10 Best Pooper Scoopers in 2020
As much as a dog’s cuddles make us happy, cleaning their mess in the garden isn’t a fun task. Still, it is a necessary part of dog ownership and unless you are one of the lucky few who have toilet trained their pup, you’re going to need a pooper scooper.
Some of the better products can be taken anywhere so even if you are in the park or out for a run you don’t have to get near the mess. Using one of the best pooper scoopers is a more hygienic method of clean-up and some of them mean you don’t have to get too close. Leaving dog poop in your garden is not only bad for the environment but also your family so here are the ten best for you to make your garden a more pleasant place.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best Pooper Scoopers:
#10 Pik-a-poo 7 One-Handed Pooper Scooper
For your convenience, the clasp under the handle is great as it means you only need to use one hand when scooping poop. The grab design makes it easy to collect poop from edges and corners or short grass then tip it into a bag that you attach the rear of the device. It is best used with bigger bags so anything you pick up at the grocery store can be put to good use and they also allow you to collect more mess in one go. There is a flashlight attached making it easy to accurately pick up waste at night.
Pros: One hand pickup method
Works on all surfaces
Cons: Does not include batteries for flashlight
#9 Arm & Hammer 71036 Claw Scoop
This claw scoop extends to a big 27-inches which means you don’t have to bend down as far to pick up dog poop. The clasp design is great for lawns as it won’t tear up your grass every time you use it. You can use it with one hand so it is fine to take out with your dog but because of the smooth surface of the materials, it is easy to clean up meaning you can throw the waste straight into the trash at home.
Pros: 27-inch scoop keeps you away from the poop
Good on all surfaces
Cons: Only works on one mess at a time
#8 Woof & Paw Pooper Scooper Sturdy Metal Bin And Rake
The heavy-duty materials of this pooper scooper make it a great option for those with more than one dog as it will last. long time. It also looks good around the yard and has a massive 40″ adjustable range so you don’t have to work hard to pick up the mess. It can also be made compact to take anywhere and the large tray means multiple poops can be picked up saving a few trips to the bin and back. There are no flimsy parts and even the rake is even kind on grass, keeping your lawn looking healthy.
Pros: Up to 40″ height
Sturdy materials
Holds a lot of poop
Cons: Shovel can be a bit big for some people
#7 Four Paws Sanitary Dog Pooper Scooper
A simple design that is easy to use but best kept at home as it is made of sturdy materials and requires two hands to operate. The sanitary method of picking up after your dog keeps you at a comfortable distance and for a lot of people, won’t require you to bend down. It is great to use on hard surfaces and has a smooth design that is easy to clean. The rubber handles are comfortable and it is a useful pooper scooper to keep at home as you can scoop them straight into the trash.
Pros: Good on hard surfaces
Keeps you away from the mess
Cons: Requires two hands to operate
#6 GoGo Stik, The Totally Clean Pooper Scooper
Available in different sizes, this convenient pooper scooper keeps you at a comfortable distance so the odour does not become overpowering. When you attach the bag over the claw, you, nor the device has to come into contact with the poop. Instead, it scoops under the mess and only the bag ever comes touches it. You can pick up multiple piles in one go which saves money on bags and comes with 10 free bags to get you started. In the price range, it is great value as the quality materials are built to last. The adjustable handle can get up to a massive 36″ in height so you barely have to move to pick up after your dog.
Pros: Comes with 10 free bags
Keeps you away from the mess
Good for picking up multiple piles in one go
Cons: Still have to get rid of the bags
#5 Bodhi Dog Long Handle Pooper Scooper Pack
This comes with everything you need to keep your lawn clean and comes in 3 sizes to suit your dog’s breed. It is easy to take from place to place and comes with bags you can attach onto the scoop to make clean up even easier, enabling you to take it to the park. It also comes with a bag holder that can attach to the lead and makes sure you are never found wanting when the time comes. It is 24″ tall which is longer than most and means you don’t have to stretch too far, and you are always a comfortable distance so the odour isn’t as strong. The teeth pattern allows grass to fall out the bottom and with thousands of satisfied customers, Bodhi Dog must be doing something right.
Pros: 24″ tall pooper scooper
Comes with bags and bag holder
Cons: Can be better without the plastic bags
#4 Petmate 71034 Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
An excellent value pooper scooper that makes light work of heavy loads as the bucket can hold more than a few days worth of poop. It can be used with or without the attachable bag but obviously, clean up is a lot easier when you fold the bag around the bucket before hitting the garden. The bin swivels which makes it easy to find the right angle and the rake is convenient for letting grass and gravel pass through so you don’t end up throwing it away as well. The rake and bucket snap together making it easier to store them when you’re done.
Pros: Holds a lot of poop
Can attach bags
Compact when stored
Cons: Swivel design makes it harder to throw in the trash
#3 Spotty Solid Wood Handled Metal Poop Tray with Rake
The long 36.75″ height means you can keep a comfortable distance from the poop and keeps hygiene levels up. The solid decay-free wood adds a level of quality and looks good in your garage. The aluminium scoop is large enough to hold several days worth of poop and is easy to clean thanks to its smooth surface. The rake and tray snap together so they can be stored easily and despite the durable materials, it is lightweight and easy to move around your yard.
