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Is anyone familiar with a "Scat Mat" sold in the Doctors Foster and Smith Catalog?"

Urgency:S.O.S.!

Category: Behavior & Training

Asked by: Barbara (bcsan111) 6 months ago

Our 4 1/2 month old Yorkie puppy has started using the potty on our new sofa. She is about 95% potty trained but will use the potty on our new sofa if given the chance. I have thought of ordering a "Scat Mat" which emits a mild, but uncomfortable static charge that lets your pet know that the area is off limits. It consists of a pad that goes across your sofa seat and uses a 9-volt battery or a plug-in adapter. I don't want to do anything that will harm her, but I do want to stop her from messing up my new sofa. Any suggestions?

Answers from Zootooers

4 answers(s) found.


Bonnie Rose

Answered by clslay 6 months ago

Chosen Answer

My daughter purchased this and first I have to say I will never buy from Fosters and Smith again. They truly rob you with shipping fees. Also everything they sell also are sold at Petco and Petsmart without Shipping charges. Just an FYI. The scat mat did not one bit of good for us. The pets become use to it and it doesnt faze them. Sprays work better. Also regular old foil works just as well most times as pets dont like the feel on the pads of the their feet. Our vet had us use a 3/4 vinegar 1/4 spray on everything our pets bobo'ed on. It rids the scent so they dont want to go back as their scent is gone. Just soak and blot well with a towel. Safe for all furniture etc. One friend swore her dog and car laughed at her when she had the scat mat on her sofa. It just isn't enough to work. Squirt bottles are a great training method to. Just dont let your pet see you squirt them. They think in time its where they are laying that squirts them. Our vet informed us about this with cats. Works well on dogs too. I wish you luck. Be careful ordering esp from Foster/Smith as I have been burned in shipping from them. I had to pay more in shipping then the price or the item. Only to find it cheaper at Petco/Petsmart and No shipping. Best of luck and lots of patience to you all. Just my thoughts and hope they help you.
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robynn23
robynn23

Answered by robynn23 6 months ago

Scat mats help to keep pets off certain surfaces, but may not actually stop the inappropriate elimination (which sounds like the main problem). I would try crate training so that the puppy learns not to eliminate in spaces that it plays/sleeps.

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Darlene and Some of her friends

Answered by Darlene A. (petxpert) 6 months ago

No need to shock your Yorkie. Housetraining a Toy dog takes longer than with a larger dog which is why I devoted an entire chapter to it in my book, "Small Dogs, Big Hearts."
The only thing you need for the sofa right now is something that breaks down enzymes so she will no longer smell urine even when you don't, and think it's a designated potty place. Something like Anti-Ickypoo or Zero Odor.
Warmly,
Darlene Arden, CABC
"Rover, Get Off Her Leg!"

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Martha M.
Martha M. (marthalovesanimals)

Answered by Martha M. (marthalovesanimals) 6 months ago

They make several different sprays that keep animals off furniture, they sell them at all pet stores. You could try them. Personally, when I house trained my German Shepherd I just got regular piddle pads. She never had an accident and went on the pads when she had to.

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