Is your dog afraid of stairs? Wondering, how to overcome his fear of using stairs? How to teach a dog to go upstairs or downstairs?
Well, it has been noticed, that dogs do develop such fear, it’s common in them. But, there are reasons why dogs are afraid of using the stairs.
In this blog, you will get all your doubts cleared. Read more about why your dog is afraid of stairs, and you can overcome his fear.
Contents
Reasons Why Dogs Are Afraid of Stairs!
It has been observed that some dogs develop a fear of using the staircase, and they avoid using stairs for going up or downstairs. Especially seen in rescue dogs, puppies, or senior dogs.
““It is a common problem for dogs to be fearful,” says Dr. Klein From AKC. We have also done footwork regarding dogs afraid of stairs. And jotted down a few reasons, which will help you to get an idea.
Puppy Has Seen the Stairs for the First Time
This could be one of the reasons your dog won’t go upstairs or downstairs. Puppies explore many things, when they start roaming around the house, backyard, etc. Some experience gives him happiness, while other scare them, like stairs.
Similarly, if you have kept restrictions on your adult dog on using the stairs or never train them how to get used to stairs. Then, it’s natural, they will get scared of using stairs.
Your Dog Has Learned to Fear the Stairs
One of the possible reasons behind your dog getting scared of stairs is because they develop the fear, when you were posing restrictions on using the stairs.
As pet parents, you don’t want him to use the stairs because you’re worried he might fall or get hurt. But by doing this, you are making him afraid of the stairs, and this makes him not want to use them in the future.
Medical Issues
Is your dog afraid of going downstairs? Don’t want to use stairs?
It could be possible that your dog having trouble going downstairs or upstairs because he is suffering from severe health issues. Such as arthritis, hip, knee, joint issues, etc. Which leads to pain, when they try to climb or descend stairs, and creates discomfort.
Negative Experience With Stairs
Your dog is scared of stairs because he might have had a negative experience with the stairs.
For instance, your pooch might have tripped over the stairs while going up or downstairs. Or someone had pushed him just for fun. So, any such experience has impacted his mind negatively, and now your dog is afraid of stairs.
How to Train Your Dog to Go Up and Downstairs?
As discussed above, there could be many reasons why your dog is afraid of stairs. So, never force him to use the stairs. Instead, try to retrain him by encouraging and giving him his own space. According to GuideDogs “Use the cane tip to locate the bottom step, keep the cane tip in contact with the first step, then walk forward and place your foot on the first step.”
Here are a few training tips that will help you get your dog used to stairs and even help him get over his anxiety.
Introduce Your Dog to the Stairs
For training your dog to get used to stairs, and freely go up and down stairs, you need to introduce him to the stairs. If you are parenting a puppy, then it’s way easy to introduce him to the stairs. In the playing activities, you can use books and display them as a stair, and it should not be a sleeper.
On the other hand, if you are parenting an adult dog, and he is not used to the stairs or is afraid of going up and downstairs. In such a case, it would be a bit tricky but still, you have to take him on a house tour. And help him learn to use stairs by climbing the stairs with him in your arms or by showing him how to do it.
Lure Your Dog onto the First Stair
When you notice your dog is showing interest in the stairs and trying to come forward. Try to place his favorite treat on the first step, and encourage him to grab it.
As he steps forward to take his treat and steps onto the first stair, don’t stop, keep calling him by his name and sprinkling more treats to grab it. In this way, you will be able to give him the confidence to get used to the stairs, and he will overcome his fear.
Encourage Him
Motivate your dog to get used to the stairs. If he is afraid to use the stairs, then encourage him more by being there with him. Make sure that he put his paws forward with the confidence that you are there for him, and he won’t fall down. And be ready for the next step, you can sprinkle his favorite treats on the stairs and be with him while he moves forward.
If you are parenting a puppy who is just learning to get used to the stairs, then be extra careful. As they won’t be knowing what’s the next time going to be like. Train him in such a way that he finds it interesting to climb up or go down the stairs, and he gets used to the stairs easily.
Praise Him With Treats
While training your dog to get used to stairs, praising him is an important gesture. It’s not like you will only appreciate him when he is doing correctly. Do it even if he tries to get used to the stairs or looks at the stairs, touching the paws, etc. All these small improvements are also important and praise him with love, offering a treat.
This will help him to build confidence that he can climb the stairs, and reduce his anxiety level. You can also try fun game activities as a part of your training, this will attract his attention to the learning process.
Note:- You can also train your dog to get used to the ramp, it’s also an easy medium to get into the higher surface without hurting themselves.
FAQs
How do I get my old dog to go down the stairs?
You can put carpet on stairs to give comfort to your furry pal’s paws. As he will feel safe and warm while stepping down or going upstairs. Plus, you can also ask a vet to give ointment for your oldie pup’s joint pain, so he can get some relief from his pain.
Are stairs bad for dogs with arthritis?
Yes, stairs are bad for dogs with arthritis. It gives more strain on the joints of the limbs. Excessive stretching of the muscle or movement of the legs can lead to more pain and severe joint issues.
What age do dogs struggle with stairs?
Generally, dogs struggle with stairs when they are injured, or when they step into the seniorhood era. It has also been observed that puppies struggle hard when they are learning to climb stairs.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
- Some dogs develop a fear of using the staircase.
- It could be possible that your dog is suffering from severe health issues. Such as arthritis, hip, knee, joint issues, etc.
- He might have had a negative experience with the stairs.
- Try to retrain him by encouraging him and giving him his own space.
- You can also train your dog to get used to the ramp.
Reference:
- Hakanen, Emma, et al. “Active and Social Life Is Associated With Lower Non-social Fearfulness in Pet Dogs – Scientific Reports.” Nature, 13 Aug. 2020, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70722-7.
- Arzi, Boaz, et al. “Management of Septic Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint in Dogs.” Frontiers, 10 Feb. 2021, doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.648766.
- “Arthritis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital.” Vca, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/arthritis-in-dogs. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.
Julia is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, practicing veterinarian in a non-profit animal hospital and feline sanctuary located in Rochester, NY. She is also a full-time veterinary advisor at DogLikesBest. She focuses on writing healthcare-related topics including dog foods, treats, veterinary diets, food for specific healthcare features, etc. Moreover, any article on DogNeedsBest that has to concern feline health in any way, goes under her scrutiny before being published.
