Question
We recently got a dog and fenced in our side yard for her to run and fetch.  The grass is starting to get torn up from her claws, esp. where she stops and turns.  What do you recommend as a solution to keeping the lawn intact while still having this area for her to run?  I've thought about paving with bricks or something the areas where she does most of her running.  How about putting sod down in the Spring?  Any ideas on a mulch that would make a nice path and yet be safe for her paws? I think she'll get splinters from shredded wood.  Thanks for any ideas!

Answer
Good Afternoon Mike:
Oh how I wish I had a good answer for you. There are few turf grasses that will withstand traffic such as you describe. We have two miniature Schnauzers that not only tend to ruin certain areas of our lawn, but in some instances pull areas of turf out with their teeth. I would not part with them regardless of what happened to the lawn.
The only way that might work is to confine your dog to an area that is fenced as you have done. She should be able to run and get her exercise.  Build up on the inside of the fence, using treated 2 x 6 lumber, to retain about a 2 to 3 inch layer of pea gravel with a plastic liner underneath. The pea gravel will not be an irritant to your dogs paws and it will make it easier to rake up and remove any of the feces.  The plastic will keep the gravel from going into the soil. If you are like me, I cannot bear to see a dog confined to a small area so make yor fenced area as large as possible but still give yourself the lawn you desire. Your dog may not get splinters from shredded wood but she may have a tendency to chew and swallow it when she is unattended.

A web site that gives you a grass choice:

https://www.turf-seed.com/home/LawnsAndDogs/

Another web site you might find of interest in regard to other forms of lawn damage by pets.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/newsletters/hortupdate/jun02/art2ju...


I hope I have helped. Please don't hesitate to call on me again.
Have a good lawn and enjoy the dog.
Floyd McMahon