There is a product I prefer over most of the spray on chemicals that retard weeds, that I think is safer for both the dogs, and the other animals that may be in the yard. It is a black mesh fabric called weed block that is sold at most Home Depot garden departments and most nurseries. It comes in widths of varying sizes. The most popular width is 3 feet wide, or four feet wide. It comes in varying lengths, usually starting at 50 feet. The three foot width currently costs just $15.97 here in Scottsdale, AZ, and the four foot width is $21.97 at Home Depot. You put the mesh fabric down, and then cover it with whatever you want. Here we use paver bricks or rock, but when I lived in the Midwest, we used wood chips. You know the look you are striving for, and what level of safety for your dogs you feel comfortable with. Weeds and grass can't grow then. We used it successfully in front of a fence, and under our sandy beach. Of course if you put a lot of topsoil on top of it, you could still grow some weeds and grass. But if it is under pavers or rock, you should not grow anything. I have heard that sometimes naughty young dogs might try to dig up some of this, but I did not personally ever have that problem. You know your dogs. I am sure that if your dog tends to eat fabric, this would not be a good choice. But for me, I like it better than continually reapplying chemicals, especially if it is an area where my dogs will be walking. I am just not a big fan of spraying chemicals. I'd rather spend more up front, and then not have to deal with it year after year. Diane Holliday Scottsdale, AZ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================