Building an Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete will be our topic for today. Many people love having dogs as their pets but there are a lot of people who don’t like the upkeep that comes with it. If you have a pet and you don’t want to see him or her in your yard, consider building a dog potty area for them outside. It’s not difficult to do, just follow these instructions and you’ll be able to build one in no time! But first, there are things to consider before building an outdoor dog potty area.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUILD AN OUTDOOR DOG POTTY AREA
Decision 1:
Consider whether the area is adequate for the number of dogs anticipated who will use it. There are areas in each yard that are more suitable than others where outdoor dog potty areas can be placed and there may be multiple dogs in a household or group home.
Decision 2:
Consider the need to keep the area clean and how that can be achieved. Many different types of surfaces can be covered with plastics and these may require some form of maintenance. They also vary greatly in dirt holding ability; some are very porous, and others may not break down any waste but need another method of maintenance to be effective.
Decision 3:
Consider whether it is necessary to have an artificial grass surface on which dogs will relieve themselves (to reduce the cost of artificial grass) or whether a paved garden area is sufficient.
Decision 4:
Consider whether the area needs to be raised and how it will be surfaced should it be raised. Raised areas may not be suitable for all breeds of dogs or in all climates where there is a possibility of frost damage or if drainage problems occur.
Decision 5:
Consider the need for lighting and how that can be achieved at an acceptable cost. A common requirement is a light in the entire area, but if that is necessary, then it should also extend along a pathway to allow walks at night whether they are with an owner/handler or carried in a container (e.g., dog stroller).
Decision 6:
Consider how the area can be protected from impact by vehicles.
Decision 7:
Consider what is required to ensure that the dog’s waste is collected in a container other than the area itself and how this will be achieved.
Decision 8:
Consider what will be used as a maintenance material for the artificial surface and how that can be achieved.
How to Build an Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete
You’ll need access to concrete, some cement powder, and water, something to stir the mixture with, scissors or shears, dowels of various sized woods (you can find these at your local hardware store), food scraps that you won’t mind feeding your pet (do an online search for best food scraps), screws and nails if needed.
FIRST
First of all, you’ll want to find and clean the area where the dog potty area will be. This will make it easier for you to put things in place later on. Make sure that there are no plants or trees within a certain distance of this area. If there are, move them out of the way or at least try to prune them so that your pet won’t accidentally eat them. Once you’ve done this, spread a layer of tarp over the allowed area and cover each side with a piece of the tarp as well. This is to keep the dogs from scratching away at this section that has been covered up.
SECOND
You’ll want to go around the entire area that you are covering with more tarps and make sure that it is tightly fitted to the ground and held in place by something so that it doesn’t blow away. This will keep water from getting into the concrete once you’ve poured it.
THIRD
You’ll want to get your concrete, cement powder, and shovel ready. The dogs need to relieve themselves on soft surfaces so you will want to mix up a batch of concrete that mimics this texture. If you add too much cement, it will be really hard for them to dig their paws into it so try adding no more than four tablespoons at a time and slowly stirring until a thick mixture remains. You’ll need enough to cover the area that you’ve ignored.
FOURTH
Once you’ve mixed all of your concrete, get a tarp, put a layer of concrete on it, and put it under the tarp. You don’t want the dogs to step in it because it will be harder for them to dig holes in it if they’re walking around on top of concrete. Put some more concrete over that layer so that none is showing from underneath.
FIFTH
Put another layer of tarp over your new concrete. This will protect it from the weather and keep it from getting damaged. After you’ve put this on, lay some wood pieces (you can use a hammer to pound them into the ground if needed) along the sides of your tarp so that it is held in place. This is to keep the dogs from getting in if they dig away at your concrete before it’s had time to dry.
SIXTH
After you’ve done all of these things, get your dog or dogs and bring them over to their new dog potty area. Show them where the holes are and how they can relieve themselves, you may even want to help them dig if they don’t seem to understand what’s going on. If you don’t have many dogs, you may not need all of these instructions!
SEVENTH
Your new outdoor dog potty area should be fully functional in no time! If it isn’t work getting your dogs to use it, put some treats along the edges of this area so that they know that is where they need to go.
