fear of slippery surfaces
by patricia and moxy
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Moxy (1.5 years old) hates slippery surfaces. She will not cross the lino kitchen floor unless a mat is on it. I have tried a number of times to train her with excessive positive reinforcement, treats, leash, starting with a large mat and reducing it, etc. Somehow she can't understand that if she just walked slowly she wouldn't turn into Bambi on ice. I want to get hardwood floors in the rest of the house (currently carpet) but I fear Moxy will be restricted to sitting on the couch all day and won't play fetch, be able to get to her food, etc. Any suggestions????

DISCUSSION:

I had that problem with hardwood floors. I put a mat in the center of the floor and sat my baby on the mat. Then, I put one piece of food down on the floor one step away from the mat, a second piece two steps away, etc. etc. She had to move slowly and stop to eat each piece, and by the time she got to the door, she had crossed the whole floor. I did this for about four days, putting the food further and further apart, until she was crossing the whole floor to get the treat I was offering at the door. Hope this gives you an idea that works for you!
Marcia