Question
HI, WE ARE PUTTING DOWN LANDSCAPE FABRIC IN THE DIRT AREAS ( LONG STIPS 4FT WIDE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE GRASS ) WHE HAVE A MIN SCH. THAT IS ATTACHED TO HER PARENTS . SHE DOES NOT DIG OR CHEW AND STAYS IN WITH US. SHE DOES TAKE HER WALK AROUND THE DIRT TRACK ,UNTIL WE GET THIS DONE. WE HAVE HEARD ABOUT THEM GETTING SPLINTERS IN THE PAWS IF YOU DONT USE THE RIGHT MULCH. WHAT IS THE RIGHT MULCH OR BARK TO USE???? USEING THE FABRIC TO CONTROL WEEDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, DON & JUDI  SUTHERLIN, OR

Answer
Hey, Don and Judi.

Lots of little dogs have problems with mulch splinters in their paws. You want to use the large bark rather than the small/fine mulch. I would probably use at least 2-4 inch bark. Usually the larger the mulch pieces, the more problems one has with weeds, but since you're putting down a weed fabric anyway, you should be okay with the larger bark. Of course, our fine furry four-legged friends come first anyway, and I want your miniature schnauzer to be able to walk around without getting splinters in her paws.

Hope that helps.

Russel