Does anyone know of any books or information on constructing a dog yard?

Question

Specifically, we have a 10'x10' area of (dead)grass that we want to use for a doggie duty area. Our thoughts are to dig out about a foot of the dirt and fill it with layers of some kind of sand and gravel. We also need to create a drainage system for this area. We know nothing of how to do this. Can someone point us in the right direction with books or websites or something?? Thank you!!

Answer 1

I don't know of any books, but I know what we did in our dog yard. We decided just this spring to section off a large part of our yard just for the dogs because we have no grass and they keep killing my garden beds. We fenced off the north and west side of our yard just for the dogs. When they are not inside with us they stay out in their yard. I discovered that a nice layer of sand keeps the yard from getting muddy when it rains and it helps in the clean up of doggy doo. I did not create drainage since it was outside and there are no plants to kill. I simply go into the yard, collect the poo, and bury it in a hole. I am also planning to build a large dog house that will fit all three dogs and I am going to create a run with jumps so they have something interesting to do when they have to be outside. A nice Mulched area to put out their water bowls would be a good idea as well. All I know is that I am a happy happy gardener again and my dogs don't seem to mind a little less space. Our dog yard is quite large because we have a lot of space, but a 10X10 should do the trick. I wouldn't use cement unless it is completely shaded. Cement can cause them to overheat on a hot day.

Answer 2

I don't know of any reading material regarding this. however, I've built a kennel in my yard for my dogs and can give you some advice.

Don't use sand or gravel. It's hard to clean up poo in gravel and if you use sand it will turn into one big nasty litter box. Concrete is your best option. If you want good drainage you could put it on a slight slop and put gravel at the edge for the water to effectively drain through. Or keep it level and line the entire perimeter with gravel. Concrete is an easier surface to clean up and more sanitary.

Answer 3

put down concrete. the sand/gravel is hard to clean and weeds will grow in it eventually, especially if your dog is a digger. concrete is easy to rinse off and dogs prefer it to laying in itchy grass with bugs. Make sure there is shade; if no trees nearby maybe a shadecloth over part of it.