What I have isn't really a balcony but sort of like a balcony situation. We bought an old store in a downtown area and are converting it to a residence. We didn't want the front of our "house" to be right on the street, so what we're doing is removing the double front door and replacing it with a wrought iron gate. On either side of the door are very large plate glass windows, about six feet tall and twelve feet wide. Then about 12 feet back into the building we have built a new "front wall" with door and windows. So, we've created sort of a ground level balcony. I'm wondering if any one out there has doggies and have been able to come up with some sort of patch of grass on their balcony for the doggies to go out and do their business. Or if there's a way to train them to go in some sort of litter box or something. I have two little mini dachsunds. They're not very bright so I don't know how well the training would go.
In the past couple years, my building "officially" allowed dogs and cats and there is an assortment here. I do see some owners bringing their dogs out to walk (and do their do) but I expect most may do it out on the balcony (they may be putting down some newspaper for them to go on and that can be rolled up and discarded or in a litter box).
If your pets are used to grass, you could consider creating a little raised-bed area on the cement by putting down some plastic, maybe adding a thin layer of soil, and then get a piece of grass sod to lay on that. Surrounding it with some wood strips to create a mini raised bed would neaten it a bit. Then the dogs could learn to use that patch and you could reseed and make sure it gets watered to keep it growing.
Thanks. That's sort of what I was thinking. I was going to get some boards that they use to make decking with now, that aren't really wood. And make a big square, lay down a bit of soil and lay sod on top. I'll try and see how it goes. I'm a bit worried about the smell. It's right by my front entry. I can keep the doodlies picked up, I hope the wee doesn't smell over time. I'm trying to figure out some kind of drainage system.
I would love to see pix of your storefront house--sounds darling. I live upstairs with my precious Pug who just loves to go for walkies, but I have bad knees and try to limit my stair-climbing. So I utilize wee-wee pads as a backup if I'm later than usual coming home, and she does great with them. Never an accident. It's easier and cheaper than trying to grow a patch of grass for a potty!
