On Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:31:42 -0800 (PST), Craig E
wrote:

Why do you say stripping is worse than sanding? I'm trying to avoid
kicking sand on the walls, and most importantly, using a sander
incorrectly. The floors are even, so I'm hoping the poly could bond
after the gel was used.

Stripping can be messy, smelly, and time consuming. You will still
probably need a light sanding after anyway. I've done some furniture
outdoors, but I'd not want to be down on the floor doing it.

Depending on how bad the floor is, a light sanding with a random
orbital hand sander may be enough to let the new coat of poly stick
and the poly will fill in the small voids and give a decent finish.

You can also put down some cheap laminate that is very durable, they
pull it up and toss it once the dogs are gone or if you move and want
to show those hardwood floors as a selling point.