Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for any family. As you prepare your home and yard for your new furry companion, one of the key considerations is establishing a designated potty area. This can significantly simplify house-training and maintain the cleanliness of your lawn. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an attractive and functional dog potty area.
A well-designed dog potty space can prevent unwanted “business” on your lawn, saving you from constant cleanup. By setting aside a specific spot, you can streamline the potty training process for your new puppy and make yard time more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Make a Dog Potty Area
The first step in creating a dog potty area is selecting the right materials. Extensive research suggests that pea gravel is an excellent choice. Its smooth, round pebbles are comfortable for dogs to walk on, it offers superior drainage crucial for a potty spot, and it’s cost-effective.
Supplies You Will Need
Define Your Space
Begin by marking out the designated area for your dog’s potty spot. You can use various types of edging to define the boundaries and contain the gravel. Simple 2×6 boards work well, or you can opt for more decorative options. For this project, brown wood landscape edging was used, with each piece measuring 3 ft. in length. Depending on your chosen edging, you might need to dig a trench to secure it firmly.
dog patty area
Once the space is defined, lay down Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric. This essential step prevents weeds from growing within your dog’s potty area.
Add Drainage Material
Next, add a one-inch base layer of rock. This layer significantly improves drainage, a vital factor for a dog potty area. In this case, the area already had rock landscaping, which conveniently meant the landscape fabric and the first layer of rock were already in place, saving considerable time.
Add Pea Gravel
Now, it’s time to add the pea gravel! To determine the amount of pea gravel needed, calculate the area of your space in square feet (length x width). Then, multiply this area by 3 inches (the desired depth of the pea gravel) and divide by 12 to find the total cubic feet required. For a space of 30 sq. ft., approximately 30 bags of pea gravel, each holding 0.5 cu. ft., were needed.
pea gravel bag
Alternatively, purchasing from a local landscape rock supply company might offer better pricing and convenient home delivery, potentially making it more economical than buying numerous bags from large retailers.
After dumping the pea gravel bags into your designated area, use a stiff rake to spread and smooth the gravel evenly.
how to make a dog potty area
Finishing Touches
At this stage, your dog potty area may be complete. However, to enhance aesthetics and functionality, especially when integrated with existing rock landscaping, consider adding a pathway. Flagstone pieces, partially buried, can create a stable and attractive walkway from your patio to the potty area.
how to make a dog potty area
Creating a functional and visually appealing dog potty area is straightforward. The success now hinges on your dog embracing their new designated spot! Let the puppy potty training commence!
Maintaining Your Dog Potty Area
Once your dog potty area is established, regular maintenance is key to keeping it clean and odor-free. Several supplies can assist with this task.
1. Pooper Scooper
A high-quality pooper scooper, such as the Pawler Pooper Scooper, is invaluable. It’s easy to use, has a good capacity, and often includes a rake to help filter out the pea gravel, making cleanup efficient.
pooper scooper for dog potty area
2. Hose for Cleaning
Weekly hosing down of the dog potty area is recommended to maintain cleanliness. Be aware that the area may emit a strong odor when wet, but this smell dissipates once it dries. A flexible and lightweight hose, like the Flexi Hose, is ideal for this purpose due to its ease of handling and a spray nozzle that provides a wide stream perfect for cleaning the pea gravel.
hose for dog potty area
Post Update – Does our puppy use it?
The dedicated dog potty area has proven to be a success! The puppy uses it regularly. Initial training involved taking him to the area on leash multiple times a day, encouraging him to “go potty,” and rewarding him with praise and treats when successful. Currently, he utilizes the designated spot approximately 95% of the time. While he generally sticks to the potty area, there are occasional moments when he opts for the lawn, perhaps due to laziness. In such instances, simply directing him to his designated spot is usually effective.
More Puppy Supplies
To ensure a smooth start with your new puppy, consider exploring additional essential supplies. For further inspiration on DIY projects and enhancing your home’s exterior, check out our posts on DIY projects and enhancing your exterior.
