Creating an attractive dog run

Millions of dogs share the homes and hearts of people across the country. Dogs can provide companionship, affection and joy. But when dogs spend time outdoors and cause damage to lawns and gardens, that cute and cuddly appeal might dwindle.

Although dogs are beneficial in numerous ways, their tendency to create unsightly messes in the yard have many homeowners wringing their hands in frustration. Erecting a dog run or using other strategies may help to alleviate any damage the dog causes.

A dog run is essentially a fenced-in part of the yard where dogs can play or be trained to relieve themselves. As most pet owners know, dogs, particularly females because their urine is concentrated to one spot on the lawn, can create unsightly urine burns. Looking at patches of burnt, straw-like grass where a lush lawn used to be can be aggravating. The same can be said for finding dog "presents" all over the yard. All it takes is stepping in or sliding in a pile of joy to raise blood pressure. Plus, there's the extra work of tracking down such presents and having to clean them up. This can be time-consuming with a big yard, not to mention messy and smelly.

Containing your dog to a run will keep messes all in once place. When the dog cannot be supervised by you, a dog run will be a way to let the dog spend time outside in a way that he or she won't get into trouble. The run can be constructed of any material you desire, whether chain-link fencing, wood slats, lattice material, or tightly spaced shrubbery. Pea gravel is a good material to use on the floor of the dog run. Not only is pea gravel aesthetically appealing, but it also allows urine to run through into the soil below and will be able to keep feces above for easier clean-up. It also can be hosed off and topped off when gravel is depleted.

Avoid landscape fabrics or artificial turf that is not designed for pets. It may collect waste and lead to the proliferation of bacteria, which can create odor and unsanitary conditions for the dog.

Many people like to camouflage dog runs from the rest of the yard. Trailing vines of ivy or other upward growing plants may suffice. Avoid planting any poisonous plants next to the run so they are not accidentally consumed. It is also best to keep sweet nectar plants away to minimize bee and wasps from flying close to the dog.

If you do not want to segregate your dog from the rest of the yard, find ways to prevent him or her from getting into places you'd rather keep off limits. Cobble rock is often difficult for dogs to walk on. Use it to form barriers of 3 to 5 inches in width to prevent access to certain parts of the yard. Border planting beds with thorny bushes or big rocks that don't allow traction.

Do make a dog running path by the fence where there is a lot of foot traffic. This way your dog can run back and forth and watch the neighbors go by. Again, pea gravel is a good choice here so that it will mask paw-trodden grass.

Dogs will behave like dogs, so pet owners should learn the best way to enjoy the backyard together. Training the pooch to relieve himself in one spot and creating places that are safe for him to urinate may alleviate destructive behavior.