Fake grass

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

So the kids and I are getting our own place the end of the month. Our new house has a backyard with fake turf. We just pick up our poo, and then hose it off (it has drainage) for the pee. I'm kinda excited about this cause we've had such allergy issues since we've moved into the house we're in right now, I think the move will help Tuk-tuk not be so itchy. I am a little nervous, fake grass with a dog? Is this going to be a big pain in the backside? Do any of you have any experience with fake grass? Love it, hate it? Any tips?

Just a little side note, Tuk does not do any 'business' on walks or at the dog park other than marking and the occassional pee. It's not like we'll be able to take him out and walk him for such duties.

[Kramersmom]

I don't think there will be any problems. As you stated with allergies the fake grass will actually be better.

My sister in law was just telling me there is something new out that is a piece of fake grass, it's for potty training indoors. It smells like real grass, the pets think its the same as outdoor grass.

Good luck in your new home

[josie&holly]

At least you wont have to worry about the weeds that grow thanks to the watering/manuring!!

Good luck in your new home - hope Tuk loves it!

[Cindy]

Sounds great! Keep us posted on how it goes!

[eastofeden]

Just be careful during warm weather that the dogs don't get overheated. Marching band practice on a turf field in late August was always miserable as the turf seemed to hold the heat unlike grass.

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

It'll be interesting to see his reaction! I'm hoping he still finds the backyard entertaining, I'm wondering if it will still 'smell' and he'll still want to go out just to hang out like he does now. Hopefully the heat issue won't be a problem, it's on the north side of the house (it's two story), and a smaller yard, so it should be shaded for a good part of the day, plus we have our doggie pool. He really likes to go out at night anyway. I'll be sure to let y'll know how it goes!

[shellj2323]

I saw a demo of the fake grass at a dog event and would love to have it!

Many of the apartment complexes we looked at (that had a dog relief area on the roof) had it installed. They said it was wonderful!

[JerryLv]

We live in Las Vegas which is much like Arizona except with a lot of neon lights. Our so called back yard consist of a large fenced concrete patio about 15' X 18'. A couple of years ago we put down astro turf (or fake grass). It looks nice and is easy to maintain. Zen and Daisy, out cat, can go out to the patio thru a doggie door anytime they wish. For some strange reason they consider the patio as part of the house and will never do their business there no matter what. Over the years Zen has only had about three accidents. Twice he peed in the house and once he did #2 in the garage. Our fault not his. I guess what I am trying to say is fake grass is ok but don't expect your animals to view it the same way you do. They may think it is an exention to your living room carpet.

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

Hadn't considered that!

[TazTalk]

I am very interested to see how it works out for you! Our yard has grass and rock areas (good old Arizona!), and sometimes the dogs will also go potty on the rocks. Does the yard have any rock areas too? That might be Plan B?

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

So it's our first night in the new place and Tuk is just crazy with all the smells. So far so good with #1, he's lifted his leg for the bushes surrounding the astro turf and since they over hang he's gotten it on the turf. I don't know if that'll translate to squatting on the turf, but at least we've got the ball rolling! No #2 yet, but it might take him till tomorrow night to do that. Keeping my fingers crossed! I've been fretting over JerryLv's very good point he might just think it's carpet this whole time. I feel a little better now that he's peed though. Tuk's never used the rock to do any of his business (except to find a bush to lift his leg), but no squatting and no #2. I have noticed that the walking areas around here have dog 'care' areas at regular intervals which is nice. But Tuk has never done #2 on walks either. I'm sure I'm worrying about nothing, like I said if he's started out back I'm sure he'll finish. It's funny cause I haven't followed his potty business this much since he was a puppy!

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

We have poo! Hooray!

[shellj2323]

Yay for poo!

[oscar's mom]

Too funny! Do we all get excited about Poo? I know I do

[Vivian]

I am very interested to see how it works out for you! Our yard has grass and rock areas (good old Arizona!), and sometimes the dogs will also go potty on the rocks. Does the yard have any rock areas too? That might be Plan B?

Our "yard" (it's really a little 15x15 courtyard) is concrete with rocks along the fence.

Oscar's designated potty spot are the rocks and it works well for us!

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

Tuk-tuk has never pooped in rocks! I don't get it other than he's a soft paw! lol! He will walk around in them to check stuff out, but seems to prefer to hang out in softer areas. We do have rock areas surrounding the turf, but he's only interested in the plants and cicadas (bugs, sp?) we have right now.