Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my yard to ensure the Doggie Dooley® will work?
Yes! Performing a "Perk Test" will prove beneficial in deciding whether a Doggie Dooley® will be effective in your yard.
1. Dig a hole approximately 1 foot wide by 2 feet deep. (Test hole can be smaller than real hole.)
2. Pour approximately 5 gallons of water in the hole.
3. Check the hole in 24 hours. If water is completely drained, you have fairly sandy soil and a pyramid style Doggie Dooley® is recommended. If there is still standing water, check again after 48 hours.
4. If the water is gone, you can use either the tank style or pyramid style of Doggie Dooley®. If after 48 total hours there is still standing water in the hole, a Doggie Dooley® will not be an effective waste management system in that location of your yard. Test another site!
My Doggie Dooley® Lid cracked! Can I replace just the lid portion?
Yes! Please visit our online store to purchase a replacement lid to fit your Doggie Dooley® system.
Round or Square? Silver or Green?
If you have the round lid, please inspect the flange before ordering a lid. The flange is the round 17” diameter portion that sits on the ground. You need to have the “two ears” on the flange intact. These two ears stick up and the lid will screw onto the two ears. If you need the entire 17” flange, unfortunately, you cannot replace the flange if it is damaged.
Can I add cat waste to the Doggie Dooley®?
No! Our Doggie Dooley® systems are not designed to be used with cat waste as you would not be able to deposit any sort of litter. In a small enclosed area, even the biodegradable kind does not break down fast enough to avoid creating an issue with the drainage. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a system designed for use with cat waste.
Can I add biodegradable bags to the Doggie Dooley®?
No! Our Doggie Dooley units are not designed to be used with any sort of biodegradable bags. In a small enclosed area, bags of any kind do not break down fast enough to avoid impeding the drainage. Many “biodegradable” bags take months (or years) to break down. Even natural corn-based bags do not break down well with water unfortunately.
Can I use the Doggie Dooley® for more than one dog?
Yes! The Doggie Dooley® units are designed for residential use. The Model 3000 and the Model 3800X are the largest units, handling the waste of up to 2 large or 4 small dogs. If you would like to use in a larger capacity in order to accommodate more dogs, simply install multiple units and distribute the waste among them.
It's cold! Can I operate my Doggie Dooley® during the winter?
It depends! The Doggie Dooley® is a biological product and relies on Mother Nature; waste is broken down by bacteria in our environment which typically works only with some amount of heat. Doggie Dooley® is not designed to be used in the winter when the air temperature is consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not need to remove the unit from the ground, but do not add stools to it during the winter. Simply allow the system to sit dormant until spring time when you can resume normal use.
Spring start up – Clean up your yard and bag the left-overs from winter. Do not add an entire winter’s worth of pet waste to the Doggie Dooley®! This will clog the unit!
Can I relocate my Doggie Dooley® to another spot in my yard?
Yes! Whether you are experiencing operational issues, or would simply like a more convenient location, any Doggie Dooley® can be relocated if necessary.
With a tank unit, begin by digging around the outside of the unit to loosen it up until you can lift it straight upward. Then dump the contents into the hole and fill it in with dirt from the new hole. The stools will continue to break down at a slower pace as they naturally would.
With a pyramid unit, begin by digging around the outside of the unit to loosen it up until you can lift it out. Since the pyramid unit has an open bottom, the stools will remain in the hole. Fill the hole in with dirt from the new hole. The stools will continue to break down at a slower pace as they naturally would.
If discarding the unit, simply bag the Doggie Dooley® and dispose with your regular trash.
My Doggie Dooley® is not draining!
We are sorry to hear you are having difficulty with the Doggie Dooley®. Doggie Dooley® is a biological product which relies on Mother Nature, so it may require a little tweaking or troubleshooting for flawless operation. Maintenance and troubleshooting will depend on which style of Doggie Dooley® you have.
