The problem with hot pepper and rat traps is that your child might get into them somehow. Signs and sprinklers sound good to me.
I have noticed that people let their dog lose at night to take a
leak. Are you sure it isn't a neighbor dog going "next door" to poop? My own dogs use to just go in next field where the lawn stopped. They don't like poooing in their own yard. If you could only catch the owner or the dog, than you would know for sure who it is. Fred, I have a bucketfull of Jalapenos I grew this year. I've made tons of Hot Pepper relish and Hot pepper jelly. My hands are still burning this morning and I don't dare touch anything I shouldn't eek I'll send it but I wouldn't want your baby feeling the effects even on your hands!! :eek grin