Also, keep in mind that pets can ruin a lot of things in your house so make sure that your dog or dogs are well trained before you let them have free rein of your house. You may also want to counter this by getting a pet door that they can go through to get outside and relieve themselves. This way, you won’t be left with a lot of cleanup on your hands.
If you have other pets, make sure that they know how to behave around dogs so that there aren’t any problems. The same goes for toddlers! If your children are old enough, they should know how to properly play with dogs so that there isn’t any biting or scratching involved regardless of how cute it may seem at the time. This will save you from having to take them to the emergency room because of your dog’s behavior!
NECESSARY MATERIALS NEEDED TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR POTTY AREA
For many years dogs have been using the outdoors as their bathroom, but in a few areas, it often becomes difficult to maintain a dog-friendly area. From spills and odors to issues with easy disposal of waste, concrete is a bad place for your pet’s needs. To fix this issue, we will discuss what you need for your outdoor potty area – two medium bags of mulch, about 35 pounds of topsoil or sand, and some gravel.”
Materials you need in order to build an Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete.
Mulch
The first thing you will need is mulch. Mulch is an organic material, usually made from wood, that is spread over a garden bed to suppress weed growth and conserve moisture. In this article though, we are using it as a protective layer around our dog’s area, holding in the odor and containing it from spreading into the concrete. It does not require any additional watering or fertilizing and should look nice for the next few years!
Top Soil or Sand
The second layer of your Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete will be topsoil or sand. This layer will serve a slightly different purpose than mulch. It is used to hold in the moisture and nutrients in the soil, keeping it from evaporating, which will reduce odors.
Gravel or crushed sandstone
Gravel or crushed sandstone is used as a surface to which your dogs will defecate, as well as provide traction for their paws during any break-away from their area – edges can be steeper without potentially damaging your dogs’ paws and knees. The size that you use for this surface will depend on the size of your dog and how much they are going to need to step on it over time.
Concrete cement
You will need to add a layer of concrete cement or mortar to your outdoor dog potty area for two reasons: 1) It acts as a barrier between the mulch and the topsoil/sand to keep them from mixing in the potty area, and 2) it acts as an adhesive between the concrete surface and the gravel. You will want to use at least two bags of cement per square yard of gravel you plan on using.
Concrete form and wood boards
You will also need concrete form and wood boards to hold the gravel in place, between the mulch and topsoil/sand. It is optional but can add a nice finishing touch to your new Potty Area. There are many options to choose from when buying this equipment, such as different sized forms, as well as various types of wood boards. In this article, we will not be discussing these options but do stress that you need at least 2 or 3 of the pieces to support your gravel layer.
Concrete trowel
You will also need a concrete trowel to lay the cement into your Potty Area. This should be a normal-sized trowel that is used for pouring mortar into molds and forming concrete around wood sets. We will include alternatives for those who may not be able to purchase one of these as well! Just remember, it has to be smooth on the bottom with a rounded tip, which you can use to flatten the gravel layer later on.
Concrete Table Saw
Another option for you to use for cutting concrete is a concrete table saw with a sliding fence. These saws are fairly expensive but can save you time and effort when trying to cut and smooth your concrete.
Outdoor Plastic Sheds or covered tray tables
You will need an outdoor plastic shed or covered tray table to protect your fresh mulch from raindrops while mixing and spreading the cement throughout your Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete. This will not just protect the mulch, but it will also help keep the moisture in place as well as keep it cool during the hot days of summer!
Measuring tape
You will need a measuring tape to measure out the dimensions of your dog’s potty area, as well as any other areas that you are looking to create beside it.
Water level/tape measure/line
For the smaller areas, such as creating a dog-free zone – you can use a water level to make sure the surface is even and not slanted. If you are going to be using mulch, then this step can be skipped.
You will also need a tape measure and some lines to place your marks on the concrete.
Shovel and hoe for digging the hole
To dig your dog’s potty area, you will need to use a shovel and hoe (or backhoe). You want to be sure that the area is nice and level before pouring the concrete, both horizontally as well as vertically. Though it is a small area it can make a big difference in how hard it is for your dogs to cover their business!
Concrete float or broom handle or metal float.
You will need a concrete float to keep your concrete from getting too hot. We recommend that you not use a shovel to mix the concrete because it will get too hot and burn your hands and feet! If you do not have one of the above tools, you can use a broom handle or metal float instead.
