![\"White](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/outdoor-dog-potty-area-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn about 2 months we’re moving to a new home that doesn’t have a specified outdoor dog potty area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guess what? Today’s post is all about how to make an outdoor dog potty area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Make a Dog Potty Area?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHaving a defined place for your dog to potty in has many benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- It\u2019s much easier to keep clean than trying to find poop in a large yard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your regular yard will remain cleaner. The acid in urine won\u2019t discolor and burn your beautiful lawn. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And you won\u2019t step in poop land mines there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also, even after you pick up and dispose of feces in your regular yard, a small portion remains even if it\u2019s not visible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you have children playing in the same yard that the dog uses as his bathroom, they may become ill. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Young children often put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes, Unfortunately, they may have some remnants of their pup\u2019s feces there too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
My life is so much easier since we have a dog potty yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Should You Consider When Creating a Dog Potty Yard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to decide certain matters before making your potty yard. You want it to be the best place possible so that your dog will use it regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Location<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOf course, the potty yard should be convenient for the dog to use. But you also don\u2019t want it to be near any outdoor living spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants to be grilling or eating near a recently used potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, consider the weather in your region. If you live where it\u2019s very hot, the yard should be in an area with shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The potty area shouldn\u2019t be so far from the house that it wouldn\u2019t be convenient. If, for example, you live where you get blizzards, you don\u2019t want to have to shovel a long path to the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people place their potty yards near their homes;. Some even place the yard along a side of the house not used for other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may want to have a dog door in the yard. Of course, that makes the decision that the yard will be placed next to your residence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you love gardening, you don\u2019t want the yard near your prized tomatoes. And you also need to ensure that it\u2019s not down-slope from the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe size that your potty yard should depend on the size of your dog and yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, a chihuahua won\u2019t need the same size as a Great Dane. Keep in mind that dogs circle around when deciding where to poop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs also don\u2019t want to step in feces that are left in an area\u2019s the right size and not too small.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, make sure the area is cleaned regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An eight-by-eight-foot area may be sufficient for a medium-sized dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are a number of surfaces that you can use for the top layer of the yard. Whatever you choose, it should be easy to clean and drain and not hard on your dog\u2019s feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lower-cost options (grass and mulch): <\/em><\/strong>Two of the cheapest surfaces are grass and mulch. But grass will burn from urine. It will have to be re-sodded or re-seeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMulch may be a better option because it drains well and looks appealing. Of course, you may have to add to or replace it every year or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to use mulch that\u2019s safe for dogs, as you don\u2019t want added chemicals or dyes. So it\u2019s best to choose undyed mulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A downside of mulch is that dogs may choke if they eat it or get a blockage. Some dogs like to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you have a dog who just grabs things to munch on, that might be a consideration. However, they also can eat other ground cover surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you train him to use the potty area, you\u2019ll be present to stop him from grazing on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another downside of mulch is that it absorbs urine and will eventually smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can instead choose artificial grass. But you have to ensure the layer underneath it will drain properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If in the sun too long, the artificial grass surface can become too hot for your dog\u2019s pads because it absorbs the sun\u2019s rays. A benefit of it though is that it won\u2019t absorb urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher-cost options (gravel and river rock): <\/em><\/strong>Both types of gravel drain well,<\/em> but regular <\/em>gravel is more likely than pea gravel to be washed away. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen doing clean-up duty, unfortunately, poop will stick to either.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular gravel is used in driveways and pathways. Usually, the size used in driveways is between \u215c and \u00be inches in diameter. That used on pathways is between \u00bc and \u215c inches in diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But regular gravel has sharp edges that can damage a dog\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smaller gravel is better for the dog\u2019s feet but will wash away more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pea gravel is a better option. It has smaller pebbles that are smooth. They\u2019re less likely to hurt a dog’s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another option is smooth river rock which doesn\u2019t have sharp edges. But some dogs may try to play with and even ingest it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defining the Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need to define the area containing the pea gravel or whatever surface you\u2019ve chosen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use cinder blocks, garden trim, or the like to create a nice-looking potty yard.