Pros: Materials are of a high quality
Can hold several days worth of poop
Easy to store
Cons: Can be hard to get the label off before using
#2 DogBuddy Pooper Scooper
For a pooper scooper you can take anywhere, DogBuddy has added the convenience of a product that attaches to the lead and is lightweight but prevents you from having to touch the mess yourself. This product represents a hygienic method of cleaning up after your dog when you’re in public, and the class like jaws shut tight when you scoop the poop which means less mess. The back expands to hold more if necessary and there is even a slit where you can grab a bag on the go. It works on any surface and allows you to get the poop into a bag without having to get too close.
Pros: Hooks onto a leash
Compact
Hygienic
Works on any surface
Cons: Not as good for multiple clean ups at the same time
#1 Nature’s Miracle Non-Stick Advanced Jaw Scoop For Pet Waste Pick Up
This is the best pooper scooper as not only does it keep you far away from the poop that you can breathe, but it covers the mess as you pick it up to block odour. Whatever surface you find the waste on, this scoop makes it easy to grab it so you can move on to the next one. With non-stick coating it is easy to clean with 30 years in the business, Nature’s Miracle knows a thing or two about making effective products in this niche. You only need one free hand to use it just lift the second handle in your grasp to open and release to close. It is large enough to clean up after big breeds and durable so it will last a long time.
Pros: Made from sturdy materials
Keeps you away from the mess
Can be used on any surface
Easy to clean
Cons: Not as good on wet poop
More products also worth checking out:
Pooper Scooper Buyer’s Guide
The most thankless of thankless tasks, scooping the poop of your beloved dog is not something anyone wants to be doing. Still, a pooper scooper can make it much easier when you purchase a quality product. This is why it is so important to get this purchase right, and knowing what the better products are capable of is the first place to start.
Because of this, we have created the following buyer’s guide so you can make an informed decision to make cleaning up after your pooch easier.
What To Look For In A Pooper Scooper
Long Handle
Ok, first things first, most of us want to be able to keep a comfortable distance from the poop and a long handle makes this possible. By staying as far away as possible, you do not experience the odor quite so much and can move onto the next one without having to strain your back.
Type
There are two main types of pooper scooper and these include the clamp style products with a jaw that collects the waste and the rake style with bin compartment. Some of the clamp style products can be used one-handed with a handle that is squeezed to open the clamp before releasing it to close. A rake style with bin compartment tends to hold more but both are practical and this is generally the first consideration.
Weight
This will be down to the style and materials used as some products are heavy and made to last whereas others use plastic predominantly and are easier to maneuver. If you have a large yard to move around, a lighter product might be better suited, especially if you experience back pain.
Quality Handles
The grip isn’t massively important as they don’t generally slip out of the user’s hand, but comfort is important. A rubber handle can make them comfortable to hold and if it is adjustable ten even better as it makes collecting the waste a lot easier.
Capacity
Anyone who leaves the scooping until the end of the week or longer will appreciate a larger capacity. The tray bin type system needs to have plenty of room in this case. Some scoop the contents directly into a convenient bag, but only if it doesn’t need to be changed several times in one cleaning session.
Easy To Clean
When the scooping is done, the best way to prolong the lifespan of a pooper scooper is with a little maintenance. Usually, this can involve hosing the areas that come into contact with the ground to clean them off just make sure the materials have some sort of coating that protects the working parts.
Why Use A Pooper Scooper?
To Prevent Illness
Because all faces contain millions of harmful bacteria and parasites, it is always best to dispose of it safely and responsibly. Keeping the process smooth so you do not have to come into contact with the poop is going to help to stop contamination. We recommend washing your hands after using a pooper scooper, even if you haven’t directly touched the waste as you can never be too safe.
Gets Rid Of Flies And Bugs
When you allow a build-up of dog waste to mount up around your yard, expect flies and the likes to be a more frequent sight. Once they have landed on poop, they may land on your children or food if you are eating outside, so using a pooper scooper to try and prevent this is a good idea.
A Clean Yard
The same applies to its removal and the benefits to other household members, particularly children. This is why it is important to maintain a clean yard. It can be quite distressing for a child to step in dog waste, and some are too young to know to avoid them.
Makes You A Responsible Pet Owner
Leaving poop around the yard just isn’t responsible full stop, and it is also unpleasant for your dog. By removing it safely and responsibly it shows that you know how to take care of a dog properly. Your neighbor will thank you as the scent can travel, especially if there is a build-up of stools near the fence.
Better For Your Dog
Kids love to play in a yard, but so do dogs. If there are stools left around, there is always the chance that they or a visiting dog will spend too much time around the poop out of curiosity.
They Are Hygienic
By reducing the likelihood that you will come into contact with dog waste, it makes for a more pleasant and hygienic clean up. Although it is always prudent to wash your hands after, it is less likely that any contamination as the result of coming into contact with the feces will occur.
How Much Does A Pooper Scooper Cost?
Although these devices make life a lot easier, don’t expect them to cost a lot. Most of the high-end products stop around the $50 mark and there are plenty of. reputable products available for $15 and above. The bigger the budget, the more likely it is that you will get a product with a larger capacity and a comfortable, adjustable handle that opens and closes the tray.
Can Dog Poop Go Directly Into My Trash?
The rules will be different depending on the area you live so it is always best to check with local laws before you start disposing of the poop in your trash. It is usually down to the rules of the landfill which will often state that such waste is not allowed. If it is permitted, check if there are other regulations related to the method of disposing of it in the trash.
It Dog Poop Bad For The Environment?
Comparatively, dog poop isn’t as bad as other nasties such as certain chemicals but it does produce methane which is one of the reasons certain landfills are against the dumping of any feces. Then there is the plastic waste that comes with its disposal so any recycled plastic might help to make the environmental impact less severe.
