How to Use Artificial Grass for Your Dog’s Potty

Every dog owner knows the abundant joys of potty training. (I hope the shockwave of my seismic eyeroll didn’t spill your drink.) The ups. The downs. The near-successes and lingering odors. Ah, such joys. But we love our doggos, so we explore every option to make it a healthy experience. With that in mind, have you considered using artificial grass for your dog’s potty?

We already know that giving your pup a consistent spot for potty training is crucial. Using artificial grass for your pet just makes that spot look nice, easier to clean, easier to odor control, and resistant to weather. Plus, for those with small spaces like apartments, giving Fido his own little turf square for potty training is perfect!

Puppy Potty Training with Artificial Grass

• • Artificial grass provides a convenient, low-maintenance potty solution for dogs
  • Training a dog to use fake grass takes patience, positive reinforcement, and a consistent routine
  • Create a designated potty area using a potty box or tray lined with artificial turf
  • Introduce your dog to the artificial grass slowly and offer plenty of praise and rewards
  • Clean the turf regularly with water and pet-safe cleaning products to control odors

Why Consider Artificial Grass for Your Dog’s Potty?

We’ve all been there. It’s 2 AM. You’re in your cozy pajamas. And your furry friend wakes you up with that look. You know the one – the “I gotta go, and I gotta go now” look. But what if you didn’t have to fumble for your keys and rush down endless flights of stairs in your slippers? What if you simply lead your pup to their designated potty spot. That sounds way easier, right?

You see, there are several great benefits to using artificial grass for dog potties:

1. 1. Convenience: Perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor access.
   2. Cleanliness: Easier to clean and maintain than real grass.
   3. Odor control: Many artificial grass products come with built-in odor-fighting technology.
   4. Weather-proof: No more rainy day blues or snowy paw prints.
   5. Space-saving: Can be used on balconies or in small indoor areas.

So, why is artificial grass is so great for dog potties? For starters, it provides a convenient (indoor or outdoor) option for those 2 AM bathroom breaks. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance compared to real grass. No more muddy paws tracking through the house. No more yellow patches killing your beautiful lawn. Plus, with proper installation and cleaning, high-quality fake grass looks great for years. There’s really no downside here!

Choosing the Perfect Potty Spot

So, what’s your first crucial potty training step? Choose (or create) a designated potty spot for your dog. You can pick a specific corner of your yard, a potty box or tray lined with artificial turf, or even a small section of your balcony or patio covered in fake grass. Just make sure it’s easily accessible for your dog and away from their food, water, and sleeping areas.

And consistency is key, right? Once you pick a spot, keep it there. Don’t make the mistake of constantly moving that potty spot around. You’ll just confuse your doggo, and get accidents galore. Pick a spot, and stick with it!

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass

There’s a huge variety of artificial grass out there today, and they all have different strengths and best-uses. And trust me, they’re definitely not all the same. So, whether you’re looking for a small balcony square or a full yard’s worth of synthetic turf, keep these few things mind when choosing your artificial grass:

• • Pet-specific turf: Look for products designed specifically for pet use. We have some great options for your pup!
  • Drainage capabilities: Ensure it has proper drainage to prevent pooling. Zero people want pooling pee.
  • Durability: It should withstand your dog’s scratching and digging.
  • Non-toxic materials: Safety first for your furry friend.
  • Odor-fighting properties: Some turfs come with antimicrobial, odor-resistant treatments or infill options.

If you’re thinking of a larger artificial grass install, here’s a free quote tool to get you started.

Introducing Your Dog to Artificial Grass

So, now you’ve got your designated potty area set up. It’s time to introduce your dog to their new bathroom. Start by letting them explore the artificial grass on their own terms – sniffing, circling, all the usual dog stuff for new spaces.

But maybe you’ve got a cautious canine who seems hesitant or unsure. Try sprinkling some of their favorite treats on the grass to encourage them to spend more time on it. You can also use a leash to gently guide them onto the turf and keep them there until they go potty. Don’t over-engage them when they’re in this space; you want Max to realize when the urge to pee strikes. And don’t forget the praise! Whenever your dog successfully uses their new bathroom, shower them with treats, pets, and plenty of enthusiastic “good boy/girl”s.

