Grass Delivery for Dogs: What to Expect From Your First Subscription
Updated On: Friday, July 25, 2025 09:32:26 AM America/Los_Angeles
If you’re tired of cleaning up disposable pee pads or rushing outside for every potty break, an indoor grass delivery for dogs could be the game-changer you need. Grass pad subscription services (like DoggieLawn) ship real grass potty patches to your home on a regular schedule. With a monthly dog grass subscription, apartment-dwelling pet parents and those without easy yard access can give their dogs a natural spot to “go” without the mess of traditional pads. In this article, we’ll explain what a dog grass pee pad subscription involves, how to set up your first delivery, and tips for training and maintenance – so you know exactly what to expect from your first box of real grass for your pup.
What Is a Grass Pee Pad for Dogs?
A grass pee pad for dogs is essentially a small patch of real grass that your dog can use as an indoor or balcony potty. Unlike single-use plastic pee pads, a grass pad offers a reusable, odor-minimizing potty area for your pet – it absorbs liquid waste and naturally neutralizes smells. Most grass pads come with some type of tray or liner underneath to catch any excess liquid, making cleanup easy. You simply pick up solid waste daily and swap out the grass pad for a fresh one when it becomes saturated. These systems can be placed almost anywhere – in your living room, bathroom, or on a patio or balcony – wherever is convenient for your dog’s bathroom spot.
Grass pads come in various sizes to accommodate different breeds. You can even find an extra-large grass pee pad for large dogs or join multiple pads together to create a bigger potty area for bigger breeds. This means dogs of all sizes – from tiny puppies to big seniors – can use a grass pad as their personal indoor lawn. The grass itself may be grown hydroponically or in soil, but in all cases, it’s real, living (or recently harvested) grass. Because it’s real turf, dogs instinctively recognize it as a bathroom spot, which often makes it easier to get them to use it. In short, an indoor dog grass subscription delivers the experience of a backyard patch of lawn, right to your home.
Benefits of Using a Real Grass Pad
Why switch to a real grass pad for your dog? Here are some of the key benefits of these natural potty systems:
- Natural & Instinctual for Dogs: Dogs are naturally drawn to the smell and texture of real grass, which provides a familiar potty spot that can reduce indoor accidents. Many pups potty-train faster on real sod because it mimics the outdoor environment they instinctively seek out. This makes indoor puppy potty grass an excellent tool for housebreaking. Instead of confusing your pup with plastic or paper pads, you’re teaching them that grass (even if it’s on a balcony or indoors) is the right place to go.
- Convenient for Apartment Living: For pet owners in high-rises or condos, a grass pad offers quick, stress-free bathroom breaks. You can set up a balcony pee pad for dogs so your furry friend can relieve themselves without an elevator trip or a long walk every time. This is a lifesaver during late-night or early-morning hours, and especially helpful for people with limited mobility or those who work from home and can’t step out constantly. Your dog gets their own little “yard,” and you get peace of mind.
- All-Weather Reliability: A real grass pad provides an outdoor pee pad for dogs that works in any weather – because it can be used indoors or under shelter. Rainstorms, heat waves, and snowstorms won’t disrupt your dog’s routine. If it’s pouring rain or snowing outside, your dog can still do their business on the grass pad without getting wet or muddy. No more wrestling with umbrellas or skipping your dog’s bathroom break in extreme weather.
- Less Odor & Mess: Real grass patches tend to control odor far better than standard pee pads or even artificial turf systems. The living grass and soil absorb urine and smells, keeping your home fresher. There’s no lingering urine smell or need to constantly mop up like with regular pads. Plus, you avoid the mess of shredded pee pads (a common issue if your puppy likes to tear them). When the grass is soiled over time, you simply replace it. Grass pads for puppies also help contain the mess of potty training to one spot, protecting your floors.
- Eco-Friendly Disposal: Unlike disposable pads that create plastic waste every day, real grass pads are a greener choice. The grass is biodegradable – when a pad is used up, you can toss it in yard waste or compost if your local regulations allow. This reduces the environmental impact compared to throwing out piles of pee pads. Even compared to washing a synthetic turf mat, real grass requires less water and no chemical cleaners. It’s a more sustainable potty solution for the eco-conscious pet owner.
