Since it's a relatively small area... get rid of the grass and replace with something that won't show where the dogs go. If budget allows, extend the "bed" next to it and add additional bushes?
No it needs to staygrass. There'sgrass right on the other side of this sidewalk so the two sides need to match.
I'll try the pepper! That's a good idea. I'm also going to get a sign made to "save the grass!"so residents dont take their dogs there. Lol.
Extend the mulch from those bushes in the top of the pic and do the same for the other side. Grass that isn't being used for sitting, laying, playing is a waste of water, mowing, and upkeep energy!
Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'm hoping that my sign will help. I'll put some pepper down and after a couple of weeks I'm going to try and rake it up then plant new seed. Fingers crossed!
I've worked pet friendly properties for a number of years, and have tried it all. For us, the reality is that no grass is going to survive near the exit of the building. When a dog has been inside all day/night and walks out the door, it is going to go straight for the first patch of grass it sees.
Cayenne deters some dogs, but you have to reapply it after every rain. Signs directing the owners to take the dogs elsewhere just serve as a convenient target for the pets to pee on! When reseeding, often the grass won't even sprout due to the acidic soil. Thorns and aromatic plants only deter a small number of dogs.
The only long-term success we've had is to install artificial turf, or use stone/mulch ground cover instead of grass.