I have been on this site a few times now and have always found the advice given very usefull. So here I am again with a totally different question, but one Im sure most of you can relate to. As you may be aware I have got 2 rescue x breed dogs. One is a gsd, boxer, lurcher thing. And the other is a staffie, greyhoundish thing.Both wonderfull dogs. The problem is the dogs and the grass(or now lack of it!!) in our garden. With 2 dogs leaping about like nutters, oh and 3 kids as well, it just can not stand the stress. Has anyone out there got any suggestions as to what I can replace the grassed area with that will last(well longer than the grass anyway!). Obviously brick/patio paving is out as the dogs love they ruff and tumble. Also it needs to be suitable for the kids. I thought about wood chippings but unless you can colour either the chippings or the dogs pooh you could be in trouble.

Also can anyone tell me why my dogs(both been castrated) don't cock their legs in the garden. I have got several raised walls and a tree but their always squat. When out on a walk however they both cock. I find this most amusing. Any ideas or suggestions to either query gratefully received. Thanks.

Bark :D

Because when they are in their garden they do not feel the need to mark their territory.  They just urinate to eliminate.  When out and about dogs (and some bitches) like to "mark" :D

Vey funny! Knowing my 2 nutters they would probably eat the chippings anyway!
As for the marking, I thought it might be something like that. Thank you.