Hardwood Floors

Question
QUESTION: My 10 year old Miniature Schnauzer will not walk on our recently acquired hardwood and ceramic tile floors.  She spends her day on the couch.  We pick her up and take her outside and take her to her bed at night.  She will walk a few steps when she needs to go outside, but she thinks she has to run to get off of the wood floor quickly and ends up sliding. Help.  We are all miserable.

ANSWER: a lot of schnauzers have very hairy feet which can make them slip and slide on smooth surfaces. You may try a tacky paw or the spray that athletes use to help grip. Make sure her toe nails are not excessively long as this will add to the problem. And make sure, at 10, that there aren't physical problems making her feel unsteady. Probably the easiest solution would be to put down carpet remnants or runners in a pathway to her most visited places. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply...one more question.  What is "tacky paw"?  Is that something I can get at Pet Smart?  Thanks.

Martha

Answer
I don't recall seeing it at Petsmart. Here's an online link http://www.shop.com/Tacky_Paw_Wax-11581776-p!.shtml
Another possibility might be dipping her paws in a little regular (not sugar-free) soda and of course letting them dry before she's on the new floor. The sugar adds a bit of stickiness. Sandy