If your dog walks in your backyard, creating a designated potty area is a great idea. This way, your dog will only pee and poop in that area, and your yard will stay clean.
I’ve gathered the most effective DIY ideas for creating a dog potty area right here. Let’s get started!
Contents
What you need to build a DIY dog potty area
Building a dog potty area yourself is relatively easy.
- You’ll need a suitable ground cover and stones to create a drainage layer (though sometimes this can be optional).
- A shovel is also necessary to dig a small pit for drainage.
- In some cases, you might want to install a small curb around the perimeter of the potty area. You can use any curb material you prefer, such as rubber, wood, or brick. Some curbs may require fixings or special nails.
- Finally, consider using a special weed barrier to prevent unwanted growth in the potty area.
Next, I’ll explain more about choosing the right ground cover for the outdoor dog potty area, as well as the best location and size.
Choosing the right location for the dog potty area
When selecting the right spot for your dog’s potty area, it’s essential to consider the topography of your yard. If you place the potty area on an elevated spot, urine will flow downhill, which could damage your lawn or plants. Look for a low area instead.
A secluded spot in the corner of your yard is ideal, such as:
Alternatively, you might have a clear pathway between your house and the fence — this could work too.
The main thing to avoid is placing the potty area near kitchen or bedroom windows or an outdoor dining space. You wouldn’t want a doggy litter box under your window!
If you don’t have a suitable secluded spot in your yard, no worries! You can set up a privacy screen to conceal the dog potty area from prying eyes. Your dog will feel more comfortable, and your guests won’t be uncomfortable with the view.
You can even create a DIY potty area on your patio or balcony:
However, building a potty area in these locations can be a bit tricky and may require a variety of tools and carpentry skills. If you live in an apartment, check out my list of the best doggie potties.
How big should the dog potty area be
You can make the potty area as spacious as you want, but it shouldn’t be too cramped. It needs to be longer than your dog’s length.
Ensure your dog has enough room to move around and turn to find a clean spot. This will make them feel more relaxed.
For a medium-sized dog, a potty area of about 6 feet by 6 feet should suffice.
Check out my article on how to create a dog-friendly backyard for more ideas!
What is the best material for a dog potty area
When choosing ground cover for your dog’s potty area, it’s important to pick something that’s both safe and easy to maintain. Also, consider your dog’s preferences!
Based on my research, I’ve identified four great ground cover options for a dog potty area: mulch, natural grass, artificial grass, and fine gravel. Let’s dive into each one and see how you can create a DIY dog potty area with these materials.
Tip: If you are not sure that your dog likes this material, it is better to do a small trial run first and see how he reacts. He may flatly refuse to do his business in such a pot.
Wood mulch
Mulch and wood chips are excellent at draining well and absorbing unpleasant odors. They’re also inexpensive, natural, and comfortable for your dog’s paws. The best part is that you don’t have to clean up waste every time – it will break down naturally over time.
However, there are a few things to consider. Mulch is lightweight and can easily be blown around your yard by the wind. Also, when it absorbs a lot of urine and feces, it can start to smell. If your potty area is large, this won’t be as much of an issue.
How to make a mulch dog potty area in the backyard?
- Choose the Right Mulch: Not all mulch is safe for dogs. Most dog owners recommend using cedar or pine mulch that is non-stained. Also, make sure the mulch is soft and free of dust.
- Prepare the Ground: You can dig a hole and fill it with pebbles or other materials to improve drainage. Some people simply place the mulch directly on top of the soil.
- Outline the Perimeter: Mark the edges of the potty area and level the ground.
- Install a Curb: Consider using a rubber, wood, stone, or brick curb to contain the mulch. Some curbs may require digging a trench to secure them properly.
- Fill the Area with Mulch: Add a 4-6 inch layer of mulch over the entire potty area. Make sure to calculate how much mulch you’ll need based on the size of the area. There are online calculators to help with this!
Over time, you’ll need to monitor the condition of the potty area and replace the mulch when necessary. Typically, you’ll need to do a complete mulch replacement once a year. The good news is that mulch is inexpensive, so it’s no big deal. Plus, you can compost the used mulch, which is an added benefit.