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garden trim that\u2019s high enough to hold the pea gravel is necessary. It usually is driven into the ground so it won\u2019t move around. You can get as fancy a barrier as you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people even create a dog run with the pea gravel. You can put a simple fence in or even wood posts with netting between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We created ours with green metal stakes that are about four feet high and we attached green-coated wire that was intended for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drainage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe potty yard should slope away from your house and not toward any areas that you use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants urine run-off where they garden, eat, or relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need some tools, of course, to make the potty yard, such as a pick ax, shovel, and string to mark the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also need weed block<\/a> so that all your work is undone by those unwanted weeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeed block is a cloth that not only blocks weeds but also has great drainage. So urine will pass through to a lower layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Construction of the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou need to prepare the surface of the yard and have the proper drainage material before you do the finishing steps. The general steps are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Once you\u2019ve chosen the area and marked out the area for the yard, you\u2019ll need to clear the area of rocks, grass, weeds, and any other materials such as sticks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then weed block should be laid down covering the entire area..<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Next, add the raised border like the pre-fabricated landscape border, two-by-four wood that\u2019s been treated for outdoor use, or low cinder blocks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- A type of drainage material like sand or rocks made for that purpose should then be laid down. The water and urine should drain down properly from the top filler material you choose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then the filler material like pea gravel should be placed, which may be between two and four inches deep.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- The fun time comes then of decorating the potty area with a pathway leading to it, a sign stating \u201cpotty area<\/a>,\u201d or even a mock fire hydrant<\/a>. Though decorative, the hydrant can lure male dogs to potty there.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to maintain the potty yard. If it\u2019s not cleaned regularly, your pup may not want to use it. And it will stink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My life is so much easier since we have a dog potty yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Should You Consider When Creating a Dog Potty Yard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to decide certain matters before making your potty yard. You want it to be the best place possible so that your dog will use it regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Location<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOf course, the potty yard should be convenient for the dog to use. But you also don\u2019t want it to be near any outdoor living spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants to be grilling or eating near a recently used potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, consider the weather in your region. If you live where it\u2019s very hot, the yard should be in an area with shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The potty area shouldn\u2019t be so far from the house that it wouldn\u2019t be convenient. If, for example, you live where you get blizzards, you don\u2019t want to have to shovel a long path to the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people place their potty yards near their homes;. Some even place the yard along a side of the house not used for other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may want to have a dog door in the yard. Of course, that makes the decision that the yard will be placed next to your residence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you love gardening, you don\u2019t want the yard near your prized tomatoes. And you also need to ensure that it\u2019s not down-slope from the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe size that your potty yard should depend on the size of your dog and yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, a chihuahua won\u2019t need the same size as a Great Dane. Keep in mind that dogs circle around when deciding where to poop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs also don\u2019t want to step in feces that are left in an area\u2019s the right size and not too small.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, make sure the area is cleaned regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An eight-by-eight-foot area may be sufficient for a medium-sized dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are a number of surfaces that you can use for the top layer of the yard. Whatever you choose, it should be easy to clean and drain and not hard on your dog\u2019s feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lower-cost options (grass and mulch): <\/em><\/strong>Two of the cheapest surfaces are grass and mulch. But grass will burn from urine. It will have to be re-sodded or re-seeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMulch may be a better option because it drains well and looks appealing. Of course, you may have to add to or replace it every year or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to use mulch that\u2019s safe for dogs, as you don\u2019t want added chemicals or dyes. So it\u2019s best to choose undyed mulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A downside of mulch is that dogs may choke if they eat it or get a blockage. Some dogs like to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you have a dog who just grabs things to munch on, that might be a consideration. However, they also can eat other ground cover surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you train him to use the potty area, you\u2019ll be present to stop him from grazing on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another downside of mulch is that it absorbs urine and will eventually smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can instead choose artificial grass. But you have to ensure the layer underneath it will drain properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If in the sun too long, the artificial grass surface can become too hot for your dog\u2019s pads because it absorbs the sun\u2019s rays. A benefit of it though is that it won\u2019t absorb urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher-cost options (gravel and river rock): <\/em><\/strong>Both types of gravel drain well,<\/em> but regular <\/em>gravel is more likely than pea gravel to be washed away. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen doing clean-up duty, unfortunately, poop will stick to either.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular gravel is used in driveways and pathways. Usually, the size used in driveways is between \u215c and \u00be inches in diameter. That used on pathways is between \u00bc and \u215c inches in diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But regular gravel has sharp edges that can damage a dog\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smaller gravel is better for the dog\u2019s feet but will wash away more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pea gravel is a better option. It has smaller pebbles that are smooth. They\u2019re less likely to hurt a dog’s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another option is smooth river rock which doesn\u2019t have sharp edges. But some dogs may try to play with and even ingest it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defining the Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need to define the area containing the pea gravel or whatever surface you\u2019ve chosen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use cinder blocks, garden trim, or the like to create a nice-looking potty yard.