Designated Potty Spot (Hot Weather Logistics)

[Beth & Cheddar]

I am planning on creating a designated potty spot with pea gravel in my backyard. This is what I was thinking of: http://www.welcomepup.com/blog/how-to-build-an-outdoor-dog-potty-are/

The only shade in my backyard is on the patio and grass area. Other then that, I have dirt and rocks in the rest of the yard which is separated by a fence. My concern is that the pea gravel will be too hot on paws during the summer months. (I live in the desert so it gets pretty hot, this week has been 110+.)

Would keeping the gravel hosed down help at all? What do you do for a potty spot during the hot summer months? The grass is not an option because my husband does not want to deal with dead spots.We are getting a puppy so I was hoping to train them to use a certain area from the beginning.

[Leslie J]

I tried to have a potty spot for Cocoa when she was a puppy. I took her out in the yard on a leash until she went potty in the spot. This worked for a while, but as she got older, she did not like using the potty spot. She preferred selecting her own spot- on the lawn of course. It seems dogs like going potty on green spots. I think you better warn hubby that his lawn will have potty spots!!!!!

[Barbie]

When I saw the title of this thread, I was thinking exactly what you just wrote. My Doodle has a fenced-in area (about 1/8 acre). He never potties in the same spot. Thank goodness for my long-handled, rake-type pooper scooper.

[Moe]

We have a potty spot. It is mulch. I have two dogs and they both use it. It is quite large. 

[Barbie]

Moe, would you please share with us how you trained your dogs to use the potty spot? I'm interested in learning how you did it, and whether you started potty-spot training both dogs as puppies or as adults.

[Adina P]

We don't deal with dead spots. We just ignore them ;)

[Barbie]

LOL, Adina! :O)

[Barbie]

Beth, I've never had any dead spots in my yard from any of my dogs (several different breeds) and I've lived in many cities and states, so it's not because of the type of grass or the climate. In fact, my backyards (the potty areas) have always had much fuller, thicker grass than my front yards (where my dogs never pottied). I don't know if it has to do with what I feed/fed them, or what. I do, however, get lots of landmines in my backyard - but that's what my pooper scooper is for. :O)

[Beth & Cheddar]

Hehe, sounds like we may just have to deal with what may come. I do have four little helpers to scoop poop though, so that will make it a little easier. I still plan on making the potty spot and we will see what happens. I may be able to run some shade cloth above the area to keep some of the sun off.

[Barbie]

Hey, that's a great idea! It should help prevent burned tootsies and make the potty spot more pleasurable for your hairy kid.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

We have a potty spot that has artificial grass on the top.  Very durable, my dogs use it consistently.  The artificial turf needs to be secured with very long things that look like giant staples. around the edges as close to the wood edging as possible.   We get pretty hot here also and the artificial turf gets pretty warm, but does not burn my feet.

[Beth & Cheddar]

Thank you, that sounds like a good option too. What type of artificial grass did you use?

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I did have Quincy going off into the wooded area but once winter came around and it was so cold, he started going closer to the house.  We have an acre of wooded area, and they poop in my flower beds and the grass.  Frankie likes the blue stones on the driveway.  Go figure! 

I do think the artificial turf might be a solution to avoid the very hot stones, though.  

Good luck!