Also, you will need to have an extra bag of cement, as well as a bag of quick setting mix to make the proper mixture. If you do not have these items you can use the following equivalent:
1 Bag of Cement = 1/2 Bag Quick Setting Mix + 1/2 Bag Sand
You will also need to have plenty of water on hand to add it to your concrete. This is easier said than done but it is very important for the concrete to cure properly. It also helps keep your tools from burning up!
Best Crafting Items For Indoor Dog Potty Areas on Concrete:
Sheet of plywood
You will need a sheet of plywood to place your indoor dog potty area. This will help support the gravel and topsoil as well as keep it from moving as your dogs use it.
wood baseboard trim for edges
You can choose to use either one of these options for the edges. We recommend not using them both together, because one will be too tall and not let your dog’s paws touch the ground. Also, you do not want them digging under it!
Plastic or fiberglass poles or wood pillars
Poles and wood pillars can be inserted into the ground around your dog potty area as a way to make the edge cleaner, cleaner, and nicer looking! They are optional but can give you that clean-cut look without having to do any work!
Wood boards or 2x2s for legs/steps on your dog indoor potty area area on concrete (wooden dog potty)
If you are going to be using a piece of plywood on top of the floor instead of cement, then you need some wooden boards to prop it up for your dogs. The wood boards will also be needed to create the step-way inside of your dog potty area. You can also use 2x2s, which comes in handy if you have a very large area to create.
Wooden tablesaw base or a saw horse
You will need either one of these items to make sure your piece of plywood is even and level on your concrete patio! We do not recommend using wood because it will burn if you are going to be using wet cement and it will also burn from the heat!
Best Cement Mixer for Concrete Outdoor Dog Potty Areas on Concrete:
Electric or Gas mixer
You will need either an electric or gas mixer to mix the concrete. Because most concrete mixing machines only have a maximum of 120Volt, you will need a transformer to power it up. If you are interested in buying one for this project then we recommend one that can be powered as well as run on gas, such as this one from Greenworks.
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Expensive Cement Mixer
If you are willing to spend a little more money, then we recommend buying a mixer that can be powered by electricity as well as being able to run on gas. You can alternatively use an electric drill to mix the concrete, which is what we did! We recommend this one from Greenworks or this one from Ryobi
Old Washing Machine or Dryer for the concrete mixer
If you do not want to buy a mixer, then you can go with using an old washing machine or dryer instead. The great part about this option is that most of the time your local thrift shop and salvage company will be willing to give you a hand with taking them out of your house! We recommend using this one from Greenworks if you decide to go this route.
Best Backpack Or Concrete Mixing Totes:
Home Depot Tote
This tote is best for carrying your concrete mix as you deliver it to your backyard. This will allow you to have one hand free when moving around the cement!
6 Gallon Tote –
Heavy-Duty We recommend using this 6-gallon heavy-duty tote in order to carry your concrete mix on a smaller scale. It also works really great for carrying mulch which will allow you to constantly keep it at a cool temperature!
Best Backpack Or Concrete Mixing Buckets:
Home Depot Buckets & Bags
This is a great option to use if you already have a bucket at home that you can use! You can even save money by buying bags to carry the concrete. This will also keep the concrete from getting dirty and wet!
6 Gallon Bucket –
Heavy-Duty We recommend using this 6-gallon heavy-duty bucket in order to pour your concrete mix into. It is very sturdy and will not break on you.
Best Concrete Finisher:
Concrete Sealer
This is a great option to use to give your concrete a beautiful finish. We recommend using this sealer to keep it looking new for as long as possible.
Concrete Stain or Paint –
We recommend using either one of these options if you would like to use colorants like concrete paint or stain in order to add some flair and decor that can really brighten up your backyard!
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN YOU WANT TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR POTTY AREA
Have you ever wanted to build an outdoor dog potty area on concrete? Would you like to learn how to transform a space into a proper doggie den and give your pet the luxury of having a bathroom? We will tell you the steps necessary when building an outdoor dog potty area on the concrete. From flooring, laying pavers, building walls, and installing pipes and fixtures, this article has it all geared towards making your dream a reality so that your precious pup can have their self-contained toilet!
Step 1.