- Helps with Special Situations: Grass pads can be a relief for senior dogs or those with medical issues. Older dogs with incontinence or dogs recovering from surgery might not make it outside in time; having a grass patch nearby prevents accidents and stress on the dog. It’s also useful for small breeds with tiny bladders or dogs learning to go potty post-vet surgery (when walks need to be limited). Essentially, any time outdoor access is difficult, a grass pad provides a safe and sanitary backup plan.
Using a real grass potty has many advantages – it aligns with your dog’s natural instincts, keeps your home cleaner and less smelly, and offers tremendous convenience for apartment dwellers and busy pet parents. You get the flexibility of an indoor bathroom for your dog without giving up the natural element that helps them know where to go.
Setting Up Your First Dog Grass Pad Delivery
So, you’ve ordered your first real grass potty delivery – what now? Here’s what to expect when that box of fresh grass arrives at your door, and how to get it ready for your pup:
- Unboxing the Grass Pad: Your grass pad subscription box will typically contain the cut piece of real grass (often mounted on soil or a special mat) and a tray or liner. Many services include a free dog grass pad with tray in the first shipment – for example, DoggieLawn sends a reusable plastic tray with the initial order, so you have everything needed to get started. Carefully open the package and pull out the grass patch. It might be inside a plastic bag or wrapped to keep it moist during transit. There could be a bit of soil shedding or an “earthy” smell when you first open it – that’s normal with real grass.
- Placing the Grass Pad: Decide where you want to set up your dog’s new bathroom spot. Ideally, choose a location that’s easy for your dog to access but out of the way of daily foot traffic. Common choices are a corner of a room, a laundry area, near the door to the balcony, or on the balcony itself. If indoors, you may want to put a plastic sheet or mat under the tray initially, just until you trust that the tray is catching all moisture. Set the grass patch inside the provided tray or box. The grass can stay in the tray it came with (some subscriptions use a sturdy cardboard tray that doubles as the shipping box – you just remove the lid and you’re done). If a separate plastic tray is provided, place the grass section into that. It should fit snugly. The tray will prevent leaks and hold the grass in place.
- Initial Care Tips: Real grass is a living product, so it can arrive looking vibrant green or sometimes a bit yellow in spots (due to shipping in a dark box). Don’t worry – slight yellowing won’t bother your dog. You can revive the grass by giving it a little water and some sunlight. Place it in indirect sunlight if possible (for example, near a bright window or on the balcony during the day). Add a cup of water to the soil if it feels dry, but avoid overwatering; most dogs don’t like soggy wet grass on their paws. The goal is to keep the grass fresh but also fairly dry to maximize absorption when your dog uses it. If you live in a hot climate or the grass starts to dry out, misting it lightly every day or two can help extend its life. Conversely, if you keep the pad outdoors on a balcony, try to shelter it from rain – a rain-soaked grass pad will get oversaturated. (On rainy days, either bring it inside or cover it, so it can continue to absorb your pet’s urine rather than just rainwater.)
- Using the Subscription Features: When you sign up for a dog grass subscription, you usually have control over the size of the pad and how often it’s delivered. For instance, you might choose a small pad delivered every two weeks, or a larger pad delivered monthly – it depends on your dog’s size and how frequently they’ll use it. Most subscriptions are flexible; you can adjust the delivery frequency, pause a delivery if you’ll be out of town, or cancel anytime if it’s not working out. Services like DoggieLawn let you select a schedule (every week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 4 weeks) so you always have fresh subscription grass pads arriving on time. After the first delivery (with the tray included), subsequent shipments usually contain just the replacement grass. Simply swap the old grass out and drop the new one into your tray when it arrives.
Expect your first grass pad to last anywhere from one to a few weeks, depending on your dog. Puppies and dogs that use the pad many times a day will go through it faster (maybe a week or two before it’s pretty worn out). If you have a toy breed or your dog only uses it occasionally, the pad could stay usable longer (up to three or four weeks in ideal cases). Keep an eye on the condition and odor of the grass – you’ll get a feel for when it’s time to change it (we’ll cover more on that in the maintenance section below).
Potty Training Tips for Grass Pads
Getting your dog comfortable with using their new grass pad may take a little training, especially if they’re accustomed to going outdoors or on traditional pee pads. The good news is that it’s very doable – and many dogs take to real grass faster than other potty options. Training a puppy on a pee pad versus on real grass can be a different experience; with the grass pad, you’re actually reinforcing a more natural behavior. Here are some tips to help your pup or adult dog learn to use their puppy training grass patch: Follow these training steps to ensure success:
- Choose the Spot and Keep It Consistent: Decide on the one spot where the grass pad will live and stick to it. Consistency is key. Dogs can get confused if the “bathroom” moves around, so pick a corner or area and always keep the grass pad there. If you move it, your pup might go where it used to be. Consistency helps them form a habit of heading to that specific location when they need to potty.
