Hank is destroying my lawn!

[Kerry L]

My 7 m/o,  Hank, is completely house trained and ALWAYS goes outside. We got him in February and he always "went" in one area of the yard (we live is Wisconsin so there was only one area that the snow was shoveled for him to "go" in). When spring came, he continued to "go" in the same area. Well, as summer progresses, he's "going" all over the yard! Front yard, back yard, side of the house, in the landscaping. Fun. This makes picking up after him and cutting the lawn, a lot more work and it's kind gross to play with him in the yard and constantly finding suprises. Plus he's killing our grass. Any suggestions to get him to go back in the original designated area? I know they make sprays but looking at reviews, it seems like they don't really work, especially for outdoors.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

The first idea that comes to my mind is to take him out to the designated area on a leash, and then unleash him to play only after he has finished doing his business in the defined potty section of your yard. Both of my dogs go to the same spot to pee as soon as they're let out the back door. Charlotte is leash walked to the area to poop, and we pick it up right away. Wally will only poop while out on a walk, never in the yard.  

[Christy&Riley]

We tried designating an area but Riley has a mind of her own. She will favor a certain area of the yard then change all of a sudden and refuse to go there. We've tried treats and praise and it isn't helping. She knows she can get a treat after going but doesn't get the connection between an area in the yard and the treat. I'm at a point now where I'm just happy if she will hurry up and go so I can get to work. I'll be interested to see the suggestions that arise from your question. :-)