We're hoping to have a lab puppy next year. Our downstairs carpets are now old and worn, and we were considering replacing them with laminate flooring,which is popular at the moment and more hygienic than carpet. However, I did read somewhere that during the early months of a puppy's life, when one has to be careful about hips, it was better to have a non-slip type of flooring, which gives the dog a better grip. The kitchen floor is covered in vinyl, and would be the pup's main day-time area during the early house-training period. So what do people suggest as the most suitable floor covering for the lounge and dining room? (You know you have dogs when you plan the flooring around the needs of a not-yet-existing puppy....) :D :D :D
Cathy

One thing about old carpets if puppy piddles, gets sick, or poops on them, you won't be crying about it :D :D :D Are you sure that you don't want to keep them until puppyhood is over??? ;)

The other thing about laminate, tile, or wood flooring, it's a real pain to keep clean. I've swept, mopped, & had dust & dirt on them within minutes. I also get madder at inconsiderate hubby & dogs tracking across them right after I've cleaned. Hubby will vaccum, but not mop or sweep :D :D :D
toodles

Well Sara, you beat me to it :-) Cathy, keep those old carpets until the puppy is older.. Puppies do pee, sick ,dig, and chew over carpets and its the devils own game to get the smells out. Also your pup will have the firm grip under its feet you are concerned about. Once its all over you can do what you want. but I must say laminate flooring it very difficult for dogs to get a grip on, they slide all over the place especially if going at speed. :-)

Even my small 15 pounder who's short to the ground has gotten off balance on laminate/tile/wood flooring and has twisted & fallen when running or playing. If given a choice, I prefer wall-to-wall carpeting..next best choice are large pieces eg: 12X10 that will not slip when dogs or ME are moving :D
toodles

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. What a relief! We can forget about the hassle and expense of doing anything about the flooring in the immediate future!
Cathy.

Hi Cathy.

It is amazing how we all differ isnt it? I am so glad we have wooden flooring everywhere downstairs now as with my two piddling everywhere for so long I am so glad we got rid of the carpets. Me thinks that smaller dogs are harder to train! Barney is okay now but Molly......:D

The laminate floor we have in the bedroom is definitely more slippery for the dogs but the wood downstairs is okay. There is something you can buy from Petsmart (or its equivalent) which you can put on their paws to stop them slipping I believe. Called 'wax' I think. Seems a bit funny to use wax but apparently it works.

Hope some help.

Regards Gina

Gina,
wouldn't the wax stuff leave footprints all over the floor? although the way my kids slide around the floor on their bums it would soon get wiped off!:)

Hi Julie,

I have just read the instructions and you only use a very small amount to stop the slipping. It doesnt feel very waxy and can be used (it says) for protecting the paws from snow, grit, etc. and you have to use more if it for this. We will have to trim Barney's paws before we use it. Mind you I would probably be the one to slip if it is slippery:D. We only bought it as Barney has had an op on one leg and thought it may help him walk better with his limp. Will try it later - if he lets us trim is fur - and let you know LOL.

Paw wax is a thick dry type of wax, it's not greasy as such and you just need a tiny amount but it does work really well. It helps when the dogs are in the show ring too cos the mats are not always what they should be:rolleyes: I rub each paw om the wax in the tin rather than trying to put it on my hands first, and then massage in what sticks. It's really hard to describe what Paw Wax is like - but's it's not greasy and doesn't stain - provided you use it right I guess. Comes in tins the same size as those you get shoe polish in - get them mixed up and you might just get stains - lol:D

Personally - I don't like laminate floor for dogs as they can't get any purchase on it with their feet and slide all over the place. I have also seen where the pee slips between the pieces and gets under the laminate and causes it to lift off!! I have wooden floors and they are better than laminate - I think the rougher finish and boards give more traction.

hth

Pam n co

I sometimes rub paw wax in when the weather conditions are wintery to protect against rock salt burn!

Hi Gina,
I think it's the fact that she plans on putting in brand new stuff ....no matter how good it is, would you really want to deal with cleaning something brand new when you can wreck something that doesn't really matter anymore? It always seems that things go massively wrong right when I bring in nice new furniture or flooring...whether 'tis hubby or doggies :( :( :D
toodles

Yes I would keep the old carpets to start with, was just trying to help with the differences in the new floorings that are about nowadays for later :D. (If we get anything new I tell everyone to watch what they are doing etc etc and guess who is the first one to have an "accident" yep me :o
Gina