@eeeefarm - Totally agree with both of you, while I don't do the "restrain the pup", but if it works great and in a pinch it does work for me if really needed. When we have pups (babies) and Mom is tired of them and puts herself in a position that they can't reach her, they turn to the next adult in the house.... same thing will happen if they get over excited and yes, I have seen Basenji Moms, pin the pup to the ground and/or other adults in the home.... so it is something that a pup understands. Walking away works for me... or I try to change up the "game" by turning to working their minds and getting them to think about other things. In the Basenji Breed this is another way of teaching them that the prior behavior is not acceptable. They learn pretty quickly. Thanks for posting this thread eeeefarm... well needed...
Scat mat
-
Well, since Keoki has managed several times to get over the gate that blocks the stairs {actually, he broke two gates before figuring out how to get over the third one :mad: }, I finally broke down and bought a large scat mat.
I tested it myself to make sure it wasn't much of a shock, and it's not. It's more of a little wiggle; just enough to startle the dogs.
Keoki only stepped on it once and learned. Jazzy took three tries, LOL, and she's not even the one most determined to get up stairs :rolleyes:Anyway, so far it IS keeping them away from the bottom of the stairs but I still don't want to move the gate because they have to stand on the mat for so long before it shocks them. I may get another to set along side the stairs because now Keoki tries to squeeze through the railings and I'm afraid he's going to get stuck. He is SO FREAKING DETERMINED. :eek:
I think I'll also put some upside down carpet runner on the stairs themselves, and maybe even across the hall leading to the door/stairs.
I have to do something to at least slow the little bugger down. But so far, I am loving the scat mat – and it's been a giggle every time one of the kids forgets and steps on it {though I think my 12 yo son does it on purpose}.
Jazz on scat mat {sorry it's dark; it was done with a cell phone}