Grass Repairers
You can't always protect your yard from damage, which is when repairing your grass is the best option. If you have an area of the yard that isn't doing well, you can reseed that area with patching kits that feature resilient grass seeds. Some items can even prevent your dog from re-soiling a certain area.
Supplements
The high amount of nitrogen in dog urine causes those yellow or brown "burn" of grass. Some dog owners have success with supplements that can at least partly neutralize your dog's urine and make it less likely to damage your lawn. But before adding any supplements to your dog's diet it's a good idea to talk with your vet first.
Water Bowls
Hydration is key for not only keeping your dog healthy but your lawn as well. When dogs are well hydrated the nitrogen in their urine is less concentrated—aka less yellow spots and less damage. To encourage your dog to stay hydrated, keep lots of water bowls around your house and in your yard and refill those bowls regularly with fresh water.
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Leashes
The easiest way to protect your grass from being damaged by your dog and their waste is to manage where they go. Take your dog out with a leash to encourage them to do their business in one area or on nongrassy areas like rock or mulch. Over time, your dog will come to see those areas as ideal places to potty and will discourage your dog from marking all over your yard.
Interactive Toys
When dogs are bored, they will invent their own games and activities to play. For some dogs, this will look like chewing on plants or digging in your grass. In addition to supervising your dog while they are in the yard, providing enrichment games, puzzles and activities can stimulate your dog's mind and prevent your dog from being disruptive in the yard. Just be sure to watch them while they do so.
Waste Disposal
Make it a regular practice of picking up any poop in your yard as soon as your dog goes. Keeping your dog's poop always cleaned up can prevent diseases from spreading and will also help keep your grass looking nice. Plus, poop sitting on your grass isn't fertilizer and can damage your grass. In addition, poop being left out on the grass can encourage some dogs to want to mark territory by peeing and pooping more in that area which can be harder on grass.
Exercise Pens
It can be helpful to separate your dog from your yard to protect grass or fragile plantings. An exercise pen that will give your dog the ability to play outside in the yard but limit their access, meaning they're less likely to damage the whole yard. Still be sure to always supervise your dog while they are in an exercise pen, and do not ever leave your dog unattended outside alone in one.
Dog Pool
If you have a dog that tends to be hard on your lawn by running, jumping, or digging, it's helpful to provide an outlet for your dog to engage with. A dog pool can not only help to keep your dog hydrated, but it also can help prevent boredom which can help to alleviate destructive behavior that can damage your grass. Place your dog's pool on a deck or patio to prevent the grass underneath from getting damaged.
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