What does your dog do when there’s so much snow or rain, that going outside is distasteful, if not downright hazardous? We have a wrap-around deck and when the snow melts it becomes nautical. That’s right, it’s a poop-deck. Charity Marie Doggie-Dog is not going to muddy her paws or freeze her tail out in the snow and ice, so when we’re not looking she does her thing in the snow on the deck. She has never been trained not to do this; we sympathize with her plight. Anyway, it’s easy enough to clean with a garden rake.
If this problem is a concern, there is a solution. Astroturf for dogs, it’s named Potty Patch and is an American Kennel Club product, distributed by Eagle Eye Marketing Group in Toronto. Potty Patch is a “three tier system,” consisting of a collection tray, a grate, and a rectangle of artificial grass.
The idea behind it is that sometimes it’s just too miserable for dogs to go outside, so now they can have their own little spot to squat right in the house. I am suddenly visualizing that this is more practical for females than males. Besides being a bad weather boon, it can also be used as a training aid for puppies. (Reading the FAQs convinces one that it is primarily a training aid for puppies.)
Potty Patch comes in two sizes, regular and large. The regular size includes the items mentioned above. The large size has two grates, two trays, a large grass mat, and a connection bridge. They both come with simple instructions. How simple? “1) Place Tray in the desired location; 2) Place Grate in tray, spikes facing up (to use without grass place grate with spikes facing down); and 3) Place synthetic Grass on top.” You may choose to use absorbent training pads in conjunction with the Potty Patch. There are also cleaning instructions and helpful hints. One of the helpful hints is to “Clean your Potty Patch as needed.” That should be self-evident.
Charity Marie is five years old, and, although the Potty Patch is placed in a convenient location, she has exhibited absolutely no interest in it. She is perfectly happy with her sea-faring ways. There are also four cats in our house (Natasha, Boris, Fuzzy Lumpkins, and Fearless Leader). What we have learned from the cats is that the “Pets Love It!” label guarantees that the item will go unused.
Article comments
1 - chuck
i have one of these for my 3rd floor apartment balcony, and the dog uses it all the time, except if the concrete is wet or has snow on it. i think she likes peeing in the snow, and dislikes walking across wet ground.
2 - elaine
Chuck - I too am on the third floor and my new puppy is starting to use it regularly - How do you clean your potty patch? I don't like the idea of having to carry it while walking across my carpet??
3 - Mario
I purchased a potty-patch and my little shitzu-pom has absolutely no interest in it whatsoever. We've tried everything to get her to do her business on it and she won't. I do not recommend this product.
4 - Beth
We have 2 medium sized dogs. I bought the large potty patch because I wanted to make sure they had room to go without any chance of it getting on the carpet. It was hard at first to get them to use it but, after the first time they were hooked. I am disabled and sometimes I can't walk them so this is perfect. I just want to know how every one cleans their's. I really don't like the smell so I need to clean it often. Any suggestions?
5 - Brandi
I have one for my dogs. The girls use it with no problem. I clean it almost every other day and it still stinks. How do I get the odor out of it??
6 - sandra
I have owned the Potty Patch for a year now and my little Chihuahau uses it all the time. I too have a hard time cleaning it,the odour is overpowering at times. My problem is with the grass!! I have soaked in vinegar which isnt very easy,still smells.Please help any other suggestions would help!
7 - Richard Paul
I ordered a replacement artificial grass about three weeks ago. It hasn't come yet. The invoice ID is 417292. Is there anyway you could track it down?
8 - Cynthia King
My dog uses the Potty Patch daily. I use pads under the pad and to clean it I spray it down with "Natures Miracle" Stain and odor remover throw it in a plastic bag and take it to the do it yourself car wash; spray soap on it then rinse. In between washes I spray it down with the stain and odor remover then rinse with hot water. My dog doesn't have a problem with it.
9 - Jan Olesick
My chihuahua uses the Potty Patch daily. I use Mr Clean with Febreeze to clean the grass and grate . I purchase people pads (less expensive than puppy pads) to absorb the urine in the tray. That way, I can easily wipe the tray down with a Clorox wipe. I clean the system every three days and do not experience the odor others have described.