Flooring for Dog Area

We have a new house and put in a 40' x 7' chain linked dog run area outside the laundry room with a doggie door. There is a 10' porch area extending from the door made of concrete, that half has a covered overhang. We have a 7 month old golden retriever that stays in that area all day when we are at work, and at night. We put a gate at the inside laundry room door so he cannot get into the rest of the house.

For the flooring where the concrete ends to the back fence (30' x 7') we put half pea gravel and half grass. That is not working!!!

1. he has been digging deep holes where the gravel and the grass are.
2. the grass grows too fast and there are dead patches all over.
3. Because he digs holes, it becomes muddy when it rains, and dry and sandy when it's dry. It gets all over the laundry room floor and is very dirty.

Now we want to remove the grass and the pea gravel (if necessary) and put some other material that would be cleaner, and stop him from digging holes. I have read that cement flooring is the most commonly used material for dog runs. What about the dog urine??? Where does it go?

This is what we are thinking of doing. After we clear out the area of the grass and gravel, we will put chicken wire underneath the area so he can not dig. Then put crushed granite or breeze on top and compacting it down. That will allow the urine and rain water to drain out but would be compacted enough that it wouldn't be messy. It will be easy to pick up the poop and the urine would just disappear. Any suggestions??????

 

I do not know what veternatians say about rock or gravel, but most of the runs I have seen are concrete. I assume there also some high-tech surfaces available at a price few are willing to pay.

You seem to be concerned with cleanliness and urine. A properly concrete built run would have the normal amount of slope to permit water to drain of when it rains or you hose it down. This way the urine compounds would not accumulate in your soil.

I am sure the dog magazines and sites would have all kinds of information on dog runs.

Dick

 

Hi Judy,

Maybe this would be a solution for you.
http://www.hooverfence.com/kennel/floor/

Your dog is digging because it's bored. Consider using some kongs with peanut butter in them to keep him busy while you are away. Keep in mind that with all the time he's spending in the enclosed area, that is his ENTIRE world and there are few distractions to keep him busy.

Newt