If the water is not draining or if it is draining too slowly, ensure nothing is clogging up the overflow tubes (tank models) or the bottom (pyramid models). Grass and yard debris can form a layer over time that may need to be cleaned out if it is impeding drainage. Also, if your area has had heavy rains lately, the ground may be too saturated to drain properly. In that case, wait a few days for the water table underground to go back down and the unit will resume normal drainage.
The Doggie Dooley® is not designed to be used in winter when the temperature is consistently below 40 degrees. You would not add stools to it during that time, but just let it sit dormant until the weather warmed back up. No Doggie Dooley® will work in hard, slow draining clay soil. In addition, each Doggie Dooley® has a specific digesting capacity. Use only as directed in the instructions.
Septic Tank Models:
If you have a Septic tank style (Model 2000 and 3000), it should be full of water to the point of the overflow tube or holes. Add enough water to overflow it at least a quart a day. Increase the overflow to a gallon a day if there is good soil drainage underneath the unit.
Pyramid Models:
If you have a pyramid (leach bed) model (Models 3535, 3500, 3800 and 3800X), add 5 gallons of water at least two to three times per week. If the soil is draining water out too quickly, increase the frequency of adding water, even daily if necessary to keep the contents wet. The contents should never be drying out. On the day that you add the digester powder, pour in the water first and then add the tablet (or powder) on top. That way, when the water drains the digester will settle on top of the stools rather than being washed away.
My Doggie Dooley® is draining too quickly!
We are sorry to hear you are having difficulty with the Doggie Dooley®. Doggie Dooley® is a biological product which relies on Mother Nature, so it may require a little tweaking or troubleshooting for flawless operation. Maintenance and troubleshooting will depend on which style of Doggie Dooley® you have.
The drainage should slow down on its own once a layer of stool forms on the bottom. The Doggie Dooley® works on a continual basis. It is normal for the unit to accumulate dog stools and fill to no more than half full and maintain itself near that level (similar to composting you need to have a small mass of "stuff").
With a pyramid model you should be adding 5 gallons of water at least two to three times a week. If the soil is draining out very quickly in dry hot weather, you may need to add water daily. The system does not need to hold standing water; however, you should add enough water to keep the contents moist. The contents should never be drying out.
You only need add (1) tablet (or 1 Tablespoon) of the digester per week per dog. On the day that you add the digester, first pour in the water and then sprinkle the powder on top. This will allow the water to drain first and leave the digester to settle on top of the stools rather than being washed away. Do not add more digester than recommended; this will not speed up the rate of digestion. It will actually do more harm than good!
How do I select a site to install my Doggie Dooley®?
- When installing your Doggie Dooley® in your lawn or flower garden, use common sense by avoiding tree roots, vegetable gardens, fruit trees and the path of your lawn mower. Avoid damage to your Doggie Dooley® by surrounding the unit with a flower garden, mulch, stones or bricks.
- Check local laws for recommendations and/or regulations on how far digesters should be placed from wells. Digesters should be the same distance from wells as septic tanks.
- Install your Doggie Dooley® at a minimum of a few feet away from any structures, such as houses or other buildings, while avoiding entrances.
- Be careful to avoid drainage tiles and utility lines in your yard – Natural Gas, Electric, Telephone, Cable. Many communities require that you “Call before you dig”!
- Install your Doggie Dooley® within reach of a water source such as a garden hose. You will need to add water frequently!
- Install your Doggie Dooley® in an area of your yard with minimal clay content. The unit requires normal ground drainage to operate effectively.
- Check for adeqaute drainage by performing a Perk Test first before installing the Doggie Dooley®
Is the Waste Terminator Digester toxic?
No! Whether the powder or the tablet, all formulations of Waste Terminator are harmless and non-toxic.
FAQs
How much water do you put in a Doggie Dooley? ›
STARTING THE DOGGIE DOOLEY Fill the tank with about 6 gallons (22 liters) of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of digester powder. Clean the yard of dog waste and drop it into the tank - it is important to clean your yard daily or as regularly as possible.
