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Let’s face it—picking up dog poop just stinks. Unfortunately, while no one likes to do it, in most places it’s got to be done.
Dog poop is not only messy and stinky, but it’s also becoming a huge headache that’s affecting the quality of life in a lot of big cities. And unlike what Jason Segel’s character believes in I Love You, Man, it’s bad for the environment, adding the kind of nutrients, “that, when washed down storm drains into streams and the ocean, fuel toxic algae blooms that suck up oxygen and turn coastal habitats into dead zones,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
So, after your dog does her duty, it’s time to do yours. But of the range of methods, styles, and tools available to help, how to choose?
This article will focus on the convenient pooper scooper, a device that can come in handy for a variety of pet owners and circumstances when you consider the following:
- A hard-working pooper scooper is a great barrier for pet owners who might be squeamish about getting too close to their dog’s doo-doo
- They’re great for dog moms and dads with back problems, and those with difficulty bending over
- They’re ultra-convenient yard tools if you have a large fenced property where your pup has a lot of room to roam, but that you need to regularly, and efficiently, keep clean
With dog doo on the brain, we researched a crapload of highly-rated pooper scoopers on the market, reviewed some in the video below, and compiled the results for you in this handy list.
The 13 Best Pooper Scoopers
1. Petmate Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
This classic rake-and-bin pooper scooper has a large-capacity, rotating receptacle, ideal for families with multiple pets or big dogs. The bin and rake snap together for convenient, hanging storage, and the bin’s handle is extendable, too, for better maneuverability.
What we like about it:
- Sturdy swivel design with extendable handle for easy clean-up
- Rake and bin snap together for convenient storage when not in use
- Includes two Arm & Hammer baking soda-activated liners; scooper can be used with or without
2. Nature’s Miracle Jaw Scoop For Pet Waste Pick Up
From the makers of the popular Nature’s Miracle enzyme cleaner comes this heavy-duty pooper scooper. Lightweight, non-stick plastic construction is easy to wield around the yard, and spring-loaded jaws capture your load quickly and efficiently.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Spring-loaded jaws capture your pet’s entire poo
- Easy to clean, non-stick plastic design
3. DogBuddy Pooper Scooper (Verified Review)
The Dog Buddy is perhaps the most portable option on this list—it’s only slightly larger than a tennis ball. To use the Dog Buddy, you pop out the interior silicone scoop, fit a poop bag over the device, and then push the bag in towards the scoop to create a depression. (You’re basically replacing your poop bag-covered hand with this device). Collect and capture your dog’s doo, then tie the bag and you’re all cleaned up.
What we like about it:
- Small and portable, this scooper attaches to a leash with a carabiner
- Extendable scoop for heavy loads
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
4. Super Scooper Dog Waste Pickup Tool (Verified Review)
The Super Scooper is a jaw-design pooper scooper with spiky teeth that grab your pup’s “business.” This tool is best for medium to large dogs with consistently firm poos—otherwise the waste will slip right through the teeth.
What we like about it:
- Sharp prongs allow you to grab waste firmly
- 3-foot-long handle prevents user from bending
- Easy to use and handle, made from lightweight, non-corroding aluminum
5. Just Run Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags (Verified Review)
Just Run’s device is comprised of three wooden dowels that hold open the bag like a small paper teepee. From there, pet owners can use a small cardboard “scooper” that is used to rake the poo into the paper bag. There are 140 of these “sets”—1 bag, 3 dowels, and 1 scooper—included in one order, although several reviewers, including our very own Amber, have struggled with how to tie off after you’ve picked up the poop.
What we like about it:
- 140 sets included with one purchase
- Product is entirely eco-friendly
6. Dogit Jawz Waste Scoop
If rakes, like vacuums, freak out your pup and you’re looking for another poop pick-up tool, this product may be your answer. By squeezing the handle, two calibrated springs open the serrated jaws to pick up the mess. Once released, the jaws secure the waste inside for easy transport to a waiting bucket or pail.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Easy to grip ergonomic handle
- Serrated jaw edges are designed to pick up complete messes
7. Four Paws Grass Wire Rake Dog Scooper
This wide-toothed rake is ideal for dog owners who are especially concerned about their landscaping. The wide-spaced prongs remove waste without ripping out grass or displacing gravel, and its lightweight, simple design is straightforward to use.
What we like about it:
- Ergonomic rubber grip
- Coated metal wire is rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
8. Four Paws Sanitary Dog Pooper Scooper
If you’ve found the traditional rake or jaws style of other scoopers to be too tough on your yard or landscaping, this strange-looking contraption, affixed with two wide steel spades instead, provides for more gentle scooping.
What we like about it:
- Aluminum scoops that can be easily hosed off
- Hanging loop for storage
- Easy to use design similar to traditional scoopers
9. Non-Breakable Pooper Scooper for Dogs and Cats
While this scooper utilizes calibrated spring jaws like several other products on this list, it also folds in half to accommodate small storage spaces. Like the Dog Buddy, you can use it with or without a poop bag.
What we like about it:
- Folding design for convenient storage
- Made of sturdy, lightweight plastic
- Easy to pull handle
10. Nomad Pooper Scooper Set
This scooper’s easy-to-use jaw-style design features a non-stick plastic that’s easy to clean. The “set” includes a roll of 20 custom poop bags that fit over the scooper’s jaws and stay in place with a rubber band (though it can be used without the included bags, and once they’re gone, the scooper can accommodate most plastic bags).
What we like about it:
- 24-inch length keeps you from bending over
- Roll of poop bags and fitted rubber band included
- Simple, traditional jaw-like design
11. Solid Wood-Handled Metal Poop Tray with Rake
Simple, classic, effective. This pooper scooper’s lightweight design is easy to use and works well for dogs of any size. Treated wood dowels and rust-proof aluminum are built to withstand the elements and decay, and soft, thermoplastic grips are comfortable to handle. Reviewers consistently comment on its durability and ease of use.
What we like about it:
- Good for all surfaces, including kennels and yards
- Tray and rake snap together for convenient storage
- Long (36.75-inch) rake prevents user from needing to bend
12. Doody Digger Pooper Scooper (Verified Review)
This option is best for those with big yards because The Doody Digger is really big and not easy to store or tote around. To use the device, which looks similar to a leaf blower, scoop up the poop with the end and let it slid down through the tub into the bag attached at the back.
What we like about it:
- Good option for large dogs with solid-consistency poos
- Can be cleaned with a hose
- Easy to detach and tie off bag
13. NACOCO Dog Poop Collector Piqapoo (Verified Review)
The Piqapoo is a silicone tail clip with an attached bag that fits right under your dog’s bum. While this design works for tailed dogs, for dogs without tails—like Boston Terriers—it’s a no-go.
For dogs with tails, once clipped on, they poop into the bag and the business can be easily detached and disposed of from there. Our reviewer noted it seems to send a strong signal to dogs who use it; as soon as she clipped it on, her dog immediately pooped in it.
What we like about it:
- Hands-free design
- Small and portable
Further Reading
Pets are messy. Are you looking for other ideas or secrets to pick up after your dog?
