I have an old home with a backyard that consists primarily of dirt! We have a few patches of grass, but nothing significant. We have a 12 month old black lab who is constantly dirty or muddy (which she loves, but we can do without!) and we need to do something! We're throwing around ideas around about laying down sod, but is it true that our dog can't go in the yard for weeks after?? (Having her cooped up in the house for weeks is not an option for us, she needs to RUN and PLAY daily!) I also like the idea of scrapping the grass altogether & putting down a soft gravel that will be paw-friendly. Anyone have a similar situation? Any ideas or suggestions?