Dog runs?

[L.M.]

Hi all!  Well, hubby and I are having sod and sprinklers installed in our backyard.  Last year's heat destroyed our newly seeded lawn and we were left with an awful mud pit for a yard.  Our landscapers told us today that we are nuts for bothering with sod with 2 dogs......and believe me, I get it, but I just can't take the mud......They recommended a dog run.  We have the room......and it would not be the cage type...it would be a designated fenced in area for our pups to run and go to the bathroom.  The area would be approximately 50 in length and about 7-8 feet wide.  (lol I think I got the dimensions correct....it's a long run, but not terribly wide.)  For those of you that have designated "runs" for your pups, how do your pups react to being a bit confined, away from you?  My pups play together, not so much with us, so I'm not too concerned but I was just curious about your experiences.  Of course we would play with them in there and it is not in a totally separated part of the yard, as our yard is not terribly big.  Please share any experiences you have had!  Thanks!  =)

[Debbie and Toby]

We do not have our entire yard fenced in but do have a 10' by 70' area fenced in as a small play area for Toby. It gives him an area to play and potty, it is a great way to get him some excercise outside without having to be on a leash when we are home. It is long enough that we can throw a ball and play with him. We still go for daily walks on trails or in in local parks and have families and friends with fenced in yards that we visit.Toby does not mind at all being out in it, he actually enjoys it, as long as we spend some time out playing with him, once he tires out he enjoys napping in his favorite chair that we put out there for him :-) 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

The most important thing, IMO, is to never allow them to be on the runs together.  We had two runs and it became very dangerous when one got the zoomies or excited.  The runs can wrap around the other dogs leg, or your leg and rip right into the skin.  You need to let each one out at a time.  So all playing must be done INSIDE the house. 

One dog and a run is fine.  Two dogs and runs are a nightmare I hope I never have to deal with again!

[Adina P]

The run she is referring to is a sectioned off part of the yard.  You know, like fencing half the yard for JUST dog usage whereas the other is for people.  She is NOT talking about a leash type item.

[Adina P]

One of my friends actually put up an underground fence to section off their smallish yard so that when the dogs had their collars on they were corralled away from their baby--this has worked GREAT for them so far and keeps their 1 y.o. safe to play without their two dogs barreling into him if they are wrestling.   I wonder if something like that might work.  They would have to learn to be collar-wise so they'd know that they were only contained in there when their collars were on--that way they'd not be afraid to cross the imaginary line.  But if your yard is fully fenced then that won't matter as they won't be escaping.  Just another thought.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

We have had a dog run forever.  It is my first prerequisite for buying a house.  Is it suitable to make a dog run that can be accessed by the dog door.  The current dog run is concrete and Easy Turf.  I love, love, love, it.  It is where they poop and play and for long games of fetch which can really tear up the grass.  The rest of the yard they only go into when I am there to supervise.  Yeah for dog runs.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

I think it sounds great!  Can you make it a little wider?  I know mine love running in circles to chase each other. But either way I think you and the dogs will love it!

[L.M.]

Thanks guys!  We are going to do the run...it's minimal in pricing and after all...we are spending a good chunk of change on a new lawn...so we might as well protect it.  

 LOL just as a side note, I find myself checking with you all on DK before making any major decisions about my doodles....just thought you would all like to know how much of an influence you have on my decision-making process for almost everything hehehhee =) 

[L.M.]

Ok I hate to be annoying with this post....lol but today, my neighbor made a comment to me about our planned dog run area....he said the run area will, for sure, deteriorate (this, for me, was kind of the point to save the rest of our yard).  He said that if they have more room to move around (meaning simply let them have the run of the whole yard) then the whole yard would maintain longer because their running area would be more spread out.  I see where he's coming from, but should I be willing to risk ruining everything?  My yard's dimensions are about 100 wide by just under 50 long.  What do you guys think?? They are not huge runners......more so just for maybe 20 mins or so and it always tends to be around the same path.  They are more of the wrestling type.  How long did your sod last with dogs?  I just hate to waste so much money by letting our dogs ruin it.  Ugh...decisions decisions...

[L.M.]

Just to clarify....I am not so concerned with urine spots...we tend to leash them and take them on the side of our house to pee and we keep up with poop patrol....I am most concerned about literally running and wearing down the grass with their paws.  =)  Thanks again!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think it's a great idea, my parents have this huge area where the dogs can come in and out the side door and be safe inside, big enough for 2 dogs to run and play, they can also get onto the deck withoug getting out! Sense of security, as far as the later ost, if it gets run down couldn't you just buy a little sod and redo that small area??? Good luck and would love to know your final decision!