Dogs can make messes in the yard or garden, particularly on artificial grass. While it is a natural behavior for a dog to want to toilet where other dogs have been before them, no one wants their children and guests to play in an area covered with doggy poo!
If you are wondering how to prevent your canine companion from using your turf as their personal bathroom, read on — this blog post will provide helpful tips and tricks on how to stop dogs pooping on artificial grass that you can start using right away.
What Is the Best Thing to Put under Artificial Grass for Dogs?
The best material to put under artificial grass for dogs is a base layer of either crushed stone or small gravel. This will provide the drainage needed so that your pet’s waste can be easily washed away. Additionally, you may also want to add a weed-blocking fabric or membrane underneath your turf to further protect it from weeds and pests.
This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of weeds or insect infestations, as they can quickly ruin the artificial grass and make it unsanitary for your pet. If you choose to lay down gravel or crushed stone, be sure that it’s free of sharp edges and particles that can hurt your dog’s paws. You may also want to consider adding a layer of rubber or foam pads underneath the turf to provide additional cushioning and comfort for your pet.
Once you’ve laid down a proper base, you can then lay down the artificial grass. Be sure to firmly secure it in place with nails, staples, or screws to ensure that it remains secure. This will also help to protect your pet from accidentally being able to dig it up and potentially ingest any sharp particles.
Before you let your pet use the artificial grass, be sure to test it out yourself first. Check for any areas that are weak or have gaps in them, as these can give your pet an easy way to start digging up the turf. Once you’re sure that it is secure, then let your dog or other pet enjoy their new artificial grass!
8 Effective Methods How to Stop Dogs Pooping on Artificial Grass
1. Train Your Dog to Poop in a Specific Area.
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from pooping on artificial grass is to train them to poop in a specific area. This can be done by taking your dog to the same spot each time they need to go and rewarding them when they do their business in that spot.
Over time, your dog will learn that this is the only spot they are allowed to poop and will start doing their business there consistently. To make sure your dog continues to follow this behavior, you must be consistent with taking them to the same spot and rewarding them every time.
2. Pick Up Your Dog’s Waste Immediately.
Another way to prevent your dog from pooping on artificial grass is to pick up their waste immediately after they do their business. This will help to train your dog that they need to go to a specific spot and that their waste will be removed promptly if they do their business there.
This can be especially helpful if you have multiple dogs that are pooping on artificial grass. You should also consider setting a designated area for your dog to go to so that you can clean up the waste quickly.
3. Use a Leash When Walking Your Dog.
If you are walking your dog on artificial grass, it is important to use a leash at all times. This will help to keep your dog under control and prevent them from roaming around and pooping on the grass. It is also a good idea to keep your dog on a short leash when walking them, as this will help to prevent them from chasing and digging around in the grass.
Additionally, using a leash will help you quickly and easily clean up any mess left behind by your dog. If you do not have a leash, you can also use a walking stick or other objects to keep your dog close by while they are out and about.
4. Keep Your Dog Away from Other Dog’s Waste.
If you see another dog’s waste on artificial grass, it is important to keep your own dog away from it. Dogs are attracted to the scent of other dogs’ waste and may be tempted to poop in the same spot if they smell it. To avoid this, make sure to clean up any other dog’s waste as soon as you can.
You can also use deterrents such as a citrus-scented spray or an artificial grass pheromone repellent to help keep your dog away from other dogs’ waste. To discourage your pet from returning to areas they have previously used as a toilet, you can also apply an enzyme cleaner that will break down the proteins in the waste and remove its scent.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Dog.
Whenever your dog goes potty in the appropriate spot, be sure to give them lots of praise and treats. This positive reinforcement will help to reinforce the behavior you want them to display and will make it more likely that they will continue going in the right spot. Additionally, try to discourage your dog from wandering around the artificial grass with a leash or some other form of restraint.
This will help keep them away from the artificial grass and in the correct area for their business. However, be sure to always use positive reinforcement when training your dog and never punish or scold them for accidents. Doing so may make the problem worse as they begin to associate artificial grass with negative experiences.
6. Avoid Using Punishment with Your Dog.
Punishing your dog for pooping on artificial grass is not effective and can actually make the problem worse. Dogs do not understand punishment as a way to learn and may become scared or anxious when they are scolded for going potty in a particular spot. Instead, if your dog poops on artificial grass, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner that will help break down the odor and discourage your pup from going to the same spot again.
7. Install a Fence around the Artificial Grass.
Finally, if you have an area of artificial grass that your dog likes to use as their bathroom spot, you can try to install a fence around that area to keep them out. This might be the most expensive option in terms of cost, but it will be the most effective way to keep your artificial grass clean and free of dog poop. You can choose from a variety of fencing options, such as a wooden fence, an iron fence, or even an electric dog fence. It all depends on your budget and the look that you are going for.
8. Install an Outdoor Dog Potty.
You can also consider installing an outdoor dog potty to give them a designated spot to go when they need it. These dog potties are usually made from artificial grass, and they can be placed anywhere you want in your yard. The potty should also have a drainage system to help keep the mess away.
This option may work better for dogs that don’t like going on real grass or if you live in an area with limited access to natural grass. Make sure you clean the potty regularly and refill it with fresh artificial grass so your pup doesn’t end up pooping on an unclean surface.
Does Dog Urine Destroy Artificial Grass?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Dog urine does not directly damage or destroy artificial grass, but it can cause discoloration in the turf over time. The ammonia in dog urine contains nitrogen, which can be beneficial for the grass as a form of natural fertilizer as long as it is applied sparingly. However, when concentrated amounts of dog urine are left on the same spot repeatedly without being washed away or diluted, it can cause dead patches in the artificial grass. Additionally, the high acidity levels in dog urine can cause discoloration over time.
The best way to avoid any potential damage from dog urine is to clean it up immediately and rinse the area with water or deodorizing pet products. It’s also advisable to periodically check your artificial grass for discoloration or dead spots and make sure you don’t give your pet free reign of the lawn.
Conclusion
Stopping dogs from pooping on artificial grass doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By using an effective combination of training, supervision, and pet-proofing techniques, you and your furry friend can peacefully coexist on your artificial turf.
Remember that consistent positive reinforcement will do wonders for your pup’s pottying habits, so take the time to reward them for pooping in the appropriate area.
With some patience, dedication, and a little bit of fun, you can prevent future messes and preserve the beauty of your synthetic lawn. So don’t hesitate to start teaching your pup how to stop dogs pooping on artificial grass today!
