What’s a hearty grass for a yard with dogs?

Kelly Smith
by Kelly Smith

I have a large bare spot, that becomes a mud pit, in my backyard. Anyone have suggestions on a hearty grass that can handle two big dogs? Also, I need suggestions on barricading the area from them while the grass takes hold and grows.

Thanks for your help!!

  6 answers
  • What about embracing the muddy area and try either planting a garden there or some kind of rock garden?

    • Kelly Smith Kelly Smith on Feb 08, 2019

      A rock garden would be pretty, but I don’t want to take away from their play and running space. I considered pea gravel like the dog park has, but I don’t want gravel out into the grass when we mow.

  • Instead of grass, what about clover, creeping thyme or a sedum?

  • Linda Ponzoli Linda Ponzoli on Feb 08, 2019

    Mondo a.k.a. Monkey grass

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Feb 08, 2019

    Zoysia grass is pretty sturdy because it's a weed that looks like grass. Just keep in mind that if you have any gardens, it will invade unless you put a deep border around it. The roots travel under ground and it can be invasive which is good for regrowing grass where it's been ruined by the dogs.

    http://zoysias.com/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 08, 2019

    Zoysia grass is a nice dense padded grass that I would recommendation but it's a slow process to establish.


    Having large paver stones is a huge asset to stairways and entry points. I have a 73# dog myself and I position myself at the doorway with a spray bottle and a microfiber towel to clear off the muddy paws. I spray water until the muddy water drips off then dry.


    Fencing off the muddy area would be recommended- plastic or metal mesh livstock ordeer fencing from hardwatre or tractor supply would be a deterrant


    Do you have a problem with dog pee killing grass?

    To fix this problem we've trained our dog to pee in a mulched area.

    We had problems with dog urine devastating the green grassy turf. When the human leash training and otc urine ph supplement and other recommendations failed-We resorted to a remote training collar to train our dogs over the last 17+ years. This collar is exactly the same principle as our existing invisible fence, but you can resort to a tone only button initiation to keep the dog away from an area you’re trying to protect. There are two different zap modes of nick and shock that you initiate and regulate by a intensity dial. Its the same type of collars hunting dogs use.

    I do realize these Remote training collars are not for all people but if you using invisible type fence already- it’s likely a great option.


    My dogs were trained to pee and in mulched area and our grass has been great the last 17years. After training they don't need to wear the collar.

  • Kelly Smith Kelly Smith on Feb 08, 2019

    Thanks, everyone, for all your great suggestions! I really appreciate you!