Off the cuff, it looks like a dog pee spot--and having a 9 pound dog myself, the spot looks to be around the right size.

But definitely keep an eye on it. If they start to grow, post another photo immediately.

For now, you can take a small handful of sugar and sprinkle it on the spots. It'll help them recover faster.

I had this exact problem with my lawn!

Turned out it was burn patches from my 2 Labradors peeing on my lawn. I found this great product called dog rocks. You just pop the rocks in the dogs water bowl, a month later I have a green lawn again, yay!!

thanks for both responses. will look into dog rocks. any other strategy to take? this am i just watched them and dumped some water on the pee.

i also wonder what other factors are in play. they pee a lot but only a couple of brown spots... maybe the pee only turns grass brown when they're drinking tequila?

It tends to happen when the grass is on the dry side--there's less water in the soil to dilute the urine. Morning urine, being stronger, is also more likely to burn.

I love Dog ROcks! have used them for 10 years, 100% natural & really easy to use. I love HOUZZ as well, brill for tips! enjoy the weekend

Advertising info on Dog Rocks:

Dog Rocks placed in your dog's water bowl help stop pet urine lawn
burn patches. Dog Rocks is a 100% natural, proven, and hassle-free
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Dog Rocks are a naturally occurring paramagnetic igneous rock. When
placed in water, they will help purify the water by removing nitrates,
ammonia & harmful trace elements like tin and copper giving your dog
a cleaner source of water as well as lowering the amount of nitrates
found in his diet. This will in turn lower the amount of nitrates
expelled in his urine. The overload of nitrates in pet urine that
causes the lawn to yellow.

I have found that a handful of table sugar works for me.

You put the sugar in the dog's water or the pee spot?

Over the pee spot