Why is my Doggie Dooley not draining? ›If the water is not draining or if it is draining too slowly, ensure nothing is clogging up the overflow tubes (tank models) or the bottom (pyramid models). Grass and yard debris can form a layer over time that may need to be cleaned out if it is impeding drainage.
How deep should the hole be for a Doggie Dooley? ›All Doggie Dooleys require in-ground installation. Model 3000 - This model requires digging a round hole the same diameter as the unit (approx. 35cm / 13”) and deeper than the unit itself (manufacturer's advice is for the hole to be 120cm / 48" deep). Simply fit the unit into the hole.
How does the Doggie Dooley waste system work? ›how does A Doggie Dooley® work? The Doggie Dooley® works like a home septic system which washes solid waste into the septic tank where it is treated and broken down into liquid. The treated liquid then flows into a drain field or leach bed as new water enters the system.
How many times should I refill my dogs water? ›Pets need constant access to clean water – water should be changed at least once daily. Keep your pet's bowl full and make sure to fill with fresh water every single day. It's also important to keep your pet's water bowl clean.
How much water should be in a pet emergency kit? ›Make a disaster kit for pets
People need at least one gallon of water per person per day. While your pet may not need that much, keep an extra gallon on hand to use if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed.
Tossing it in the trash
Remember, never leave your filled, knotted bags on the sidewalk; you can't expect others to pick them up for you. Always take your dog's poop with you to dispose of at home, or deposit the bag in a trash receptacle.
Many DIY kennels have concrete floors, but the material is hard on dog joints and can lead to skeletal problems. Far better flooring options include rubber, epoxy, plastic, vinyl, and engineered wood.
What can I spray on dog poop to dissolve? ›Make a solution of white vinegar and water 50/50 and spray it on the poop. Vinegar is anti-bacterial and anti-septic, killing germs and neutralizing the Ph. You can also use it for dog poo stains on your carpet. Let the solution soak into the carpet and leave it for a couple of minutes.
Do dog poo bins go to landfill? ›Dog poo goes straight to landfill, and becomes a major contributor to the methane gas that comes out of landfill,” he says. “But we grab the methane at source, and don't transport the waste or send it to an incinerator that gobbles up even more energy. And it's also a big reducer of the plastic bag problem.
Can dog waste be flushed down the toilet? ›
The Environmental Protection Agency endorses flushing as a safe way to dispose of dog feces.
What dissolves dog poop in the yard? ›The best and most effective method way to eliminate dog droppings is to use a dissolving agent like vinegar, bleach, and enzymes, all of which break down the waste over time.
How do I make my dog poop bucket not smell? ›- Use Dog Poop Bags. Bagging and sealing dog poop individually is helpful when trying to contain the smell. ...
- Opt For A Designated Steel Trash Can. ...
- Use Scented Trash Bags. ...
- Deodorize With Every Use. ...
- Store The Trash Can Outside. ...
- Clean The Bin Regularly. ...
- Alternative Solutions.
It needs to have solids flushed with water for proper break down. *Warning* when you add water the smell is very unpleasant, there's just no way around it, but I find the value of the Dooley out-weighs the negative. Again adding water more frequently keeps the smell down.
Why is my dog's poop completely covered in mucus? ›Too much mucus in a dog's poop can be a sign of colitis
Colitis has many possible causes, including bacterial infections, parasites, stress, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. If a veterinarian believes that your dog has colitis, they may prescribe changes to their diet, temporary fasting, and/or medication.
It's best to remove your puppy's water bowl at night. Be consistent with the time you remove water, the same way you're consistent with feeding times. As a rule of thumb, remove the food and water bowls about two-to-three hours before bedtime.
Can a dog go 8 hours without water? ›How long can dogs go without water? The short answer is that dogs can survive between 48 and 72 hours without drinking, but that doesn't really capture the whole picture. Survival is a minimum and a dog allowed to drink only once every 2 days would be the subject of cruel abuse.