- Introduce Your Dog to the Grass Pad: Right after the pad arrives and is set up, allow your dog to sniff and explore it. Encourage them onto the grass. If your dog is a puppy or hasn’t used an indoor potty before, you might need to guide them. Try leash-walking your dog to the pad as if you’re taking them for a little walk, especially during times you expect them to need to go (e.g., first thing in the morning, after meals, after waking from a nap). The leash helps mimic the outdoor routine and keeps them focused. Let them sniff around on the grass patch.
- Use a Cue and Positive Reinforcement: Treat the grass pad just like an outdoor potty spot when it comes to training. Use whatever potty command your dog recognizes (like “go potty” or “do your business”) while they’re on the grass. Be patient – it might take a few tries. The moment your dog uses the grass pad successfully, praise them enthusiastically and give a high-value treat. Positive reinforcement is powerful. They’ll start to understand that pottying on the grass = reward. If they don’t go during a scheduled “potty break,” that’s okay – try again in a little while, and keep them supervised so they don’t sneak off to a corner of the house.
- Transition from Old Methods: If your dog was previously using pee pads or a different indoor method, transition gradually. You can place a small piece of a used pee pad or paper towel with their urine on top of the grass pad the first couple of times, so it carries their scent – this can attract them to pee there. Some grass pad users also utilize attractant sprays designed for dog potty training; a few spritzes on the grass can signal to the dog that “this is the spot.” These tricks are usually needed only initially. Once your pup goes on the grass and catches on, the natural grass scent itself will reinforce the behavior. Remember that the grass pad smells like the outdoors (dirt and grass), which is a big hint to your dog about its purpose!
- Supervise and Maintain Routine: Especially in the early days of training, supervise your dog when they’re free inside so you can direct them to the grass pad at the first sign they need to go (sniffing, circling, etc.). Preventing accidents elsewhere in the home is crucial – every time your dog successfully uses the pad instead of the carpet is a win. Keep a routine just as you would with outdoor training: take young puppies to the pad every 30-60 minutes and after eating, drinking, or playtime. For adult dogs, you might schedule pad visits a few times a day in addition to their normal walks. Consistency will help them form the habit.
- Never Punish for Mistakes: If your dog has an accident off the grass pad, resist any urge to scold. Clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner (to remove the odor) and focus on next time. Punishment can cause confusion or anxiety, which could make training harder. Instead, generously reward the correct behavior (using the grass). Make the grass pad the happiest, most praise-filled potty experience possible for your pup. With time, they’ll prefer that patch of grass because it’s always a positive place to go.
Most dogs, once they understand that the grass pad is their new “restroom,” will use it readily. Puppies might even start going to it on their own when they feel the urge. Be patient and persistent in the beginning, and you’ll soon have your dog reliably using their indoor lawn. Many pet owners find that after the initial training period, their dogs will trot over to the grass pad whenever they need to go – a big relief for everyone involved!
Maintenance: Keeping Your Grass Pad Fresh
One of the best parts of a dog grass delivery system is that upkeep is pretty straightforward. Real grass pads are low-maintenance compared to both regular pee pads and washable fake grass potties. Here’s how to keep your dog’s grass pad clean and when to replace it:
- Daily Cleaning: Treat the grass pad a bit like you would your yard – you’ll want to remove solid waste (poop) at least once a day. Scoop it up with a poop bag or pick it up with toilet paper and flush it, whatever your normal method, just as you would on a walk. Regular removal of solids keeps the pad sanitary and prevents odors. Urine will soak into the grass and soil; there’s no puddling on top, so you don’t have to wipe anything. However, if your pad uses a lined tray that collects excess liquid, you should empty and rinse that tray out every few days to avoid any smell build-up in the plastic.
- Odor Control: Thanks to nature, your grass pad should stay relatively odor-free. The soil and grass work together to absorb moisture and smells. You might notice a mild earthy scent, especially right after your dog uses it, but it’s far less noticeable than the smell of a used pee pad. If the earthy smell is too much for you, there are pet-safe odor eliminator sprays (DoggieLawn sells one, for example) that you can lightly mist on the grass. Avoid using harsh chemical sprays or cleaners on the grass – you don’t want to deter your dog from using it. As long as you replace the grass pad on schedule, you shouldn’t experience strong urine odors. Real grass naturally neutralizes a lot of the smell and even uses the nitrogen in dog urine as it would as fertilizer in the ground.
