SPECFIAL POTTY PLACE

[Monika]

Someone had suggested to us that we can make a special area in the backyard for our Chocolate Lab. Frame it out with wood, fill with tiny pea pebbles, and she will use that area for her potty as opposed to the whole backyard. Any other suggestions or does someone know how to do this?
Thanks!

[Dawn]

I've heard of doing that, but I'm not sure how well it works. The only substance that I've heard of it working with at all though is wood shavings.

[Norton]

It is possible to train your pooch to potty in a specific area. It is your choice whether you want to build and create a potty area or just teach them to use a specific area. Either way, choose an area that can be cleaned easily. If you choose to build something, gravel is a good medium, but not as clean. You would need at least a foot deep if not more. The stool is easy to scoop in the smaller gravel, but the urine is always there and on warm days, you do have an odor. If you ever have a parasite problem, gravel is also harder to disinfect. Concrete is easiest to keep clean, but more expensive.

Then you have the chore of training your dog to use this area. I am now in the process of teaching our 8 month old Yellow Lab pup to use a certain spot and he is quite insistant on using the spot he wants. This is a daily process, and I am determined to train him. When he pottys in the wrong spot I show him, scold him, then show him where he should go. Catching him in the act is the best. Keeping him confined until he has to potty has been quite successful. Consistancy, consistancy, consistancy.
Good Luck!