Should I let my dog drink all the water he wants? ›Most need about an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily. If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.
How many gallons of water do I need for emergency prep? ›Store at least one gallon per person, per day. Consider storing at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If you are unable to store this quantity, store as much as you can. If supplies run low, never ration water.
How much fluid should a dehydrated dog have? ›A ⅛ cup of fluid per hour is enough to rehydrate small pets while a ¼ cup of fluid per hour is good for larger canines. If your pet is showing signs of severe dehydration, call your vet right away. Monitor your dog's condition – Check to see if your pet will feel better within the next few hours after getting hydrated.
Does pet fasting include water? ›
Your pet's veterinarian will advise you about the appropriate fasting period for specific recommended test(s). Can my pet drink water during fasting? Your pet may continue to drink water while fasting. Indeed fresh cool water should rarely, if ever, be withheld from an animal.
Is it OK to bury dog poop in your backyard? ›A: It's not a good idea to bury dog waste. What's the big deal? It's a point source of pollution that can spell big trouble for soil and water quality, and even human health if it's buried too close to vegetable gardens or waterways. Dog excrement contains nasty pathogens like Giardia, Salmonella, and E.
Should you pick up your dog's poop? ›Pick up promptly — Prevent parasites, bacteria, and viruses from infecting people or other pets by picking up your dog's poop immediately. Many parasites require days to weeks to reach the infective stage, so feces becomes more hazardous to your health the longer it sits.
What to do with dog poop after scooping? ›We recommend biodegradable waste bags since regular plastic bags don't break down for 20 to 1,000 years! Can you imagine all our landfills filled with billions of pounds of bags of poo that don't decompose? Flush It. Many resources say the best way to manage dog waste is to flush it.
Should I cover my dog crate with a blanket at night? ›You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel.
Do dogs need blankets in crate? ›Dog Bedding
Naturally, one of the main things you'll want to include in your dog's crate is good bedding. If you want your dog to view their crate as a secure, comfortable place where they can relax at the end of the day and where they can retreat if they are overstimulated, they need to be comfy when they lie down.
Place pouches of activated charcoal around the affected area
Simply place small pouches of activated charcoal around the affected area and let sit for a few hours. This will help to remove any lingering odors from the air, as well as any that have been absorbed into furniture or flooring.
WHEN YOUR DOG GOES ON THE LAWN, REMEMBER IT DOESN'T JUST GO ON THE LAWN. Rain washes dog poop and its bacteria into storm drains. From there, it goes on to pollute our waterways.
Does baking soda get rid of dog poop? ›Baking soda is the holy grail of poop removers. This is because baking soda contains moisture-absorbing starch, making it a miracle worker for doggy diarrhea or other liquidy accidents. Baking soda is also a celebrated odor remover that works by absorbing unpleasant scents instead of just masking them.
How do people dispose of dog poo at home? ›You should put dog poo into your grey wheeled bin in a sealed plastic bag or 2 to avoid any spillage. You can dig 5 inch holes in your garden, use biodegradable corn bags to bury it in the soil and the microorganisms in the soil will degrade it.
How long does dog poop bacteria last? ›
Dog poop that remains most will decompose faster than poop that dries out (because when it dries out, the bacteria that can break it down also dies). If a dog eats a high protien diet, it's more work for bacteria to break it down. For these reasons, dog poop can decompose in as little as 9 weeks or take 12+ months.
Who is responsible for emptying dog waste bins? ›Councils are usually responsible for the installation, upkeep, and emptying of dog waste bins.
Does dog poop contaminate water? ›Pet waste doesn't just decompose. It adds harmful bacteria and nutrients to local waters, when it's not disposed of properly. It might not seem like a stormwater problem, but animal waste is one of the many seemingly small sources of pollution that can add up to big problems for water quality, and even human health.
