What a cool space! With all of that wonderful exposed brick surrounding it and the natural light filtering down, there's a lot of possibilities.

- Big pots full of annuals or herbs. They're a way to remind you that the space is outside when it might not seem that way, and since they're elevated, the dog won't make in your garden.
- A hammock. Just because.
- A bistro table and pair of chairs to go with that grill - got to take advantage of the opportunity to eat outside.
- Sisal, jute or recycled cotton rugs. They're outdoor-friendly, and, in the case of the cotton, can be thrown in the washing mashine when it gets dirty.

Depending on what kind of precipitation you're exposed to, you could also put an overstuffed armchair or love seat out there. An old one. A lot of porches and other covered outdoor spaces here in Minnesota do that - it's a good way to have comfortable seating for free or cheap. Especially if you can find something perfect on the free section of craigslist.

I have 2 large dogs and a very small backyard as well so I know what you're experiencing. Because grass couldn't compete with foot traffic, etc. I ended up removing it and replacing with some nice flagstone. It's low maintenance and nice enough to share with the fur-babies as well as guests. Adding a small bistro set and BBQ grill allows entertainment and large pots of flowers provide greenery and color so it isn't too barren and stark. You could even add small raised beds for added texture or veggies. Good luck!

First thing I would say is paint. It's an outside space so you may not think it's necessary. But I just don't see any way to enjoy that space without getting rid of the dirty gray and the just plain ol' dirt and grim on the walls. So paint! Could be white with some kelly green stripes or some warm colors like red and orange or maybe this is a chance to use some cool wall vinyls - you know, the kind you stick on.

Second, per the dog, i don't think this is ever going to become a space where it can 'do his business' unless you plan to pick it up, in which case you might as well walk him. Having said that, you could probably get a large outside rug at overstock.com for fairly cheap. My point is: if you hang out there, so will the dog. So get some patio furniture like a small table and two chairs.

Last suggestion, try growing some herbs or potted plants. it'll give some life to that space.

hope it helps

You probably already know this, but dogs like to eat plants so be careful which kinds you pick.

I know someone who put down a small strip of pea gravel for her dog to make his deposits on. The dog very quickly became accustomed to using just that area, and the gravel made for very easy cleanup (way more so than with grass). You could try that, with some potted plants around the perimeter to dress it up.

I'd definitely spruce up the walls with some paint (or even try to remove the paint from any of the charming red brick) and then get some astroturf! Seriously, that stuff comes in some really fun colors nowadays and would feel much nicer than cement on bare feet. Get yourself a bistro set or a couple of lounges and put up some pretty string lights, attach hooks to the walls to hang plants above and group potted plants on the ground wherever.

Dog's rock garden:
Is there any drainage or a way to create drainage? If so you could create a 5'x5'ish rock garden area over the drain system choosing smooth rocks that will still allow water to drain through and won't bother your dogs feet. Use bricks (to tie in the wall) to create a perimeter. Use upright logs, old pedestals, or stacks of bricks and place large urns/tubs of plants on them intermittenly throughout the rock garden so they are out of the dog's reach. Then train your dog to use the rock garden as a bathroom - pick up the poop and hose down the rocks every couple days to keep it clean.

This whole space needs a good scrub with a wire brush and some bleach. I'm assuming that you are a renter, so paint may not be an option for you. I rent a place in the city with a back yard and I filled it up with potted plants (you can take them with you when you move). This looks like a northern exposure, completely shaded space, so do some research and figure out what will grow (I have a pretty good list if you want it). Put a couple big pots against the walls with a plant named 'Virginia Creeper' Parthenocissus quinquefolia, it will grow in the shade, cover any wall in one season and turns fire engine red in the fall. Do not let your dog do his business out here, this is going to get really awful really quickly, for you and for your neighbors.

Don't let dog poo/pee all over it - designate the area really quickly, then train her to go only there - encourage, praise, odor-eliminate any other area but that one (vinegar works great for that). Make sure it's easy for her to get to. Gravel is a great idea, even with a little decorative outdoor screen - that might depend on the size of the dog.

I also put out one of those mini-trampolines for my dog to lay on when outside on the patio with me. A little plastic box of balls and toys slips under neatly, as well as a water bowl that I pull out when she's out there. Keeps her up off that cold damp concrete, and looks neat too. I picked it up at a garage sale for $20, but they're really only about $50 at Walmart/Target.

