Living in an apartment with a puppy is a masterclass in compromise. You trade a big backyard for low-maintenance living, but the moment toilet training starts, that trade-off hits hard.
When I brought my dog home four years ago, we started where almost everyone does: disposable puppy pads. Within three days, my living room looked like a crime scene of shredded paper, and the smell was… less than inviting. I tried artificial turf next, which lasted until the first hot afternoon when I realised scrubbing synthetic grass on a balcony with a bucket of hot water is something I did not want to endure ever again.
Desperate for a better solution, I made the swap to a real grass dog toilet. Four years later, it’s hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Here’s everything I’ve learnt along the way, and what I’d consider if you’re thinking about making the switch yourself.
What is a real grass dog toilet?
A real grass dog toilet (like this one from Fresh Patch) is pretty much what it sounds like: a patch of real, living grass designed to give dogs somewhere to go to the toilet when getting outside isn’t always practical.
Depending on the type you choose, the grass can sit in a tray or disposable base and be placed on a balcony, verandah or another suitable spot at home.
Your dog uses it just like they would a patch of grass outside, and you simply pick up any solid waste afterwards. Once the grass has reached the end of its life, you replace it with a fresh patch.
Why I chose a real grass dog toilet
The biggest hurdle with dog toilet training in an apartment is confusion. When you ask a dog to pee on a plastic sheet inside, then take them outside and praise them for peeing on the lawn, you’re essentially asking them to learn two different rules.
When I introduced a real grass dog toilet at 10 weeks old, my pup took to it almost immediately. Because it’s genuine, living grass, dogs instinctively recognise the texture and scent. It’s the exact same surface they look for on their daily walks.
There were still accidents, of course. He was a puppy. But there wasn’t much confusion about what the grass was for. And once he got it, he really got it.
In fact, on a slightly less glamorous note, if he’s feeling sick, he’ll even run over there to throw up. It’s not the easiest thing to clean up, but I suppose it proves he knows exactly what his grass is for.
Real grass vs artificial grass for dogs
I’d tried puppy pads, but one thing I didn’t love was the mess and smell.
Artificial grass seemed like a better option, but it came with its own problems. Unlike living grass, synthetic turf doesn’t absorb urine, so the liquid can pool underneath and the smell can become difficult to ignore. And when you’re having to regularly hose down and scrub the thing, it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Living grass is completely different. The roots naturally absorb liquid, which helps keep the odour under control without relying on sprays to mask the smell.
For me, the biggest advantages are:
- No scrubbing: There’s no piece of artificial turf to hose down or scrub clean.
- Easy to dispose: Once the grass has reached the end of its life, you replace it with a fresh patch rather than cleaning and reusing synthetic turf.
- A familiar surface: Dogs already know what grass is for, which can make the transition easier, particularly during puppy toilet training.
Is a real grass dog toilet right for your dog?
It’s not going to be the answer for every dog or every home, but it’s worth considering if:
- You live in an apartment or townhouse: Particularly if getting outside isn’t always quick or easy.
- You’re toilet training a puppy: A familiar grass surface can make the idea of an indoor toilet easier to understand.
- You work long or unpredictable hours: It gives your dog another option when you can’t get outside at exactly the right time.
- You have an older or less mobile dog: Having a toilet closer to home can make life a little easier.
- You’re over puppy pads or artificial turf: Particularly if you’re tired of the smell, mess or cleaning involved.
What to actually look for in a real grass dog toilet
Still weighing up your options? There are a few things I’d think about before buying one.
- Size: Match the toilet to your dog’s size and, if you’ve got a puppy, think about how big they’ll be once fully grown. A patch that’s too small is more likely to result in a missed target.
- Disposal: Some real grass dog toilets are designed to be completely disposable, while others involve maintaining the grass yourself. Think honestly about how much upkeep you’re prepared to do.
- Delivery: If you’re buying fresh grass rather than growing your own, check whether the company delivers to your area and how often you’ll need a replacement. Some offer subscriptions, while others let you order one patch at a time.
- Placement: Choose one spot and stick with it. A covered balcony, verandah or area near the door can work well, but avoid harsh direct sunlight where possible.
A real grass option to consider
If you like the idea of a real grass dog toilet but don’t want to source and maintain your own patch of turf, Fresh Patch is one quality option available in Australia.
The disposable toilet uses real, living grass and comes in four sizes to suit different dogs. You can order it as a one-off or choose a regular delivery, with the recommended replacement frequency depending on your dog’s size and how often they use it.
There are also trays, biodegradable waste bags and other accessories available on The Fresh Patch website.
Want to give it a try? You can currently get 20 per cent off with the code PUP20.
Frequently asked questions:
Yes, indoor dog toilets can work well when introduced consistently. A real grass dog toilet can be particularly easy for dogs to understand because grass is a surface they’re naturally familiar with. Choose one dedicated spot and take your dog there when they’re likely to need to go, such as after waking up, eating or playing.
For a balcony, look for a dog toilet that is easy to maintain, appropriately sized for your dog and designed to handle regular use. A real grass dog toilet is one option because it gives your dog a familiar surface without requiring you to wash artificial turf after every use. If you’re placing grass outdoors, a covered spot away from harsh direct sunlight is best.
How long it lasts depends on the size of the dog and how frequently the grass is used. Fresh Patch recommends replacing its grass patches every one to two weeks, depending on the size of your pet and frequency of use.
Real grass can help control odours because the living root system absorbs liquid, rather than allowing urine to sit on a synthetic surface. Regularly removing solid waste and replacing the grass patch as recommended can also help keep smells under control.
Absolutely. A real grass dog toilet can be used as part of puppy toilet training, particularly if you live in an apartment or don’t have a backyard. Take your puppy to the grass regularly, especially after sleeping, eating and playing, and reward them immediately when they use it correctly. Accidents are still a normal part of puppy toilet training, so consistency and patience are key.
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