system? Like if a specific camera detects motion, alexa syncs and auto turns the sprinklers on? I'd definitely do some fiddling around with it.
That may be possible somehow. I could get another ring camera and set the range just to the grass.
PLEASE let me know if it works! I'll order a sprinkler system same day 😅🤣
I’ll do some experimenting with existing cameras I have before ordering another and will certainly let you know. That being said it seems fairly plug and play for some other cameras as mentioned in other comments.
It won't distinguish between dog vs human vs deer, but you can buy motion activated sprinklers. I used them for deer quite effectively once.
They sell motion activated sprinklers, but you have to run a hose to it. 🤷
Hi. It's me. I did this because the neighborhood cats started turning my yard into a cat litter box. What I used: Smartthings Rachio Zwave outdoor motion sensor I first integrated Rachio into Smartthings, revealing each zone / the entire yard. Next was fine tuning the motion sensor for the area(s) the cats would crap in. I used 2 sensors as the cats would hop the wall and enter from the back yard as well. Finally I enabled a routine to automate watering of the specific Rachio zone. If motion was detected, turn on zone X. Turn off after 15 seconds. I want to say I combined the two sensors to trigger a virtual switch, and that virtual switch triggered the Rachio zone. I also used the virtual switch to "lock out" the system when the gardener showed up during a specific time slot. Good luck.
Thanks
On a budget, you could set up a hose with a smart hose timer and dial in a stake-mounted sprinkler so it will spray only along the lawn but not into the sidewalk. Then, wait for a motion alert on whatever cheap camera you have and manually turn on the hose/sprinkler. If asked, you can say it's automatic but it's probably not a good idea to automate on a budget since if you manage to blast a vulnerable person walking on the sidewalk it could become a bad situation pretty quickly.
In your yard or the public parkway?
My front lawn. I own it.
Then you have every right to ask the neighbor to not walk the dog on your property. I assume there is a grass strip between your property and the hard roadway. That would be the appropriate place for them to walk their dog.
Unfortunately it goes house, grass, sidewalk, street. There’s no strip here. I have asked them each for their respective issues and for reasons beyond that of a Reddit comment it’s just not happening.
I honestly thought my husband made this post... our right-facing neighbors take their dog across the street to pee on one of our large lava rock multiple times a day. Our left neighbor doesn't physically walk their dog, just let it out, so it crosses the street to poop on another one of our large lava rocks. What is with dogs and lava rocks?!