Entrance control is the toughest job for the Scat Mat. Pets may jump over or sneak around the mat(s). These notes incorporate the best information available to overcome these potential problems. For best results you'll need to incorporate all the suggestions we give you here, and if you have an active pet, you should be prepared to work a couple of weeks to achieve your goal.
Treat this as a positive training experience with your pet. Be sure to praise it often during this period and let the mat provide most of the negative reinforcement when the pet enters the 'no-go' area. However, if you do see the animal on the 'wrong' side - let him know - right away! As with any Scat Mat training, the mats should be used in conjunction with other training methods.
Chances are if you've invested in this Scat Mat you've already tried other options which failed. If you try everything mentioned here and still don't have your pet(s) obeying the Scat Mat boundary - call us. We may have suggestions or new ideas for you to try. Or conversely if you've had a particularly good experience with a novel new way of using the mat - call us and tell us what you've done. We're interested! Call between 8:00 and 4:30 Pacific Time toll free at 1-800-767-8658. Good Luck!
A sample scenario
When a mat is placed in a doorway, most pets will be aware of its presence. Suspecting nothing they will attempt to cross. The majority of pets will feel the 'static type shock on this first occasion. Their responses will vary dramatically from running through - or away, to jumping back a few feet.
Regardless of which way they go - most pets will know the mat caused the unpleasant sensation. But, not being 'rocket-scientists' they will re- attempt the crossing. Whether this is right away or much later, it is on this second trial that most learn they don't like treading on the mat.
At this point if it is a docile pet, very small dog, puppy or kitten it will be conditioned to avoid that area in the future. Owners of other pets (especially active and larger animals) will see varying levels of interest by their animals in getting past the Scat Mat barrier.
If your initial training efforts are unsuccessful you still have options.
* Add mats to increase mat area. Consider Extensions or Dummies.
* Use the mat with a child/pet gate which may not have been effective on its own. Place mat on floor in front of gate.
Use Doors to Control Access
If training a pet not to go through an entrance which has a door - we highly recommend using that door as an obstacle during the training period to slow the animals progress across the mat. Controlling the pets speed across the mat(s) will ensure a good contact is made. This will significantly increase your Scat Mats effectiveness. Follow these steps:
- On the first day lay the mat on the threshold with the majority of the mat inside the room the pet is to stay out of.
- Prop the door open just wide enough for the pet to squeeze through.
- In the days that follow, gradually increase the opening size.
After two weeks the pet should have given up trying and the door should be wide open. The mere sight of the Scat Mat lying there will keep the pet at bay.
Obstacles
If a door isn't available, you can use large cardboard boxes, hampers, chairs, etc. in the doorway to slow the pets while crossing the mat. As with the door training explained above, begin with just enough room to squeeze through, and gradually increase the size of the opening over a couple of weeks.
Unlike many other situations where the mat can be removed when avoidance begins, this is usually not possible with entrance training. It is OK to leave the mat in place and turned on indefinitely.
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