Sorry to hear about the muddy paws.There are two times in the year that is best to seed grass, Spring and Autumn, (usually April or September).BUT... I planned to seed my back garden to grass this year, first of all Spring, then I put it off to now, then I realised.... okay, I CAN keep my dog from playing there most of the time but the path to the gate goes through there and so I would end up like you, a dog with real muddy paws and a muddy patch instead of grass. I can understand why you being so MAD! I would be too! All it needed was a bit of thought on your father-in-laws part. Oh, well, too late now I guess. Maybe he could pay for those boots!