Measure the space where you would like to put your dog potty area.
This is the first step in the project. You should measure the width of the space, using a tape measure and a pencil; then draw a square or rectangles on the ground to denote your measurements.
Step 2.
Lay a waterproof membrane in the entire space where you would like to build your dog potty area. A good option is to lay asphalt roofing felt, which has a self-adhesive backing for easy installation. When laying the asphalt roofing felt, take care that it overlaps by at least 6 inches from any concrete wall or as much as possible on soft ground such as grass or dirt.
This will serve as your waterproof layer to prevent moisture from getting into the ground and causing mold growth or rotting of the decking materials that you lay down later in your pet’s new toilet space.
Step 3.
Lay a flooring material in the space. The easiest material to use is crushed gravel, which is a great material to lay on because it will not go through the cracks and will provide a flat surface for all of your dog potty area’s fixtures and fittings.
When laying down the crushed gravel, place smaller pieces up the walls so that there are no gaps between where you have laid down your crushed gravel and the concrete surface. This will prevent any water or dirt from getting in through these cracks or gaps between your driveway and house.
Step 4.
Lay down a layer of cement in the space. The best type of cement to use is ready-mix cement that you can buy at your local home improvement store. If you purchase this type of material, you may want to mix up the concrete yourself, but many concrete companies are willing to provide you with small batches of ready-mix concrete for free if you provide them with a good amount of information about how small your area is and how much material you need to lay down.
Step 5.
Pour all of the concrete into your area and sweep it together using a power broom or even a stick to make sure that there are no clumps in the concrete and that it adheres well together. After pouring the concrete, leave it to dry for a couple of days before continuing with the next step.
Step 6.
Lay down your dog potty area’s walls. Your wall options are numerous but the easiest and most logical option for you is to use recycled plastic lumber or PVC pipes and boards as your walls. If you choose to use plastic lumber, you can use pre-cut plastic lumber at your local home improvement store to make the construction of your dog potty area easier.
When laying down the plastic, it’s very important to place the plastic boards in a straight line, as this will not only make your dog potty area look nice but will also make it easier for you to install the dog potty areas plumbing later when plumbing is required.
To make sure that each board laid down on the ground is straight and laid evenly, use a level or some scrap wood to help you align the boards no matter what angle you lay them down at.
Step 7.
Use PVC pipes and fittings and connectors to join the plastic boards into walls that are attached in a grid pattern. If you use PVC systems, you will also need to cut and layout the piping exactly where you would like your dog potty area to be as well.
During the installation of the pipes and fittings, keep in mind that they must fit within the grid pattern and each pipe needs to be connected with a fitting to make a complete dog potty area. Also, when laying down the piping and fittings, use an extra layer of waterproof material on the ground so that water will not infiltrate through your concrete surface.
Step 8.
Secure the walls together with screws or bolts through holes that are drilled into each board. For extra security, use either a locking compound or bolts that are screwed into each fitting to secure the boards even more.
Step 9.
Laying down pavers for your dog potty area on the concrete is the final step of your project, which will give you your dog potty space that looks and feels comfortable for your pet. When laying down the pavers, take care not to place the pavers on top of each other but instead take care to use enough gaps between them so that water will not get in through these gaps.
Easier on yourself or you can buy a Sawzall and cut the wood yourself from larger pieces of recycled plastic lumber or PVC pipe that you load into it. Use either screws or bolts to secure the boards together through holes that are drilled into each piece.
Step 10.
When using recycled plastic lumber for your dog potty area, be sure to also use recycled plastic lumber to build walls that join the PVC fittings and pipes together to make sure that there is a solid frame of wood throughout your dog potty space that will be able to support all of the weight throughout the structure.
How to Get Your Dog to Use the New Outdoor Potty Area
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably as excited about this day as we are. And for once, it’s not just because the hot weather makes for a perfect excuse to go outside and lay in the grass. It’s all thanks to our new outdoor potty area! Now your dog will never have an accident inside, and will finally be able to do its business the way they were designed to do.
So take a deep breath, and relax. All that’s left to do is get your dog acclimated to the new area.