Keep in mind that your dog might toss the mulch around or try to chew it. A bit of training may be needed to address this behavior.
Grass
This is one of the easiest and most natural options. It absorbs urine and odor naturally. Natural grass needs regular care, such as watering and reseeding, and cleaning up after your dog can be a challenge. Additionally, urine stains can appear, and removing them completely, even with special products, can be difficult.
I wouldn’t recommend using grass for your dog’s potty area if your entire yard is a lawn, as it might confuse your dog and make it harder for them to know where to go.
Artificial grass
If you’re not happy with the drawbacks of real grass, you can use artificial grass instead. It offers several advantages:
- It’s easy to clean with a hose or disinfectant to remove odors.
- Your dog won’t dig through it or eat the filler.
- It’s durable and long-lasting.
However, creating a potty area with artificial grass isn’t as simple as it sounds. The material can absorb odors and heat up in the sun.
How to build a dog potty area with artificial grass:
- Mark the boundaries of your potty area and clear space for the drainage layer (this is essential to prevent urine from pooling).
- Lay down anti-weed cloth (optional if you’re not concerned about weeds).
- Install a drainage mat for the artificial grass, securing it properly with some skill.
- Attach the artificial turf according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to choose high-quality, environmentally-friendly grass that’s safe for dogs.
- Fill with special filler like quartz sand to flatten the grass and improve drainage.
This process can be a bit complicated, so you might want to hire professionals to do the job.
Tip: If you notice water collecting in any part of your yard, consider adding more drainage to avoid problems.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is another popular option for dog potty areas. It’s durable, doesn’t spread like mulch, and doesn’t absorb urine odors as much. However, there are some drawbacks:
- Dogs often play with the pebbles, and there’s a risk of them swallowing them.
- You’ll need to remove solid waste every time, and poop can get smeared on the stones, meaning you’ll need to gradually replace the gravel.
- The material can be expensive, especially if you need a large area.
If you decide to go with pea gravel, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Install a curb: You can use any curb that works for you to contain the gravel.
- Order gravel: You’ll need a significant amount, so consider contacting a landscaping or construction company for a truckload of fine gravel with no sharp edges.
- Prepare the drainage layer: Dig a hole and lay a 20-30 cm layer of stones for better drainage. You can also add an anti-weed cloth to prevent weeds.
- Add the gravel: Place the gravel on top, starting with coarse pebbles at the bottom and fine gravel on top. Tamp it down firmly.
This process can require a lot of gravel—about 16 bags (8 cubic feet) of river pebbles and 16 packs of pea gravel. That’s why ordering a truck is often the best option!
Maintain the area: Clean the potty area by hosing it down monthly with a bit of urine odorant. Over time, you’ll need to add more fine gravel.
For more help, check out this video tutorial on creating a dog potty area with small pebbles:
Ideas for an outdoor dog potty area
Here are a few more ideas for setting up an outdoor dog potty area.
✅You can make a dog exit from the house right to the potty area:
✅If your dog tends to poop all over the yard, you can enclose the dog potty area with a high fence and put your dog out there for a walk.
✅To make your yard look more attractive, you can enclose the potty area with a decorative fence or simply put bricks, rocks, or other decorations around the perimeter.
✅How about adding an artificial fire hydrant? If your pooch likes to put his foot up to pee, he’ll definitely love this idea.
✅Make a canopy over the dog potty area, but this will require hiring professionals.
Here’s another video for more inspiration:
Conclusion
Creating a designated potty area for your dog is a great way to keep your yard clean and organized. You can build a DIY outdoor dog potty area using materials like mulch, fine gravel, real grass, or artificial grass. Take into account the unique characteristics of each material to choose the best option for your needs.
Don’t forget to add a proper drainage layer at the bottom. You can also enhance the space with some landscaping elements for a more attractive look.
Once the potty area is set up, it’s time to train your dog to use it exclusively for bathroom breaks. With patience, regular practice, and positive reinforcement, your dog will quickly learn to use the designated spot.