I have a 110 lb yellow lab. He leaves large brown spots from urinating in the lawn. What is the best way to deal with it? I've tried the pet spot repair stuff, but it's expensive and has not done anything at all about the problem. I've tried using lime via a spreader throughout the lawn, but it hasn't seemed to have an effect with growing new grass there in 3 weeks since I've used it.

What is the best method for dealing with the problem? The only method I've found so far is to dig out the areas and resod. That will get expensive quickly!

Thanks
Chris

There are products on the market that claim to repair the grass, but neither I, or any of my friends, have ever found one that works.

The best (and cheapest!) way to prevent burn marks is to saturate the area with water. This will allow the nitrogen to dilute through the lawn and so reduce the concentration in one spot. It is best to treat the area as soon as possible after your dog has urinated, and to apply at least three times more water than urine passed.

For re-turfing already damaged areas, horticulturists recommend urine resistant grasses such as Perennial Ryegrasses and Fescues. Avoid the least urine resistant grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

I totally agree with Karrow...Dosing down with the water hose is the only way I have found to eliminate that problem....Also, if I haven't kept the yard fertilized properly, it will happen more...

Hi, Chris!

Karrow has already given you several excellent suggestions; I just wanted to offer another idea.

You may want to give your Lab his own special "potty" area.

In other words, you select an adequately sized area in your yard (a small area that you are willing to sacrifice) and teach him to "go" only in this "official" area.

Of course, this will require some training, but the result (the saving of the rest of your lawn) may be worth it.

You can click on the link below for detailed information:

Dogs And Lawns

I hope this is of some help to you. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to get in touch.

Well Chris its like this, you have to train old yeller to a potty spot.

I have a female black lab who used to potty where ever she wanted. Becoming tired to stepping in land mines and finding brown patches I discovered one truth which when practised saves on a lot of aggravation and extra work.

Dogs are not only house trainable, but can be trained to potty in a special spot. This requires a bit of time and work as did teaching him to go potty outside, but it is worth it.

Start by selecting the corner of the yard that is his 'Bathroom' Once you select it you will take a few droppings there, and show him and tell him that is his potty spot. Then instead of letting him run out, put him on theleash and take him to the area, tell him he is a good boy when he does potty where he is suppose to, and tell him bad dog when he does it else where.

If he poops in the restricted areas (not his potty corner) move the poop to his corner when he is indoors and can't see you. Dogs watch, and he will assume that it is your job to take his messes to his potty spot. Don't let him see you do it.

I have trained my lab to go in certain spots on the two acres we live, she is also trained to dig in her digging spot as well.

This is called compromise. Dogs will dig, dogs will bark, dogs need to go potty - Give them those by giving them their 'special' areas in the yard which they can go potty, dig and play.

Cheers

David <><

I know this is a really old question, but I just came across Green-Um, a pill for dogs that supposedly neutralizes the chemical that browns the grass. The ad says "A natural product that helps you safely eliminate the damaging effects of your dog's urine and feces on your lawn. Give tablets directly to dog. For dogs only."

I'm not saying I'd give it to MY dog, but if you're desperate, you might try it.

Find it here.

I have had the same problem with a lab that I owned. Everyone has given good suggestions. I found that keeping the yard watered in the summer about the best solution. I have used lawn fertilizer and sprinkled a hearty grass seed mix through the entire lawn about twice a year in early spring and mid summer helpful as well. During summer months (even with a shady yard) I have not had a problem with dead grass from the dog.

Winter months, I have ended up with dead spots in the lawn though. In early spring, I reseeded and used hay on the with the dead spots. With all of the rain, it grew in well. The reseeding and fertilizing cycle starts over again.