[frenchie27]

Okay, I saw this once on the Dog Whisperer show but never in a lifetime thought it could happen to me.

My almost 6 month old male GSD lately has slipped a couple of times on our hardwood floors. He seems to remember the exact spots he slipped on, and tries to avoid them OR simply freezes and does not want to continue. THIS IS BAD. It's our home. Am I supposed to put area rugs all over or simply ignore this behaviour? I can't honestly afford the Dog Whispered guy. Please help!!!

 

[JKlatsky]

My dog showed a fear of walking on grates, the kind they sometimes have on the sidewalk for storm sewers. He would run to the end of his leash and try to run around, sometimes into the street, or plant his feet and refuse to go over.

Basically I ended up having him walk over every grate on our walks, luring him onto them with treats and having a celebration for every step he would take. By the end of the week we were walking over grates with only a look at the ground.

Is it just specific spots? Or is he refusing to walk on the hardwood at all. If it's the hardwood as a whole I would reward him for stepping from one surface to the other. If it just specific spots, I would just try and take your time and encourage him through those spots with happy words and snacks. And a tight leash so he can't get away. If you can make him face his fears and make it a positive experience he should get over it quickly.

 

[caligirl07]

You don't need to call Dog Whisperer, try it yourself. Have him on the short leash, so he has to stay close to you. I just watch that video recently, I am sure, you can do it too.

 

[Cassidy's Mom]

Area rugs are not a bad idea, but if it were me, the first thing I'd try is to casually toss a handful of tiny treats on the spots he's reluctant to cross. I wouldn't force him to cross on leash, or even say a word, just occasionally mine the area with goodies and leave it up to him to figure it out on his own.

 

[scannergirl]

Originally Posted By: Cassidys Mom just occasionally mine the area with goodies and leave it up to him to figure it out on his own.

LOVE how you put that!

 

[tracyc]

I agree. Throw a little doggie party right on that particular spot. You sit there on the floor, loudly enjoying some bits of cheese and amusing yourself with a rope or tennis ball. Don't even call the dog to join you (he may not). If he doesn't come over after a while, that's okay. Just make a point to regularly visit that spot for the next few days and make it the most interesting place in the house...but the only way to join the party is to cross that slippery part of the floor.

The one thing NOT to do is to acknowledge his fear with coddling. Don't say things like "oh you poor thing, it's okay, mommy is here and there's nothing to be afraid of..." That just reinforces to him that there IS something to be afraid of. He'll need to figure it out on his own that the fear is unfounded. He'll look to you for that.

 

[frenchie27]

Thank you all for all the magnificient input. He's food driven (shocker!!) so I am sure this will help. Area rugs was NOT in my budget either so treats will have to do the trick. Thanks again all you GSD lovers!!!!

 

[middleofnowhere]

How about some paws wax for a while so he won't slip?

 

[frenchie27]

That sounds great! Didn't even know wax was available. Where do you get it? Petsmart?

 

[Skye'sMom]

Yes, Petsmart has it in the grooming section. I use it on my tripods paws when we go train - he gets less tired since his grip is better.