Establishing a Routine

Not to be a broken record, but consistency is key, folks. It’s the same when teaching your dog to use artificial grass. Set a schedule for regular bathroom breaks throughout the day – first thing in the morning, after meals, before bed, you know the drill. (We also only use the phrase “Go Potty” for when we want our Bernese to do his thing.)

In the beginning, you may need to take your dog to their indoor potty spot every 30 minutes to an hour, especially if they’re still young or not fully housetrained. But as they get more comfortable with the process, you can gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks.

And make sure to create a nighttime potty routine! If your dog is used to going outside before bed, start by placing their artificial grass potty near the door they usually go out. And if you’re using this as an indoor solution, you can slowly move it closer to their sleeping area over time until they’re comfortable using it in the middle of the night.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Neither you nor your dog is perfect. That’s okay! Your potty training journey will have bumps in the road. So don’t worry if your dog is struggling to adjust to their new artificial grass bathroom. There are plenty of tricks you can try.

Here’s one common issue: some dogs are hesitant to go potty on the fake grass because it doesn’t smell like their usual outdoor spot. The solution? Try placing a small piece of sod or some of your dog’s urine-soaked pee pads on top of the artificial turf. Your dog’s nose knows. And that familiar scent will encourage them to go in the right spot.

Another problem is a dog who thinks their new potty is a great place to play or nap. This is definitely something you want to watch for and discourage. Only let your dog onto the new artificial grass when it’s time to go potty. Once their business is done, lead them away from the area and back to their usual play or sleeping spots.

Keeping Your Artificial Grass Potty Area Clean

Now we get to talk about every dog-owner’s favorite hobby: cleaning. Artificial grass is definitely easier to maintain than the real deal, but it still needs regular upkeep to stay fresh and odor-free.

And that’s not just about you enjoying your lawn or home. Keeping the potty area clean protect’s your pup’s hygiene and encourages further use.

Artificial Grass Potty Area Cleaning Routine:

1. 1. Daily pick-up: Remove solid waste promptly.
   2. Regular rinsing: Spray down the area with water to help liquids drain through.
   3. Deep cleaning: Use a pet-safe disinfectant weekly to keep things fresh.
   4. Deodorizing: Sprinkle baking soda or use a pet-safe deodorizer occasionally.
   5. Check for wear and tear: Replace the grass if it becomes too worn or damaged.

Simply scoop up solid waste and dispose of it as you would on a normal walk. As for liquid waste, most high-quality artificial grasses are designed with drainage in mind, so urine will simply filter through the turf and into the base below.

This is one major reason why proper artificial grass installation is critical. You seriously want your turf draining properly. If you’re a DIY’er, do your installation homework first. And please call a professional: the Artificial Turf Supply can help you … whether you just need advice or someone to install your pet’s turf for you. ((866) 677-9405)

Every once in a while, you will need to give your dog’s artificial grass potty spot a deep cleaning. Find a pet-safe disinfectant and give it a good scrub-a-dub every few weeks. (Though if this is for indoor purposes, you should deep-clean weekly.)

And don’t let those odors linger! To keep things extra clean and smelling sweet, spray down the grass with a hose or pet-safe cleaning solution at least once a week. Sprinkling baking soda on the turf helps absorb any lingering odors.

The Tail End of It All

Using artificial grass for dog potty spaces is easy, low-maintenance, and healthy for your pup. Hopefully this guide gave you the tools you need to get your doggo potty-trained so you two can spend more time playing.

And the great thing is that artificial turf is great for a number of pet-related uses, like a synthetic turf dog run for those active puppies!

So muster up your patience, consistency, and some positive reinforcement. Get a free quote to start your project today! And if you still have questions about your fake turf choices, give the Artificial Turf Supply team a call: (866) 677-9405

Happy potty training!