No one wants their dog to be confused, or feel anxious about changes in his life. But getting him used to the new potty area will be easy if you follow these simple steps:
1. Isolate the Area Until Your Dog is Familiar With It
You might have already realized this, but when it comes down to it, your dog’s fear of change has a lot in common with your fear of change. In a perfect world, this is the only step that would be necessary, but as you know all too well, we don’t live in a perfect world. Therefore don’t hesitate to take the next step in case your dog doesn’t accept change as quickly as you’d like him to.
2. Let Your Dog Get To Know His New Area Gradually
The more new and sudden changes he has to adjust to, the more stressed and confused your dog will become. He won’t know which change is causing him stress, and justifiably so! So allow him time to get comfortable with his new area before you make any other changes in his routine or environment.
3. Build Up the Area Slowly and Piecemeal
This is a tricky part, so just like we discussed in our previous article about making your new dog bed, it is best to start small. Don’t try to pack as much as you can into one day, or else you’ll overwhelm him. You want him to naturally associate his new area with being outside, but not being outside all at once. Instead, slowly and steadily introduce him to it over time.
4. Set Up an Area for Accidents
After your dog gets used to his new potty area, you can gradually begin introducing new experiences to him. If you’ve been planning on scheduling play fetch with your dog, you can start playing fetch in his new area first. Over time, this will gradually build up to more difficult and more involved experiences.
5. Create a New Routine
If your dog struggles with change, this might be an especially good time to start a new routine for him. This way he doesn’t have to adjust to so many changes at once and he doesn’t have to feel stressed from trying to get used to too much at once. Try introducing new routines such as taking the pup out for a walk or letting him out of the house during certain times of day (but only when people aren’t home).
6. Keep Him Busy
Be sure to keep your pup busy so he doesn’t have the time to feel anxious. This is a great time to give him some new toys (or other dog-related items) and play fetch with him outside. You can also help your dog get used to his new area by playing outside with him before you go anywhere else. Above all else, remember that your pup will adjust to his new area in no time, so don’t give up.
Conclusion
The most important step is the first step: isolating the area until your dog is familiar with it. The more time you spend with your dog, the quicker he will accept the change. So don’t be afraid to stay outside with him for a while if you have to. It’s better that way!
The most important point we want to get across is that getting your dog used to his new potty area will be easy if you follow these simple steps and remember that patience is key!
How to maintain your new Potty Area
There is nothing better than having the perfect outdoor potty area in your backyard. It’s not only the best place to take a dump when nature calls, but you can also keep a few items for your outdoor fun. When it comes to maintaining this new feature on your property, follow these tips to help ensure that it lasts for many years:
1. Curb Appeal
First things first, you need to make your new outdoor potty area pretty. You can do this with a variety of items including mulch, rocks, brick, and colored gravel. Don’t forget to add some little touches like flowerbeds around the perimeter of the area. These are nice accents from afar.
2. Watering it Right Away
Watering is a must with plants and grass in lawns, but when it comes to potty areas, you’ll have to mark the spots that need water each time you use them. What I did was put small stones at each spot and made an indentation with my foot telling me which spot needed water the most. Also, I added a small garden hose to make it easier when I have to refill the holding tank.
3. Keep it Clean
Keeping your inner workings clean is very important. I recommend investing in a high-quality air freshener that will not just cover up odors, but also help eliminate them. Some of these fresheners use both heat and cooling technology for continuous use and better performance. You can also make it more attractive with a potty seat that has an attached lid and a fresh scent of pine or flowers. This will help make everyone want to come back inside after taking care of business outside!
4. Appropriate Temperature
Keeping your potty area at the right temperature is very important. If it’s too cold, the seat will not be comfortable and people won’t come out to use it. If it’s too hot, the seat can become scorching hot causing splotches and burns on sensitive areas!
To avoid this problem, use some insulation under the potty seat to keep the temperature comfortable for all. You can do this by purchasing a small insulated pad that you can lay over the top or a large one that will fit around the edge of your potty area. This is also a great way to keep the seat from getting too cold.
5. Keep it Smelling Good and Looking Good
The final tip for keeping your new outdoor potty area in tip-top shape is to keep it smelling clean and looking good! You can do this by using a variety of cleaning techniques including cleaning up after every use, sweeping weekly, and painting or re-staining the color that you want every year or so. These are all ways you can ensure your potty area remains just as fresh as day one!