An Easy Way to Prevent Dogs From Going Upstairs
- 1). Place one strip of plastic floor covering prickly-side up on each of the first three steps. Trim the edges with scissors to remove any excess.
- 2). Place a few strips of two-sided tape under each piece of matting. Secure the mats in place by taping down the edges with masking tape. This holds the mats in place under traffic.
- 3). Lightly mist the mats with indoor pet-safe dog repellent.
- 4). Allow the dog to explore the area. Praise the dog when it walks away from the steps, and offer a treat. This tells the dog it chose correctly by walking away from the stairs.
- 5). Reapply the pet deterrent as directed on the container, to maintain an optimal level of performance.
- 6). When the dog attempts to break the barrier, give a firm command "no." Praise it when it shows no interest in going up stairs. This reinforces the reward for wanting to stay downstairs.
- 7). Praise your dog for sitting quietly when you return from trips upstairs. This reinforces the dog’s correct decision of not breaking the barrier to go up the stairs.
- 8). When the dog does not show any interest in going up the steps, take down the prickly mats.
- 9). Continue using the pet-safe deterrent until it becomes second nature for the dog to sit and wait quietly at the barrier, or ignore the steps altogether.
- 10
Continue to offer verbal praise to your dog when it recognizes the barrier, and reapply the pet-safe deterrent when additional training is necessary.
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