Growing Grass with Dogs: How to Maintain a Dog-Friendly Yard

  • If you don’t know how to grow grass where dogs run, we suggest going for strong grass varieties and regularly tending to bare spots.
  • Hosing down urine right after minimizes yellowing and odors.
  • Clovers are great for lessening regular wear and tear.
  • Train your dog where to go potty using familiar words and phrases in repetition.

Watching our beloved family dog freely paw, dig, and play on the lawn can evoke a range of emotions. On the one hand, it’s heartwarming to see them indulging in their natural instincts as cherished members of our household. 

On the other hand, growing grass with dogs can be a challenge, and it’s hard to ignore the damage they can unintentionally cause and the considerable effort required to restore our once vibrant and lush green grass. 

Don’t know how to grow grass with dogs ? Stay with us as we dig deeper into popular lawn upkeep practices and reveal the best way to grow grass with dogs !

How to Grow Grass with Dogs ? Can You Keep Your Lawn Lush and Dog-Friendly?

Grow Grass with Dogs

So, how to grow grass fast with dogs ? The fastest way to grow grass with dogs is to tend to “bald” patches immediately and go for tough turfs. Think resilient grass varieties, like a mix of tall fescue , perennial ryegrass , and Kentucky bluegrass . These are great for cooler climates . On the other hand, Zoysia grass , Bermuda grass , and Bahia grass work well for warmer climates . All of these are super resistant to the wear and tear caused by your pooch. 

Urine spots are one of the major pain points for pet parents. Luckily, here’s a handy trick you can use: dilute urine spots and minimize burning by using a pet patch lawn treatment . You can also treat the spot with plain water to wash away some of the nitrogen in urine and minimize odors.

What Types of Grass Are Best for Homes with Dogs?

Clover is now widely accepted and even embraced by many dog lovers as part of their lawn. In fact, some intentionally plant clover seeds because they offer multiple benefits. Clover helps provide the lawn with sufficient nitrogen and adds an extra layer of protection against regular wear and tear. 

When purchasing grass seed for a dog-friendly lawn, it’s important to choose a well-labeled product from a reputable brand. Look for packages that clearly list the grass varieties included. 

In Northern regions, it’s common to find blends of different grass types, while in Southern regions, warm-season grasses are typically grown using a single species. These are some of the best types of grass seed with dogs in the picture.

By selecting the appropriate grass seed varieties for your specific region, you can grow grass with dogs that’ll remain healthy, green, and able to endure the activities of your furry friends.

How to Prepare Your Lawn for a Dog-Friendly Environment

You don’t have to search high and low to prep your beautiful lawn for your pup. A handful of simple steps will teach you how to grow grass with dogs :

  • Clean it up
  • Plant dog-friendly plants
  • Neutralize odors
  • “Assign” a potty area
  • Partially bury flat rocks, and so on.

Can You Maintain a Beautiful Lawn with Dogs Around?

Maintain a Beautiful Lawn

You can still have a presentable lawn, even with a furball running around your yard and gnawing on stuff. One of the key steps to achieve precisely that is to treat yellow spots with water ASAP . Additionally, keeping a bowl of fresh water always available for your dog while in the yard helps them stay hydrated . This, in turn, will dilute the urine so that there’s less damage to the lawn.

How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Your Grass

One of the reasons your doggo might be destroying the grass is out of boredom. Yep, dogs get bored and tend to seek ways of entertainment. So, keep your grass intact by designating entertainment zones in your yard.

For one, a kiddie pool might be just what your dog needs. Set it up somewhere in your yard and let your furry friend have lots of fun.

Grass Alternatives for Your Dog’s Play Area

Luckily, the grass isn’t the only “ground cover” your dog can play on. Wood chips, synthetic turf, gravel, and even mulch are all fine grass alternatives. These grass stand-ins are also perfect for dogs allergic to grass (yes, there is such a thing as a dog allergic to grass).

A lot of pet parents choose wood chips or mulch as a ground cover since both alternatives are affordable. Additionally, cedar mulch is a known natural bug repellent , so you can rest assured your dog is flea and tick-free . Just make sure that your dog isn’t trying to swallow bits of mulch, and you’re good to go.

What’s the Best Lawn Care Routine for a Dog-Friendly Yard?

If you don’t know how to regrow grass with dogs , we have some tips for you. From planting so-called damage-resistant grass to mowing the grass higher , here are some super neat lawn care tips you can practice to keep your yard looking nice and a safe, dog-friendly zone:

  • Take care of dog waste immediately
  • Don’t fertilize the grass too often
  • Look out for foxtail weeds
  • Reseed the lawn with tough turf, and so on.

We mentioned mowing the grass higher; an ideal height would be around an inch, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball. This will ensure the whole lawn stays greener and looks nice and even.  

Teaching Dogs Where to Play and Go Potty

dog about to poo

Dogs will remember phrases that have been told to them repeatedly, using the same exact words every time. Pick a potty spot on the lawn and take your dog outside on a leash. While they go about their business, use a specific word or a phrase that will remind them what they need to do when they’re taken outside .

When it comes to play zones, associate a certain dog toy with a word or a phrase . Take the toy, show it to your doggo, and say the phrase (word) before taking them to the yard. Play with your dog for a minute or two while saying the phrase, and then leave the toy on the spot you designate for playing. Also, some pet parents use a kiddy flag placed somewhere in the yard, close to a water bowl. That way, the dog will learn that’s where they’re allowed to play.

FAQs

How do you preserve grass with dogs?

Choosing dog-friendly grass varieties (Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and Kentucky Bluegrass) is one great option.

Is grass seed safe for dogs?

Grass seeds can be uncomfortable for dogs to walk on.

Does dog urine affect grass?

Yes, it does. It makes it yellow and withers faster than usual.

Why is dog pee killing my grass?

The nitrogen in the dog’s urine is the reason your grass isn’t looking so green.

Is green grass good for dogs?

Nutritionally, eating grass is not uncommon for dogs. It also helps them deal with an upset stomach.

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