Backyard toilet area

mindyintx · 01-22-2009, 04:39 PM

Our new puppy will be house-trained and we'll continue with that when we get him, but Dh & I are also going to train him to go potty in a designated area in our backyard. We're trying to figure out where would be the best area, how big will it need to be, what kind of ground cover should we use in that area, etc.

To get to our backyard you have to first go out through the side/back door, through the side porch area, and then around and across the deck to the yard. I'm wondering if that's too far to expect a puppy to hold it until he gets to his designated toilet area.

Advice?

Blizzard · 01-23-2009, 01:36 PM

I think your pup will be able to hold it till he gets to his "toilet". A lot of dogs will set aside a certain corner or area for their toilet so i don't think you need to do that. But if your dog just messes all over the yard, it will be a good idea to teach him to use a certain spot. Good luck with the training!

mindyintx · 03-30-2009, 09:24 PM

Thanks Blizzard!

briteday · 03-30-2009, 10:49 PM

That may be a bit much for a little pup of 8 wekks or so, but do-able by the time it's 3 months old or so. The size of the area needed depends on the size of the dog.

My dog potty area was formerly a sandbox. So we dug out about 6 inches then layed bark chunks down. It works great,doesn't get kicked on to the adjacent patio, and can be hosed down when it gets a bit "ripe" during the httest days of the summer. If you plan it right you can also cover it in the winter so your dog doesn't come in with snoy feet. We have a tarp over ours all year 'round due to snow in the winter and really hot sun in the summer.

mindyintx · 05-14-2009, 01:14 PM

We have Logan now! He's 3 months old. We've been really good about taking him out to go potty shortly after each meal, and he also goes potty on his walks (morning and evening). So far, he hasn't messed in the house at all.

I'm trying to get him to go in a certain area, and I think he's starting to get the idea. However, he'll go in the designated area, and I'll think he's done so we start walking or playing around the yard, and he'll stop wherever and go again! Do I just pick him up as soon as he starts squatting and move him back to the right area?

FourIsCompany · 05-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindyintx

Do I just pick him up as soon as he starts squatting and move him back to the right area?

Yes. Just as if you were house training.

TooneyDogs · 05-14-2009, 02:04 PM

A potty area that has a very different look and feel from the rest of the yard seems to work best. An area of sand/gravel or shredded bark works well if the rest of the yard is grass. It also helps to take the dog out on leash to that area until they understand.
It doesn't have to be a large area....6'x'6 or even 3'x10' should work (they will want to move away from the 'fresh' spots from earlier in the day) but, if you use gravel be sure the spot is out of the sun.