Quick and easy garden for a puppy

HeWhoDares

We have a garden which is just mud. We have a new pup arriving in three weeks and a limited budget. The garden is about 20m x 6m.
We will turf most of the garden, but are looking for other textures, maybe a patch, mulch (a minefield) and smooth stones.
And, of course, a toilet area.

Does anyone have any ideas or tips?

Thanks

Silvertabby

Avoid cocoa shell mulch - it smells of chocolate, but is toxic to dogs.

sheramber

Be careful of stones. They need to be to big for him to swallow. Similarly bark mulch will have pieces he could swallow.

As said coco mulch is a no, no as it is poisonous to dogs if they eat it., which a puppy probably will.

Slabs?

HeWhoDares

Looks like re-trufing the whole garden then as slabs would cost too much.
Apart from the pup's toilet - that'll be flags!

Thanks all!!

System

I have astro turf. been down 5 years now and still as good as when it was laid. no maintenance and no mess. I couldn't recommend it enough. I wash it in summer with bleach and jetwash cus dogs wee smells but other than that it's great. definitely worth investing in.

HeWhoDares

I've seen some concrete decorative sleeper which look like wood. These seem great for a path.
Anybody have experience using these? They look inexpensive, free from rotting and safe.

Caroline_a

Another vote for fake grass. My garden is that, plus patio, and it's so easy to clean up etc but looks fab! If you go this route though, get some reputable people to lay it!