In a rush and just want my recommendation? I think the Pawler scooper is a great choice.
I’ve had dogs for just about as long as I can remember. That being said, my least favorite task, no matter how much I love my hounds, is cleaning up their waste.
Fortunately, pooper scoopers make everything so much easier. I’ve done the research, so let me show you the best scoopers in the business.
In this article, I’m reviewing the following pooper scoopers.
- Petmate Arm and Hammer Swivel Scooper
- PPOGOO Long Handle Scooper
- Pawler Bigger Dog Pooper Scooper
- Dogit Waste Scoop
- Upgraded Three Pack Pooper Scooper
5 Best Dog Pooper Scoopers reviewed
Petmate Arm and Hammer Swivel Scooper
While this particular model by Petmate is plastic, it’s still sturdy enough to be long-lasting. It swivels, giving more precision, but I also like that it extends, allowing me to adjust it to my height.
It also allows for a bag to put inside, making clean up of the scooper itself even easier. Both the rake and the scoop snap together, making storage easy too. Because it’s lightweight, I can keep this one hanging in my garage, completely out of the way until I need it.
Pros
- Sturdy, extendable handle
- Easy to clip bags on to hold them in place
- Simple to use
- Convenient to store
- The rake works well on different surfaces, from grass to gravel
Cons
- Grocery bags may not fit just right over the scoop
- The swivel bin is not large enough for multiple big dogs
- I will never prefer plastic over metal
- The screws can sometimes come loose
PPOGOO Long Handle Scooper
This version by PPOGOO is the true definition of a scooper. It acts like a claw grab and picks up the mess in your yard with just one squeeze.
With a single hand, you hold the handle and pull, scooping up whatever mess is there in your yard, whether it’s grass, gravel, or mud.
It’s plastic, but the springs are made from stainless steel, so they won’t give out on you quickly. However, I still do have to bend down when I use it because the reach isn’t fantastic.
Pros
- It’s fold-able, so it stores easily and doesn’t take up much space
- Easy to use with one hand
- Lightweight
- Can be used on all types of surfaces
- Tight seal on the scoop
Cons
- Can’t really use bags with it, so it has to be cleaned each time
- Made from plastic, albeit a sturdy plastic
- Has to be emptied after each scoop
- Has a short reach
Pawler Bigger Dog Pooper Scooper
Not all pooper scoopers are made equal when you have a large dog. With big dogs, you really want something that’s going to hold up, like a metal scoop like this.
It’s aluminum, so it’s strong but lightweight, making it easy to use. But the main value of this one is that it has a large bin. The adjustable length of the handle means I can get it to the perfect length, saving my back.
The rake is strong, meaning I can use it even on rough surfaces, like gravel. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and doesn’t need any extra tools.
Pros
- Really is the best size for big dogs
- Metal, sturdy and will last a long time
- Easy to assemble
- Both pieces snap together to make hanging storage easy
Cons
- Can’t use a bag, so you do have to clean it every time
- Can be difficult to hold if you have arthritis or other issues with grip
- The handle on the rake isn’t as sturdy as I would like
Dogit Waste Scoop
This is your standard scooper. It is made out of plastic, making it less sturdy than metal but also light. Like the previous scoop, you simply hold it by the handle and pull to grab the mess.
This model is precise, allowing you to grab just what you need to get. However, like the other model, I have to bend down to use it, so it’s not the best choice if you’re on the taller side.
Pros
- It’s lightweight, making it easy to use on the go
- Precise, so I don’t pull up grass as I grab
Cons
- Made out of plastic, so it won’t last as long as others
- Not big enough to handle large messes with one scoop
- The pins specifically are flimsy
Upgraded Three Pack Pooper Scooper
This is your standard scooper. It is made out of plastic, making it less sturdy than metal but also light. Like the previous scoop, you simply hold it by the handle and pull to grab the mess.
This model is precise, allowing you to grab exactly what you need to get. However, like the other model, I have to bend down to use it, so it’s not the best choice if you’re on the taller side.
Pros
- Nonstick metal, so it’s solid but easy to clean
- Long enough to keep my back happy
- Three pieces that mean I can clean up anywhere, from the kennel to the stone garden I have
- Rust-resistant aluminum, so cleaning with a hose is easy
Cons
- Can’t use a bag with this set
- Set up can be tricky
- The tray itself could be larger
Guide To Buying A Dog Poop Scooper
It’s important to clean up waste as quickly as possible. Not only does waste actually not provide any benefits to soil (meaning it cannot be used as fertilizer), but it can spread disease to humans and other dogs alike.
All in all, it pays to pick up poop fast. That’s where pooper scoopers can help!
How to Pick the Best Pooper Scooper
Every dog is going to have different needs, and that’s going to reflect in your choice of a pooper scooper.
However, a universal truth about all scoopers is that you’ll want one that’s sturdy and will last. Over a ten year period, dogs can produce up to half a ton of waste matter. That’s a lot of cleaning!
Even a small dog needs to go about twice a day. Since you’ll be using this multiple times a day, it’s good to get a scooper that is:
- High quality and sturdy
- Comfortable to hold and operate
- Easy to clean after using
- The right height for you
But before we dive into which pooper scoopers are the top of the line, let’s take a look at the different types available.
Different Kinds of Scoopers
There are really only three different types of pooper scoopers.
First of all, there is the claw-grab scoop that allows you to safely grab the waste.
Next, there’s a type of scooper that is best for those of us with limited mobility. It’s a rake and tray, with a long handle to ensure we don’t have to bend down to use it.
Lastly, there is a shovel type of scooper that requires you to bend down. It’s a bit inconvenient and messy to use, so I don’t often recommend it.
Which Material: Plastic or Metal?
There are two main materials when it comes to pooper scoopers: metal and plastic.
I often find that plastic scoopers tend to be more lightweight. That can mean certain scoopers are usable with just one hand, leaving your other free to hold a leash.
Non-stick plastic, in particular, is advantageous since it can save you a lot of time by being cleanable quickly and effectively.
One drawback of plastic is that they are just not as durable compared to metal scoopers. Sure, that might mean they’re inexpensive, but that potential for flimsiness could be an issue. That can limit their usefulness. However, there are scoopers made of long-lasting industrial-grade plastic.
A metal scooper is designed from the get-go to be of the highest quality. All that sturdiness and durability means I can be assured that I’ll have a scooper that can last me for years.
Now, one aspect of dealing with waste is having to bend down. Doing too much of that can put a lot of strain on your back. I look for models that have adjustable handles. Best of all, these scoopers are often easy to put together.
I mentioned non-stick plastic being appealing, but some metal scoopers do use non-stick materials, too. If you have a large dog, it’s best to invest in a heavy-duty metal scooper.
However, if you need something lightweight because lifting heavy scoopers is out of the question, and you have a small dog that doesn’t produce much waste, then a non-stick plastic might be best. Yes, it won’t last as long, but it’ll be inexpensive to replace in the long run.
Conclusion
Honestly, out of all the scoopers I have tried, the Pawler scooper for bigger dogs is by far my favorite.
It’s metal, so I know it’s going to last me, but it also is easy to clean, the perfect height, and light enough for me to take it all over the yard easily. Yes, it’s meant for larger dogs, but it works even for small messes well.
Plus, I love how easy it is to clean and store. I use it, spray it down, and then hang it up, keeping it out of the way.
