We want to use our yard - dog vs. kids!

[Anonymous]

We've had our dog for many years -- before kids. And she's always been welcome to use a section of our yard to, um, take care of business.  The problem is now that our children are older we want to put in a playset and the only area where that would work is right where she goes.  

We did try to set up a play area there last year -- mulched it and put a couple toddler climbers. Hoping that she would pick another unused area of our yard.  BUT she still goes right there. So we ended up not using the play area much at all (after we put down fresh mulch). Even though we do clean up after our dog regularly it still just seems gross. 

Unfortunately she won't go on walks. 

Has anyone trained their dog to start pooping in a new location?  How did you do it?

Or should we give up on the playset idea and just go to the playground instead?

Any other ideas?  Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You could get a service like Doody Calls (http://www.DoodyCalls.com/services_residential_overview.asp) to come clean up the dog's business and keep the yard neater? I'm sure there is also a way to train your dog to go elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

We have not trained our dog to go in specific areas, but we are facing the same issue. We are taking a different route - we are putting a low fence around the area for the kids and then planting on either side of it to kind of disguise it.

[Anonymous]

We moved recently and DH laid down the "law" about our large female dog, our lawn and her giant pee spots. Since our lawn is not totally fenced I tie her out to do her business and she comes right back in. Maybe you could try something like that just to get her used to going in a different place? Now if I let the dog without the tie, out she automatically goes to her spot.

[Anonymous]

I just scoop right as the kids go out. They know to watch out until I'm done. It takes seconds and keeps the yard clean. We have more than one dog too.

[Anonymous]

Every time your dog asks to go out back you take her on a lead and then lead her to the area you want the animal to poop/pee in. Do this for a month and your dog (hopefully) should get your meaning.

[Anonymous]

OP - thank you for ideas. I think we'll try to keep her on leash and redirect her. She is just so stubborn though that it might be easier to move and just train her from the start in a new yard.

Hmmmm....and maybe not a fence, but maybe some plantings would separate it enough?

And it's not really about cleaning up - we do pick up regularly. I just don't want the kids playing in the same spot.

[Anonymous]

I would put a fence around the play area so the dog cannot use it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - thank you for ideas. I think we'll try to keep her on leash and redirect her. She is just so stubborn though that it might be easier to move and just train her from the start in a new yard.

Hmmmm....and maybe not a fence, but maybe some plantings would separate it enough?

And it's not really about cleaning up - we do pick up regularly. I just don't want the kids playing in the same spot.

The problem with the fence is it is going to really aggravate your dog that it's there. The dog might start digging/jumping/etc to get to where they typically "mark". And those are traits you don't want to encourage! The training route (while admittedly a lot of work) is probably your best bet for getting your dog to understand what you need from her. You might even want to put in a call to a dog trainer to get more suggestions (or someone to help!). Good luck!

[Anonymous]

We put a fence around the area that is designated for our dog. We had the exact same issue.

[Anonymous]

OP, aside from the idea of a "dog run" could you check the local nursery for something to spread on the grass that makes it an unsavory place for your dog to pee? I know they sell something like tiger urine for deer (I think) and something else for cats. I am almost positive that there is something a gardener would use to keep dogs from urinating on grass, it's usually something natural.

Wouldn't hurt to check out Lowes or your local garden spot. Or even just a simple google search.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 12:41. This is exactly how I trained my dog. It's a pain in the neck at first, but the payoff is that you have a clean play area for the kids.

It might also help if you add a voice command as you're waiting for her to do her business. That way, if she starts to go in the play area, you can point to her new area and say the command. Also, reward with treats when she does her business on the leash/in the correct area to reinforce the good behavior.

[Anonymous]

Dig up the dirt in her spot and move it to where you want her to go then take her onthe leash for a few times and you are done.

[Anonymous]

OP we have a pretty sedate lab and some low wrought iron garden fencing did the trick for her.