- When to Water (or Not): Earlier, we mentioned you can sprinkle a little water on the grass every now and then to keep it alive longer. This can help extend the life of the pad, but use moderation. A subscription grass pads service delivers fresh grass often enough that you don’t need the patch to last forever. The grass may turn brown or dry out over time – that’s okay, your dog will still use it as long as it’s not soupy or decaying. In fact, overly watering the grass can make it less absorbent for urine. Aim to keep it from completely drying out and turning to hay (which could get messy or dusty), but you also want it a bit “thirsty” so it absorbs pee readily. If you notice any mold or a strong ammonia smell, it’s definitely time to change it out.
- Lifespan of a Grass Pad: How long does one pad last? It depends on usage and the size of your dog. In general, most real grass dog potties are meant to be replaced every 1-2 weeks for a medium dog using it regularly. Under normal use with a single dog, each grass pad can stay effective for up to a few weeks before it becomes saturated and loses its odor control ability. Many customers find a routine of changing the grass about every 2 weeks keeps things fresh. If you have multiple dogs using the same pad, or a large dog with a lot of output, you’ll likely need to change it more often or use multiple pads side by side. Conversely, a small dog or infrequent use could stretch a pad closer to 3-4 weeks. Dog grass delivery subscriptions make this easy by sending you new grass at whatever interval fits your schedule. If you ever notice your dog starting to pee on the very edge of the grass or off of it, that’s a sign the pad is too saturated with their scent – they’re seeking a cleaner spot. That’s your cue to toss the old grass and lay down the new one that’s arrived.
- Disposal and Replacement: When your grass pad has reached the end of its useful life, simply dispose of it and replace it with the fresh shipment. One big perk here is how easy clean-up is: you roll up the old grass (soil and all) and throw it in the trash. If local regulations allow, you could put it in a green waste bin since it’s a natural material. There are no plastic components to worry about (unless you have a disposable plastic liner – but many kits are just grass and cardboard). The replacement process is quick – lift out the old grass, rinse or wipe the tray if needed, and drop the new grass pad in. Done! No scrubbing of artificial turf or laundering of pee pads. The used grass will biodegrade in a landfill or compost, much like any yard waste.
- Tray Maintenance: If you’re using a reusable tray (plastic or otherwise), give it a rinse with warm soapy water when you swap out the grass. That will keep it from developing any smell. Make sure it’s dry before placing the new grass in, since standing water under the grass could shorten its lifespan. Some owners keep two trays so they can set up the new pad in a clean tray and wash the old one at leisure. But that’s optional – one tray works fine as long as you clean it between uses.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you’ll find that a real grass pad is actually a very low-fuss pet bathroom. There’s no daily scrubbing; nature does a lot of the work for you. Just remember to change out the grass at the right interval – your nose (or your dog’s behavior) will tell you when it’s time. Fortunately, with a monthly dog grass subscription or bi-weekly plan, a fresh lawn will always be on its way when you need it.
A dog grass delivery subscription can be a real lifesaver for many pet owners. It provides the convenience of an indoor potty with the cleanliness of real grass, bridging the gap between outdoor walks. After your first subscription delivery, you’ll quickly settle into a routine of swapping out the grass pads and enjoying a cleaner home with fewer accidents. Dogs tend to love having their own little patch of grass, and owners love the ease and peace of mind it brings. Grass pad subscriptions like DoggieLawn offer a practical, sanitary, and dog-friendly alternative to pee pads. You can expect your first subscription box to contain everything needed to get going, and with a bit of training, your dog will soon be happily doing their business on their very own patch of grass. No more midnight elevator rides or shredded pee pads to pick up – just a happy dog and a cleaner home. That’s something both you and your furry friend can wag your tails about!
Sources
- Why Real Grass Indoor Pee Pads Are Best for Dogs – Gotta Go Grass Bloggottagograss.com
- Dog Grass Potty VS Pee Pads – Fresh Patch Blogfreshpatch.com
- DoggieLawn Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown – Dogsterdogster.com
- Potty Training Your Puppy When You Live In An Apartment – Preventive Vetpreventivevet.com
- The Ultimate Guide to Balcony Grass for Dogs – Gotta Go Grass Blog
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