Did you know that almost half of Australian households own at least one dog? For many Sydney families, our dogs are more than just pets — they’re an important part of the family and spend plenty of time enjoying the backyard. But between zoomies, digging, and daily toilet breaks, your lawn can sometimes take a bit of a beating.
If you’re looking to create a beautiful, dog-friendly lawn that can handle paws, play, and plenty of activity, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to keep both your four-legged friends and your turf happy and healthy.
Wear and Tear on the Lawn
Dogs love to run, chase, and play — and while that’s great exercise for them, it can be tough on your grass. Larger breeds, or dogs that regularly do laps around the same areas, can quickly wear down patches of lawn and cause bare spots.
If your lawn is struggling to cope, consider using turf reinforcement mesh. This durable mesh sits on top of your existing lawn and provides extra strength to help the turf withstand heavy foot and paw traffic. Made from high-density plastic, the mesh gradually disappears beneath the surface as the grass grows through it, while still offering that much-needed reinforcement. It’s also handy for households with chickens, helping stop them from scratching through your grass and garden beds.
Dealing with Dog Urine Burns
One of the most common lawn problems for dog owners is urine burn — those unsightly brown or yellow patches caused by nitrogen concentration in dog urine. The good news is there are a few ways to help reduce or even prevent this.
Products like Dog Rocks are popular with Sydney pet owners and work by filtering out impurities from your dog’s drinking water, such as tin, nitrates, and ammonia. Using filtered water can also have a similar effect.
Another strategy is training your dog to use a specific area of the lawn or providing a synthetic grass potty mat to contain the damage. This helps localise any burn marks and keeps the rest of your lawn green and even.
De-compact Your Soil Base
If your dog spends a lot of time running or lying on the grass, your soil can become compacted over time. Compacted soil restricts water flow and air movement, which can stunt root growth and lead to patchy, thin turf.
To fix this, it’s a good idea to aerate your lawn once or twice a year. You can use a garden fork to gently lift and loosen the soil or invest in a core aerator for deeper, more even results. This helps water, air, and nutrients reach the roots and keeps your lawn stronger and more resilient against heavy use.
How to Stop Dogs from Digging
If your dog loves to dig up the lawn, you’re not alone. Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons — boredom, curiosity, escape attempts, or even to find a cool spot on hot days.
To reduce digging, try these tips:
- Keep your dog mentally and physically active. Daily walks, play sessions, or puzzle toys can help channel energy in healthier ways.
- Provide chew toys or enrichment games to prevent boredom while you’re not home.
- Create shade and cool areas during summer so your dog doesn’t need to dig to cool down.
If your pup still insists on digging, you can redirect that behaviour to a designated area — which brings us to the next tip.
Create a Dog-Friendly Sandpit
For dogs that just can’t resist digging, consider giving them their own dig zone or sandpit. This is a safe, fun area where they can dig freely without damaging your lawn.
You can easily create one using timber sleepers or even a children’s clam shell filled with clean sand. To encourage your dog to use it, bury a few treats or toys in the sand for them to discover. Over time, most dogs learn to dig only in their designated area — saving your turf from destruction.
Choosing the Right Turf Variety for Dogs
Not all grasses are created equal — especially when it comes to dog-friendly lawns. Some varieties recover from wear faster and tolerate pet activity better than others.
For Sydney backyards, two standout choices are:
- Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo – Known for its soft yet tough leaf, this Aussie classic buffalo performs exceptionally well in high-wear areas. It’s pet-friendly, kid-safe, and thrives in Sydney’s variable climate.
- TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda – With a fine leaf and rapid self-repairing ability, TifTuf is ideal for active dogs that love to run and play. It stays lush and green even under heavy use.
Both options offer durability, softness underfoot, and excellent resilience — everything you need for a lawn your dog will love as much as you do.
Final Thoughts
Creating the ultimate dog-friendly lawn in Sydney is about finding the right balance between durability and comfort. With regular maintenance, smart watering, and the right turf variety, you can have a backyard that’s both beautiful and practical — a space where your pets can play, relax, and enjoy the outdoors all year round.
If you’d like more lawn care tips, check out our other blogs for expert insights on keeping your lawn in top condition.
Lawn Mowing Tips for Sydney
How to Host the Perfect Backyard Christmas on a Lush Green Lawn