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DOG TRAFFIC One of the most asked questions in the grassing industry concerns finding a turf grass that can survive daily canine routines.   Dogs that are allowed to run freely in a lawn area, often end up destroying the grasses. Dogs and newly seeded lawns  DO NOT mix.  There is no grass grown from seed  that can withstand a lot of continuous traffic..... Four or Two legged traffic can wear a lawn down.  High traffic is NOT good during seeding and the early growing phase.

Read More about Dog Problems on turfs
& How to avoid them:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/dog_lawn_problems.html

Carnivorous animals do not produce useable manure for plants. Manure comes from omnivores which in turn eat the plants and return excess or unused waste back to the soil to be taken up by plants. Grasses must have time to establish before the plant can possibly handle consistent canine deposits and trails established. Even sod lawns need time to develop extended root systems and knit the seams together before high traffic use starts.  The grasses simply have to grow up!

LawnGrasses.com

• URINE SPOTTING

• WEAR FROM CONSTANT USE

• DIGGING HOLES

• GRASSES FOR DOGS - What to plant

DOG RUNS WEARING ON YOUR GRASS?

On fully mature lawns watering the area immediately after the animal has done its business can lessen the detrimental effect on the grass.  The only other alternative is to change the territory from one area of the yard to another giving the grass time to recover between "sessions". Bermuda, Bahia, Zoysia, are the densest warm season grasses after full establishment. Bluegrass is the densest cool season grass. CHASE THOSE DOGS & CATS OUT OF YOUR LAWN TERRITORY WITH A DOG & CAT REPELLENT

URINE SPOTTING
Urine spotting is one of the more frequent "unsightly" problems on lawns.  It is not uncommon to see this in all areas of a lawn, as dogs seldom prefer any particular spot.  The best (and really only) solution is to train your dog (preferably at a young age) to use an area other than the lawn.  The only other solution is to NOT allow your dog free use of the lawn.

WEAR FROM CONSTANT USE
Dogs have a habit of walking / running from one part of the yard to another, usually from entrances to back door areas looking for attention.  The seldom stray off their "beaten" travel path and as a result in short order produce wear patterns such as seen in the picture above.  Over time this causes the lawn grass to thin and even be killed.  There is not really any solution to this problem either, except to pave or mulch walk areas to minimize paths occurring.  Wear patterns are created both by humans and dogs as they make "paths".

DIGGING HOLES
Digging by dogs can destroy turf instantly and destroy the level grade of your lawn.  Usually this occurs with younger dogs that are more active and playful.  You can through discipline, train your dog to NOT do this habit.

GRASSES FOR DOGS
There is NOT any sure-fire dog resistant grass.  However, some grasses by natures design are better than others.  In general grasses that spread by either rhizomes and/or stolons are the best choices as they tend to repair more easily.  Be prepared to constantly re-seed to try and keep ahead of damaged areas.

GRASSES FOR WARM SEASON AREAS - DOG TOUGH
Bermudagrass - Best Choice. (Fast repairing / Handles traffic good)
Zoysia (IF allowed to establish first / Takes 2-4 years) (Good traffic tolerance / but slower to repair.)
Ryegrasses can be overseeded on Bermudagrass lawns to provide additional protection and color during winter dormant months.

GRASSES FOR COOL SEASON AREAS - DOG TOUGH
Kentucky Bluegrass:
For Northern climate areas (cool season), Kentucky Bluegrass is considered the best choice due to its ability to slightly spread and repair damage over time.  Tall Fescue lawns are NOT recommended as they cannot repair themselves. 

Tall Fescues:
You can however add a small amount of Kentucky Bluegrass to a Tall Fescue lawn and reduce the extent of damage that will occur to your lawn. Add 1/2 lb. of Bluegrass per 1000 sq. ft.  --

FAST REPAIR:
Ryegrass can be added should you need a quick "cosmetic" repair.  Perennial Ryegrass provides the best look and is perennial growing in northern areas.

Seed at correct times and seasons for best repair results. 
If you discover a grass that resists dog traffic and urine, please give us a call, we will soon be millionaires!  --- Sorry, no miracle answers here... just proper maintenance.