Here at Hometown Flooring, we love our dogs. It’s a simple fact that brings a lot of joy to our lives. And much like any other dog person out there, it breaks our hearts when we see our pups struggling in any kind of way. For some dogs, they struggle to walk on slippery surfaces, making life “ruff” for all parties involved. Here are some helpful tips for you to aid your dog in overcoming their fears of slippery surfaces.
Exposure at an Early Age
The best way to help your dog master the art of walking on any surface is to start them out young. If you have a puppy, their prime learning period is in the first three months you have them, so this is the time to really focus on the tricks of the trade. And even if you have a dog that’s older, it’s possible to train them out of their fears with dedication and persistence in teaching them how to walk on all kinds of flooring. The first, and most important step, is committing to teaching this skill right off the bat.
Diagnose Reason of Fear
Should you notice that your dog is having issues walking on slippery floors, one must ask herself, “What is the root of the problem?” This isn’t always the easiest answer to acquire, as you may not have been around when the defining incident occurred. Maybe your dog had a bad wipeout when you weren’t home or even before you had him, or perhaps there is an illness (like arthritis) that makes it painful to walk on floors with little traction. There could be one or many reasons, but doing your best to diagnose where the stem of your dog’s fear is coming from is a vital part of this process.
Practice Makes Perfect!
The old saying rings true here. The best way to break a bad habit is to create as many positive experiences as possible so that they begin to override the fear that manifests in your dog’s subconscious. Do not force the experiences until your dog has built up enough trust with you, such as dragging him onto a slick floor or holding him there. This increases the risk of deepening the fear and dissolving trust between you and your dog, which can create a higher level of aggression in dogs. We promote patience, practice, and a reward system to let the dog know that they are doing something right by walking across slick surfaces.
We want you and your dog to experience any kind of flooring you choose from us at Hometown Flooring. To see our selection of flooring options, you can visit our website or give us a call at (304)-841-6526.
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