Preference of run material - Page 1

Hello all!  I was wondering what you prefer to use under your dogs feet.  I know most people have concrete kennels and then have a yard to run in.  My questions is- for areas that are heavily traveled by your dogs and won't sustain grass growth- do you use any other material?  Is dirt okay? Mulch? Sand? Thank you for your thoughts!  

I prefer dirt, but when its wet I do put down a little straw.
I also have a large rubber mat for wet days and it can be hosed off and moved.
Concrete is easy to clean up but its hard on the dogs feet and bones in my opinion.
You can plant rye grass in runs if you can let them sit long enough for it to grow.
Mulch will rot, and store bought mulch can have chemicals in it.
I would not use sand.

 Thank you much, Moons!

These are things I have tried....

pea gravel--dogs went around it and/or gravel got spread out. Need to rake it out often.
pea gravel w/paving stones-- better, dogs still had a tendency to detour it, making new running paths
sand--awful, the house was constantly full of sand. In the dogs' coats, in their ears, etc.
straw- nice and easy, but banks and packs too much
shavings- nice, easy (buy bagged from the feed store). One dog was allergic to cedar ones. they do pack/bank, but easire to rake out than the straw.
wood chips-- awful. vet visit to remove from footpad and suture.

--Mary