Daijiworld Media Network - Gadag

Gadag, Aug 28: Imagine being able to chase away stray dogs—those that suddenly enter house premises, bark at odd hours, and cause nuisance—using nothing more than a bottle of water. Hard to believe? Yet, such an experiment has been successfully tried in several villages of Gadag, sparking curiosity and widespread discussion.

The surprising part is that no one knows why dogs run away after seeing these bottles. Even locals admit they have no explanation, but the results are evident. As the method has worked in villages, it is now being adopted in other areas as well. However, it remains uncertain whether this experiment will succeed in towns and cities where stray dogs are more numerous.

Veterinarians too are puzzled about why dogs avoid water-filled coloured bottles. Residents claim that dogs particularly fear red and yellow water bottles and have stopped coming near houses where they are kept.

As news of this spread, villagers in Hombal, Nagavi, Lingadal, Beladi, and nearby areas have also started adopting the method.

Stray dog attacks, especially on children and women, have been rising in many parts of Gadag and across Karnataka, leaving residents frustrated. But as the saying goes, “For one who knows the trick, danger is no threat.” For Gadag locals, this simple method has offered relief from the stray menace.

The method is simple: Fill red and yellow bottles halfway with water and place them near the house entrance or courtyard. Stray dogs, upon seeing the bottles, refuse to come closer. Even if they approach unknowingly, they quickly retreat once they notice them.

Initially tried by a handful of households, the success of this experiment has now encouraged many more families to adopt the technique.