pet stairs

[LaRe]

I just bought my first set of pet stairs for the sofa. I have a 9 year old chihuahua that was just diagnosed with arthritis in his back. I was hoping the pet stairs would help him on and off the sofa, but he doesn't want to use them...

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to teach him to go up and down them?

I tried luring him with a treat, but he won't go for it...

 

[PoodleMommy]

I have personally never used them...

but i heard that you should walk them up and down... like hold on to them and have their feet touching the stairs and move them up and down... after awhile they will start to use them when they smell their own scent on them...

I am sure others will have some better personal advice.

elissa

 

[dr2little]

I bought them for my 2 Chi's (one 15 years old, and the other one just too small to get up on anything -1.3 lbs) and they seemed a bit unstable so I put them side by side with another set. I also put my Tia and Tinker on the second step (so they had to go up or down) with their favorite treats and waited for them to make their choice, then praised like crazy. It only took a day or so and now they love them. I wouldn't start them at the top or bottom. Put them in the middle and then don't coax or help with your hands. They'll feel more in charge but will only have 2 (very safe) options.

 

[LaRe]

THANKS!!! I'm going to give it a shot tonight.. I'll let you know if they start to get it or not...