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garden trim that\u2019s high enough to hold the pea gravel is necessary. It usually is driven into the ground so it won\u2019t move around. You can get as fancy a barrier as you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people even create a dog run with the pea gravel. You can put a simple fence in or even wood posts with netting between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We created ours with green metal stakes that are about four feet high and we attached green-coated wire that was intended for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drainage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe potty yard should slope away from your house and not toward any areas that you use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants urine run-off where they garden, eat, or relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need some tools, of course, to make the potty yard, such as a pick ax, shovel, and string to mark the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also need weed block<\/a> so that all your work is undone by those unwanted weeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeed block is a cloth that not only blocks weeds but also has great drainage. So urine will pass through to a lower layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Construction of the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou need to prepare the surface of the yard and have the proper drainage material before you do the finishing steps. The general steps are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Once you\u2019ve chosen the area and marked out the area for the yard, you\u2019ll need to clear the area of rocks, grass, weeds, and any other materials such as sticks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then weed block should be laid down covering the entire area..<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Next, add the raised border like the pre-fabricated landscape border, two-by-four wood that\u2019s been treated for outdoor use, or low cinder blocks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- A type of drainage material like sand or rocks made for that purpose should then be laid down. The water and urine should drain down properly from the top filler material you choose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then the filler material like pea gravel should be placed, which may be between two and four inches deep.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- The fun time comes then of decorating the potty area with a pathway leading to it, a sign stating \u201cpotty area<\/a>,\u201d or even a mock fire hydrant<\/a>. Though decorative, the hydrant can lure male dogs to potty there.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to maintain the potty yard. If it\u2019s not cleaned regularly, your pup may not want to use it. And it will stink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, the potty yard should be convenient for the dog to use. But you also don\u2019t want it to be near any outdoor living spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants to be grilling or eating near a recently used potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, consider the weather in your region. If you live where it\u2019s very hot, the yard should be in an area with shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The potty area shouldn\u2019t be so far from the house that it wouldn\u2019t be convenient. If, for example, you live where you get blizzards, you don\u2019t want to have to shovel a long path to the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people place their potty yards near their homes;. Some even place the yard along a side of the house not used for other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may want to have a dog door in the yard. Of course, that makes the decision that the yard will be placed next to your residence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you love gardening, you don\u2019t want the yard near your prized tomatoes. And you also need to ensure that it\u2019s not down-slope from the potty yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe size that your potty yard should depend on the size of your dog and yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, a chihuahua won\u2019t need the same size as a Great Dane. Keep in mind that dogs circle around when deciding where to poop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs also don\u2019t want to step in feces that are left in an area\u2019s the right size and not too small.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, make sure the area is cleaned regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An eight-by-eight-foot area may be sufficient for a medium-sized dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are a number of surfaces that you can use for the top layer of the yard. Whatever you choose, it should be easy to clean and drain and not hard on your dog\u2019s feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lower-cost options (grass and mulch): <\/em><\/strong>Two of the cheapest surfaces are grass and mulch. But grass will burn from urine. It will have to be re-sodded or re-seeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMulch may be a better option because it drains well and looks appealing. Of course, you may have to add to or replace it every year or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to use mulch that\u2019s safe for dogs, as you don\u2019t want added chemicals or dyes. So it\u2019s best to choose undyed mulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A downside of mulch is that dogs may choke if they eat it or get a blockage. Some dogs like to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you have a dog who just grabs things to munch on, that might be a consideration. However, they also can eat other ground cover surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you train him to use the potty area, you\u2019ll be present to stop him from grazing on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another downside of mulch is that it absorbs urine and will eventually smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can instead choose artificial grass. But you have to ensure the layer underneath it will drain properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If in the sun too long, the artificial grass surface can become too hot for your dog\u2019s pads because it absorbs the sun\u2019s rays. A benefit of it though is that it won\u2019t absorb urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher-cost options (gravel and river rock): <\/em><\/strong>Both types of gravel drain well,<\/em> but regular <\/em>gravel is more likely than pea gravel to be washed away. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen doing clean-up duty, unfortunately, poop will stick to either.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular gravel is used in driveways and pathways. Usually, the size used in driveways is between \u215c and \u00be inches in diameter. That used on pathways is between \u00bc and \u215c inches in diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But regular gravel has sharp edges that can damage a dog\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smaller gravel is better for the dog\u2019s feet but will wash away more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pea gravel is a better option. It has smaller pebbles that are smooth. They\u2019re less likely to hurt a dog’s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another option is smooth river rock which doesn\u2019t have sharp edges. But some dogs may try to play with and even ingest it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defining the Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need to define the area containing the pea gravel or whatever surface you\u2019ve chosen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use cinder blocks, garden trim, or the like to create a nice-looking potty yard.