Question
I have two adult dogs who love to dig, climb, bark, and run in my backyard. They have completly destroyed any form of grass that has grown in my yard. It is now a mud pitt.
As I attempt to re-landscape areas of my backyard, is there anything I set in place to keep them from walking onto my grass-growing areas?
i.e. is there something they hate stepping on or walking over that annoys the crap out of their paws but doesn't cause real harm?
Thanks for any advice
Answer
I do not think such a material exists.
Many people have a tough time keeping their grass healthy with dogs. As you said, dogs like to dig, run, and urinate on grass. Heavy rain can make it easier for dogs to damage grass, and your dogs may enjoy digging and playing in a muddy yard even more than a dry yard. ;)
Some suggestions:
Your dogs obviously need a yard to play in. If you have enough space, you could consider designating part of the yard specifically for your dogs. This part of the yard could be covered in mulch instead of grass. This would prevent mud from forming, and your dogs' urine would not kill the grass. You could fence this part of your yard off, essentially making a "dog park" within your yard.
If you want your entire yard to have grass, you could split your yard in half using a fence. One week you let your dogs play on the left side, the next week you let them play on the right side. This would allow the grass to recover from any damage your dogs cause. (This practice of dividing up land and only keeping animals in one section at a time is common with farmers, because it allows grass to grow back after getting eaten.)
Consider planting a more "hardy" type of grass in your yard. I have very little experience with grass, but I know some types are stronger than others.
Try to train your dogs not to dig holes. This would take some time, but I think it can be done.
Answered By - sam