I would paint, kilz primer first for masonry and then any ole color you like. White is fine, a nice green would be good too.
I would zip tie a stick fence to your side of the chain link to hide it and increase privacy.

I don't see any hose spout out there, keep in mind that might limit how easy it is to clean up after your dog. Although you're going to love a space for him to go when everyone has the flu and it's snowing. Sometimes a walk isn't possible.

I would drop an outdoor rug at the door to limit track-in but skip a larger rug because of the dog.

Second the pea gravel, and string lights.
I would at least inject color with your table and chairs if you don't go bold on the paint color.

Lots of potential, congrats.

My advise is don't let them do there business there because you would need to hose it down and looks like there is not much sun and you could get mossy mold on the floor from being wet and no ventilation so it will get smelly.

their ^^ coffee not kicked in.

A place for the dog to nap that can provide both shade and protection from rain/snow. If the dog will be left outside on hot days, consider adding a fountain to cool the air near the place to nap.

A place for the dog to poop. Storage for tools to pick up the poop and wash away smells. A place to put the poop. A way to get the poop out of your home: trashcan, access to toilet.

Water for the dog to drink. Perhaps a place to feed the dog.

Storage for dog food. Storage for dog toys.

A place for humans to be near the dog - 2 chairs, a table, some shade/rain protection, and something to look at such as a mural, plants, your dog's fountain, or a pretty screen between the dog's side and the people side.

I agree with making a spot to allow the dog do his business. If its already happening occasionally and you all are fine with it, just make it more pleasant for everyone involved. I'm certainly not here to judge. There are products out there meant for such occasions. They use it at my dog's daycare and now she won't go on the cement.

Pea gravel is great, river ricks look nice but are more expensive.

A fountain! You can build one yourself for pretty cheap. You could even use river rocks to create a cohesive look.

Lighting: think about solar! I don't know if you have an outlet out there. Ikea's got some fun cheap ones.

Bamboo is really nice and can grow in shadier areas. It is a great potted plant and the leaves can hide all manner of sins as well as draw the eye up making the space seem larger. The ivy mentioned before is really beautiful. At school there was a building covered in it. In the fall, from across campus the building would look like it was on fire (in a cool way)! I'd forgotten about it - maybe I'll go get some today!

Is that ladder always going to be there? If so I'd paint it a fun color (orange?) and then put a tall potted plant (like bamboo) that will grow up and through it - just to give you some visual interest. If you can't hide it, USE it.

The outdoor rug idea is great as it will help your seating area more defined.

I'd repaint your grill (hi heat paint of course) to match the ladder.

Hang the bike on the wall as well as additional seating. Go for color - check out the Flora Grubb picture on AT for ideas.

An oilcloth table cloth can also inexpensively add color.

Please send us follow up pics!

Would a mulch cover be an option? Mulch would be easier on your dog's bare feet than walking on what's exposed now. Any mulch that poop lands on could be discarded in a reused, knotted plastic bag along with the poop. On the down side, keeping mulch in such a small footprint sufficiently clean as far as pee might be impossible.

Make sure your dog has constant access to shade and to fresh water.

Astroturf can get more painfully hot in the sun than the currently exposed masonry does. Protect your dog's bare feet.

Please post the lounging doggie "centerfold" pic you showed to me! It helps to know who all of the clients are.

Walk the dog, and keep your soon-to-be lovely back yard be an extension of your living space. If you've ever been to a dog run in Manhattan you know that those "drainage rocks" do NOT work, and stink to high heaven in the summer.

Kelly and Brian--

You were great (and funny!) at the Meet-Up! Hope the variety of solutions proposed did not confuse you more!

I had hoped to get you a business card, but couldn't get past the guy in the yellow sweater to do it. ;)

Feel free to contact me if you veer toward the concept of affordable professional help. I think your outdoor area has tremendous potential, and could become a real extension of your living space.

hatrickdesign at aim dot com

I love the gravel idea and hemmock!

But I personally love those communal table and top of outdoor wood deck and surrounded by gravel. So Izzy, the dog, can pee on it and you can still wash it.

Paint the walls ocean blue and/or cream yellow. These color will look great in natural light and also with TIKI torch.

Keep it simple, less stinky

I have the SAME issue right now- our yard is about 18 feet by 8 feet. Two Labs. One is so old she hates walks, the other is so young shes a NUT. 2 kids. Teeny yard. cry cry.