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garden trim that\u2019s high enough to hold the pea gravel is necessary. It usually is driven into the ground so it won\u2019t move around. You can get as fancy a barrier as you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people even create a dog run with the pea gravel. You can put a simple fence in or even wood posts with netting between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We created ours with green metal stakes that are about four feet high and we attached green-coated wire that was intended for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drainage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe potty yard should slope away from your house and not toward any areas that you use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants urine run-off where they garden, eat, or relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need some tools, of course, to make the potty yard, such as a pick ax, shovel, and string to mark the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also need weed block<\/a> so that all your work is undone by those unwanted weeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeed block is a cloth that not only blocks weeds but also has great drainage. So urine will pass through to a lower layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Construction of the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou need to prepare the surface of the yard and have the proper drainage material before you do the finishing steps. The general steps are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Once you\u2019ve chosen the area and marked out the area for the yard, you\u2019ll need to clear the area of rocks, grass, weeds, and any other materials such as sticks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then weed block should be laid down covering the entire area..<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Next, add the raised border like the pre-fabricated landscape border, two-by-four wood that\u2019s been treated for outdoor use, or low cinder blocks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- A type of drainage material like sand or rocks made for that purpose should then be laid down. The water and urine should drain down properly from the top filler material you choose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Then the filler material like pea gravel should be placed, which may be between two and four inches deep.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- The fun time comes then of decorating the potty area with a pathway leading to it, a sign stating \u201cpotty area<\/a>,\u201d or even a mock fire hydrant<\/a>. Though decorative, the hydrant can lure male dogs to potty there.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to maintain the potty yard. If it\u2019s not cleaned regularly, your pup may not want to use it. And it will stink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of surfaces that you can use for the top layer of the yard. Whatever you choose, it should be easy to clean and drain and not hard on your dog\u2019s feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lower-cost options (grass and mulch): <\/em><\/strong>Two of the cheapest surfaces are grass and mulch. But grass will burn from urine. It will have to be re-sodded or re-seeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mulch may be a better option because it drains well and looks appealing. Of course, you may have to add to or replace it every year or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to use mulch that\u2019s safe for dogs, as you don\u2019t want added chemicals or dyes. So it\u2019s best to choose undyed mulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A downside of mulch is that dogs may choke if they eat it or get a blockage. Some dogs like to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you have a dog who just grabs things to munch on, that might be a consideration. However, they also can eat other ground cover surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you train him to use the potty area, you\u2019ll be present to stop him from grazing on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another downside of mulch is that it absorbs urine and will eventually smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can instead choose artificial grass. But you have to ensure the layer underneath it will drain properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If in the sun too long, the artificial grass surface can become too hot for your dog\u2019s pads because it absorbs the sun\u2019s rays. A benefit of it though is that it won\u2019t absorb urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-cost options (gravel and river rock): <\/em><\/strong>Both types of gravel drain well,<\/em> but regular <\/em>gravel is more likely than pea gravel to be washed away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When doing clean-up duty, unfortunately, poop will stick to either.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular gravel is used in driveways and pathways. Usually, the size used in driveways is between \u215c and \u00be inches in diameter. That used on pathways is between \u00bc and \u215c inches in diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But regular gravel has sharp edges that can damage a dog\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller gravel is better for the dog\u2019s feet but will wash away more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pea gravel is a better option. It has smaller pebbles that are smooth. They\u2019re less likely to hurt a dog’s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is smooth river rock which doesn\u2019t have sharp edges. But some dogs may try to play with and even ingest it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to define the area containing the pea gravel or whatever surface you\u2019ve chosen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use cinder blocks, garden trim, or the like to create a nice-looking potty yard.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Garden trim that\u2019s high enough to hold the pea gravel is necessary. It usually is driven into the ground so it won\u2019t move around. You can get as fancy a barrier as you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people even create a dog run with the pea gravel. You can put a simple fence in or even wood posts with netting between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We created ours with green metal stakes that are about four feet high and we attached green-coated wire that was intended for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The potty yard should slope away from your house and not toward any areas that you use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one wants urine run-off where they garden, eat, or relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need some tools, of course, to make the potty yard, such as a pick ax, shovel, and string to mark the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also need weed block<\/a> so that all your work is undone by those unwanted weeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weed block is a cloth that not only blocks weeds but also has great drainage. So urine will pass through to a lower layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to prepare the surface of the yard and have the proper drainage material before you do the finishing steps. The general steps are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to maintain the potty yard. If it\u2019s not cleaned regularly, your pup may not want to use it. And it will stink.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDefining the Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Drainage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additional Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
General Construction of the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Maintaining the Potty Yard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-potty-area-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"