• Signs like this are becoming more common in towns across the country.scoop the poop image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
  
  Dog waste can cause big problems in the back yard. An age-old question has always been, what exactly do we do with it? Fortunately, this question has lots of answers. Unfortunately the answers are not the prettiest in the world. Taking care of the family pooch's waste might not be as bad as you might think, and can even have a positive influence on other parts of the household.
  
  

Doggie Bags

• Plastic bags are a more tradtional way of dealing with a dog's waste.Altkleider image by Marem from Fotolia.com
  
  Doggie bags seem to be one of the more common ways to get rid of your dog's waste. They're especially good for when your pup has to go while traveling or when you're taking a walk in the park. One problem is that many towns across the nation are now enforcing bans on plastic bags. The ban forces dog lovers to find a new way to dispose of their pet's waste while on the go. One recommendation by pet owners in towns where these bans are being enforced is to use old bread and newspaper bags. They seem to get the job done just as well.
  
  

Dog Diapers

• Dog diapers are a more modern way of dealing with a pet's waste. They are available in most pet stores. The diapers are strapped directly onto to the dog's behind and the dog does the rest of the work. You can buy both disposable and washable diapers in whatever size your dog needs. While this option may seem like less work to the dog owner, your dog may not find this solution attractive or comfortable.
  
  

Dog Waste Compost Pile

• The most environmentally friendly and useful solution is a dog waste compost pile. Dog waste compost piles are becoming more and more popular among those who want to live greener lifestyles. Go to the local pet store and pick up some dog waste bags. Make sure the box says that they're compostable, not just biodegradable. Then either set up an area in the back yard to pile these bags of dog waste, or get an inexpensive dog waste compost system that can be found easy enough on the Internet.
  
  

Flush It

• One last option for every dog owner is to share the bathroom.toy toilet image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com
  
  Another option is to simply flush your dog's waste down the toilet. Many companies make flushable bags for dog waste. You also can devise your own unique way of getting it to the bathroom. This option is another recommended by communities putting bans on plastic bags. However, some think the added waste into the sewage system might be too much for the infrastructure system to handle.