Why can't you flush animal poop down the toilet? ›Environmental Harm
Dog feces commonly contain roundworm eggs and a variety of other harmful bacteria. Most wastewater treatment systems aren't designed to remove these parasites, which means they can get discharged back into the waterways, causing harm to the environment.
The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. For everything else - Bag it and Bin it. Toilet paper decomposes naturally and can be flushed away safely, but non-biodegradable items, such as wet wipes, should be put in the bin.
How often should you pick up dog poop in your yard? ›Most dogs poop at least twice a day, sometimes more so if you have only 1 small dog you can usually pick up dog poop at least once a week. If you have multiple dogs, you'll have multiple piles of poop in your yard so it's a good idea to pick up poop at least once a day or every time your dogs' poop.
Does vinegar break down poop? ›Yes, vinegar and Baking soda, when mixed together, can dissolve poop in the toilet. The combination forms a chemical reaction that can help clear your toilet and any pipe clogs you might have.
Will dogs poop in the rain? ›Dogs have a wide range of bathroom habits — some pooches will go anywhere, anytime, regardless of the weather, but others are affected by even the smallest change in the surroundings, the surface area and, especially, the weather. Depending on where you live, this could be a major issue.
How much water should I put in my dogs bath? ›Now, for the Bath
Fill the tub halfway with lukewarm water (never hot). Make sure there is enough water to at least get your dog thoroughly soaked. This is particularly important to check how wet they are if they have a thick undercoat, since you want to get down to the skin with your shampoo.
As a general rule, dogs drink 20 to 40 ml of water per pound of body weight per day. This comes out to about 3 to 4 cups of water for a 20 pound dog. So the idea bowl for a 20 pound dog would be 4 to 8 cups. Four cups is almost a liter so that is a big bowl!
How many gallons of water do you use washing a dog? ›
Each dog wash uses approximately 1.7 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute — that's eight to 13 gallons per wash.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs? ›We do not recommend using Dawn to wash your dog. It's better to use soap that doesn't contain harsh chemicals and won't strip the dog's skin of its natural oils.
Should dogs be bathed in warm or cold water? ›Maintain water temperature: Only use warm water to bathe your pet. While your dog might enjoy splashing around in cold bath water when it's hot outside, it's unsafe to wash your dog with cold water during the winter, especially if they normally have to relieve themselves immediately after getting a bath.
What is the best time of day to bathe a dog? ›One of the best times to bathe your dog is when he is tired. Dogs with little energy have less energy to resist or run. A sleepy dog may even enjoy being able to be still and rubbed by you in the bath, which will make the process easier.
Should you leave water out for dog all day? ›Limit Refills: You can still leave water out in a bowl for your dog but you need to ration it during the day. Maybe only fill the bowl half or a quarter of the way each time. This means increased refills throughout the day so they have steady access to water, but a reduced amount.
How do you know if your dog is getting enough water? ›A scruff test is the easiest way to tell if your dog is drinking enough water or not. You can simply hold some of your dog's skin up (the one between their shoulder blades) and see how long it takes for it to get back in its normal position.
How do I know if my dog needs more water? ›- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea.
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy.
- Panting.
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes.
- Dry nose.
- Dry, sticky gums.
At a minimum, bathe your dog at least once every three months. You can wash your dog as frequently as every other week (with a gentle shampoo, it could be even more frequent). When in doubt, use your judgment — if your dog starts to smell, it's probably time for a bath.
Do dogs need water at night? ›Do puppies need water at night? Unless your puppy is unwell or suffering from a medical condition, you should avoid leaving water out for them at night. Most puppies over the age of 12 weeks can go without water for 8 hours, but it's inevitable that you may wake up to a mess every now and then.
How many times a day do you wash a dog? ›Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
How can I hydrate my dog quickly? ›
If your pooch is mildly dehydrated provide your pet with small amounts of water to drink every few minutes or offer your dog pieces of ice to lick. To help restore your dog's electrolyte balance you could also provide your pup with Ringer's lactate (an electrolyte replacement fluid).