Paw’s Corner: Dog thinks back yard is giant litter box

Q: Help! My backyard lawn has brown spots all over it from where my chocolate Lab “Jake” does his business. How can I get him to just go in a certain area? I’m tired of having to go around every Saturday and pick up his little “gifts.” And how can I get rid of the brown spots? — A Reader in Jacksonville, Fla.

A: Getting a pet — especially dogs — to do their business in a particular spot, without supervision, is difficult but not impossible. You will need to supervise when and where Jake eliminates, and you will need to stop him from identifying the back yard as a giant “go spot.”

You have two options: Put Jake on a leash morning and evening and take him for a nice walk, so he eliminates away from the house (carry pickup bags with you); or, select a spot in the yard and train him to go there.

When it’s time for him to go out back, don’t just open the door. Put him on his leash and take him to the selected corner (ideally, a spot with dirt or sand) for about five to 10 minutes. Encourage him (nicely) to “go.” If he doesn’t eliminate, take the leash off and let him play. If he does, give him a treat and lots of praise. Repeat these techniques daily; Jake has to change his elimination routine.

The brown spots in the grass are caused by Jake’s urine, which has a high nitrogen content. Spots that have been there a long time may need to be reseeded. The only certain way to reduce brown spots is to reduce the excess nitrogen by watering the area after Jake goes inside — at least until he gets accustomed to using the selected spot.