What can i do about burn spots in my lawn from where my dog goes?

Veronica EXPERT June 18, 2008

There are different ways to deal with this.

One is to simply follow your dog around the yard with a watering can or hose in hand and water the area where he went to dilute it and prevent it from harming plants. However, if your dog spends much time in the yard, this obviously could be awfully labor intensive.

Another alternative, if he's a puppy, is to train him to use just one area. Some gardeners create a gravel space just for this purpose, but you can do it in any space that is convenient. Get the designated area "started" by using a rag to mop up one of his accidents and put it in the new gravel area (weight it with a stone or stake) so he'll be drawn by the scent.

If the dog is older, or you find training difficult, you can also leash the dog in the gravel or other designated area when he first goes out in the morning and when you let him out at night so he goes in the designated area. This will minimize but not eliminate damage to other areas.

One other thought: You could fence off part of your yard as a dog run area. Side yards are great for this.

And there's always the invisible fence option to keep him in just a certain area to run and do his business.