Tips for Dogs Fearful of Tiles/Floorboards

As pet owners we want to ensure our pet/s are healthy physically and mentally and as well-adjusted as possible to optimise their quality of life and happiness and the relationship between pet/s and owners.

Pet behavioural issues are common, however, so l thought why not share tips here to counter those pesky issues and improve everyone's happiness quota =) Feel free to email me any issues you want covered.

POSSIBLE CAUSES & SOLUTIONS:

1. The sound of their nails on flooring may spook them

» Keep nails trim and filed

2. They may have slid on tiles when very young which has led to avoidance

» Praise them when they walk on tiles and use distraction to focus their attention elsewhere than on their fear

3. They may not have been exposed to slippery floors before

» Gradual exposure, not pandering to their fear and making the floor a fun and calm experience (toys, treats...) is the answer

OTHER TIPS:

Always be Positive, Patient and Encouraging when training your pet.

• Put food bowl at edge of tiles, then move it over time further onto tiles (this is desensitisation, as opposed to flooding which can make dogs more nervous)

• Put dog on a leash and walk back and forth over tiles – use treats as encouragement

• Lie on the floor with treats and favourite toys and the dog will want to come onto tiles and play with you

• Rugs with rubber backing or clear plastic runners with slightly sticky undersides can result in dogs feeling more secure underfoot

• Doggy booties with traction may have your best friend running up and down the hall in no time =)

• Paw wax from a pet shop can help reduce the slipperiness factor