what i did at my house was i fenced off the patio (with a gate)to allow the grass to take hold.we let the dogs play in the yard but the fence keeps them on the patio when either the sprinklers are running or the lawn needs a break or its wet from rain.it worked out.our lawn was nothing but mud until i did this.i didn't fence the dogs out permanently but this limits when they can play on the grass.i have three dogs and the nicest lawn in the neighborhood.