Question
Well, I thought this was going to be a breeze.. but no way!! I just got a dog.. I live in a mobile home park.. I wanted her to have a small GO area.. so I lifted up the pavers and the plastic..put about 3 inches of toppers (kellogg) and watered it... generously... it looked beautiful.. for about 48 hours.. then it began to brown!!in the center.. this is only a 5x5 ft area... My dog is on grass saver pills.. I am hoping this is helpful!
so after a week.. it was totally dead..so back to home depot for 2 more strips... exact same thing happened... tore it up and for the third time.. i did it.. the second day was totally dead.. .. so what am i doing wrong.. not enough top soil?? maybe I should just do ARTIFICIAL TURF... i WATER IT ALOT. OR i did water it alot anyway.. the first time I think maybe it got mushy and i messed up root system i dont know. Home depot was no help.. good thing it was cheap.. but I hate killing living plants and grass is no exception... I even wonder if maybe years ago when they put the pavers in.. they may have put something perm. to kill the grass or weeds before paving it..there is a 2 ft section that looks ok still... could my dog have killed that grass so quickly?? shes a golden retriever thank you so very much for your help

Answer
Hi Kathi, Your soil has compacted and soured under the plastic put down for the pavers.  You will need to till it 6-8 inches deep, work in some organic matter, lime it and let the air get to it. In 30 days, check the pH (needs to be 6.5) till it again, mix in more leaves, compost or any organic matter, adjust the pH further if you need to and repeat this same procedure every 30 days until the pH is correct.  I suspect it will take 3-4 months to get the soil right again.  
You'll need to keep the sod muddy until it roots in enough that you can't pick up the corners (but I wouldn't try again for at least 3 months). Then go to thorough but less frequent watering.
Don't blame the dog.  It's not his fault.  Jim