Dogs are afraid for taking the stairs for a lot of reasons. Dogs and Stairs Learn how to help a scaredy-dog get over fear of going up and down stairs. Whether you have a large split-level home or a simple one-story ranch with a porch, if you’re a dog owner, you hold your breath for a second whenever your pup bounds up or down the steps. It comes from the Greek for step – ‘bathmos’ - and fear – ‘phobia’. And for good reason. Make sure everything your dog needs and enjoys is located on the main floor of your house. Then hold onto the mobility aid and give your dog extra support as you both get up the stairs. Always try to end on a positive note. See my cheap DIY stair treads solution. “They have a drive to do so and a willingness to learn because they want to follow around their mother or their owner, and they have a natural cautiousness around edges that keeps them pretty safe.”. Stairs can be quite a daunting task for dogs to undertake – especially for smaller dogs and puppies. Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs, 2 Step for Cats/Dogs up to 150 Pounds, Portable, Removable Washa… Not only will it keep dogs from going up or down the stairs, but it can protect important items and certain parts of the house. It's worth understanding why your dog is frightened in the first place. Dog Stairs. Amy is a dog trainer with more than a decade of experience. “They might also struggle on stairs if they have vestibular disease, which affects balance. (Hardwood, not carpeted.) This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies. Wood says he uses stairs as a tool to diagnose various problems. If you live in a single story home, it's possible that your dog won't see stairs until a little later in life. Smaller dogs who can’t make it up steps, dogs who recently had surgery, or dogs who are on medications with sedative effects can be carried, so long as it’s safe for both the dog and the owner. If your dog falls down the stairs or obtains an injury while he or she is on the stairs, they may come to associate the steps with that negative, painful feeling, and that is what leads to a phobia. Work in short, upbeat training sessions. If you see your dog wanting to go down the stairs to be with you, but seems scared, there are some things you can do that will make life easier. Depending on his level of fear, it may take some time for him to get comfortable with the stairs. But, if your home has hardwood or slippery stairs, it’s safest to keep your Tripawd away from stairs indefinitely if you have an amputee dog. A stair runner or a carpet can prevent your dog from falling down the stairs while keeping your staircase looking good. DIY Dog Stair Treads - Suddenly our dog started refusing to walk down stairs in our home. Is your dog afraid of the stairs? It’s important for owners to do what they can to set up their canine companions for success. Arnoldy says a non-slip ramp could be a good alternative for dogs who simply can’t do stairs anymore. Have your veterinarian rule out a medical condition before you start any training. Not all dog stairs are designed to hold huge dogs. This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. If that’s not an option, you can make them safer with a product like Puppy Treads, or … Get our FREE training guide when you sign up for the Spruce Pets newsletter. Dogs that have extra-long backs, such as Dachshunds, Corgis and Bassett Hounds, should also avoid taking the stairs. Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian with over 25 years of experience in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. These are perfect for dogs used to maneuvering stairs and able to navigate the climb. When necessary, an appropriately placed sling or long towel (either under the belly or chest) can be used to help guide a larger dog, but only as directed by a veterinarian. In some instances, a dog may develop a fear of stairs from a traumatic experience. Block off the stairs when you’re not home or when you will be on a different floor than the dog for an extended period. Simply watching your dog go up and down the stairs won’t prevent an accident, but it will keep them safe from other potential health problems or conditions that could be even more serious. Your dog's fear may stem from a physical problem. A toe grip is a happy medium that they usually tolerate.”. “Dogs with spine, neck, disc, and back problems find it painful to lift or lower their head when they go up or down stairs,” Wood says. “Stair-related injuries can range from muscle strains and bruises to fractures, head injuries, and even death,” says Dr. Courtney Arnoldy, founder of the Small Animal Rehabilitation Program at University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care. Fortunately, you can help your dog get over this fear and go up and down the stairs with confidence. Well that's cuteness overload, isn't it? If your dog still struggles to get up the stairs without help, buy a mobility sling, lifting aid harness, or walking harness with a handle. Most of the time, a dog's fear of stairs is easy to overcome. Install Ramps. Patience and Praise. You might notice this if your dog hugs the wall while on stairs. Adding carpet to your stairs or relocating your dog's feeding location may help it adjust.
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