Danny,

If you thought that the cats were bad you're in for it triple with a dog. You will have to contend with the barking, the mess, etc. etc. There really is no easy way around it. You're also going to have to contend with the dog digging holes and chewing things. I don't see poop very often in our yard but our dogs have 300 acres that they roam over. I don't do much with ours with regard to special treatment. They live their life and when it's time to go work cattle or feed, etc. they are right there. Whenever we go outside and call they come a running. I spent alot of time with them when they were young training them. Now that they are older they don't require much.