i have a 3 year old outside dog and we can't bring him in the house because we have hard wood floor and when you put him on the floor he freezes up and won't move, he does it on our porch to but he is fine on our carpet. do you know any way i can help my pooch get over his fear?
2006-11-27 06:29:54 · 13 answers · asked by SinisterKid 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Many dogs have fears and phobias just like people do. Some may seem silly or irrational, but just the same, your dog still suffers from it. One of the best ways of helping your dog conquer its fear is by making him face it. I know it may seem cruel to see him terrified as you set him on the smooth floor, but you are really helping him in the long-run. Your dog is having a problem with the tactile sensation he receives as he walks on the smooth floor. Dog's paws are highly sensitive, just like a person's fingertips are. He merely has to get used to the strange sensation he feels on his paws as he walks on the smooth floor.
Try putting him in a room of your house that has no carpeting or rugs or furniture he can jump up onto. Most laundry rooms fit this description. Put him on the floor and reassure him. Take some of his favorite treats and give him one. Once you get him interested in the treats, move a little farther from him, making him take a little step to reach the treat. Continue working with him in this manner for as long as it takes until he acts normally on the smooth floor. Never push him too much in one day and keep the training sessions short so he won't develop anxiety issues. It may take only a week or it may take several weeks, but in most cases, this type of fear can be trained out of a dog. Just remember to praise him LOTS and use LOTS of treats. Good luck!!!
2006-11-27 06:49:30 · answer #1 · answered by Carrie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a small problem. Bring him in , spend time with him sitting in the floor. Give him time he will be walking all over. He needs security from you, He will follow you in time. Also put some rugs down as he comes in and through the house where there are wood floors. He just isn't getting traction on the wood floor. His nature is to be careful or not to walk at all . All in all time is on your side. Priscilla
2006-11-28 06:05:57 · answer #2 · answered by prisca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The floors are slippery to him so he is afraid to skid on the floor. He should not be afraid because he is Young, but put him in the middle of the floor and sit down with him for a while. Let him take a few steps at a time and do not push him too much. You might put small treats, one at a time a few feet from him until he gets comfortable. If he goes for them keep increasing the distance in till he loses his fear. Just love him and continue to work with him, he will not disappoint you....KECK
2006-11-27 06:36:45 · answer #3 · answered by Tneciter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you plan on keeping him outside most of the time then I have heard that it is better not to let outdoor pets inside for long periods of time because it affects their bodies' abilities to regulate self temperature. I don't know if it is true and I am sure it depends on the environment you live in. As for your question, just give him time to adjust. He is following his instincts and that is very important for him. If he is not unhappy avoiding the wood floors then don't bother him. Either he will eventually adjust and learn to trust the wood floors or he won't. Also, I have heard of pets wearing skid proof slippers for pets. Hope I could help you.
2006-11-27 06:45:32 · answer #4 · answered by Yomi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The poor pooch can't get any traction on your hardwood floor.Its like trying to walk on an ice rink for him.Besides,his claws will scratch it up something awful.
Easy fix.Put throw rugs down.There are rubberized under mats that you can put under them so they don't slip around.
Your pooch will be happy,and your floors will be protected.
2006-11-27 06:43:23 · answer #5 · answered by Mark K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could buy him doggy slippers so maybe he would think that the hardwood is actually carpet. You could also train him to walk on the hardwood by giving him a treat or something and everytime you get him to go on the hardwood give him a treat. Or you could put his food and water on the hardwood so he doesn't have a choice. Hope these help!
2006-11-27 06:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by GothicBallerina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you reward your dog while he is scared it will only make the behavior worse!! Don't try to console him by petting him and giving him treats. I mean think about it. This is your dog thinking: "I'm scared and they're giving me treats and attention....Wow....I'll keep being scared and maybe I'll get more treats!" Dogs don't think like humans. Also watch Ceasar Millan the dog trainer on Natl. Geographic Channel. Good Luck
2006-11-27 14:31:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure his nails a clipped down. Long nails often make them slide on slick floors.
I lay towels and pillows down for them to walk on.
2006-11-27 06:32:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put something he really likes on the floors to get him to move
2006-11-27 07:23:08 · answer #9 · answered by Cassie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a clear vinyl runner. gives traction but still sees the floor. He's just scared of sliding. help him get over it.
2006-11-27 06:37:16 · answer #10 · answered by Jim7368 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