[sbm]

We own a CYV in Hemingway that we purchased in July. Currently renting with PM until we hope to retire and move to TV next summer. I promised the better half that we could get a puppy when we retired, well we couldn't wait after finding the cutest dog in the world (that's another story-he's half Dachshund and half ShihTzu)! He is slowing getting trained even with the cold Minnesota weather he is going outside pretty good most of the time, can't wait until the snow is over his head though. The dilema is when we get to TV our CYV has no grass only pine straw (I wanted the low maintenance plan). It will be nice with the enlosure to let him roam freely (or can he sneak under the gate?), but does anyone else have this issue and does the pooch go in the straw? Should we think about maybe putting a small area of grass? Then I don't have a lawn mower or maybe I can just use a small shears to cut it or may it won't survive if the puppy is relieving himself on that area?? Such problems! HELP!

[nONIE]

You could build a small area bed of small stones with a border around. Easy to pick up droppings and hose down periodically. I think the pup will learn to use that area after he has baptized it a few times.

[redwitch]

You'll definitely need to put something on the gate to keep him in. Your pine straw isn't that high and it shouldn't be a problem cleaning up after him. You can always train him to use one specific area to do his smelly business and clean that out and leave him to mark his territory however he wants.

[rdhdleo]

Be very careful of the pine mulch you use. It is a haven for ticks. This is a big problem in TV as TV uses pine straw mulch in the common areas and ticks have been a huge problem for many.

[cmj]

Please use caution if your pooch is "going potty" in pine straw. Fire ants seem to love to tunnel and build mounds under it. Your dog will walk on a mound or drag his leash across one and be bitten before you even notice. Good luck with house breaking. It's sometimes a process.