Trouble with Stairs

[schmitzgirly94]

I just adopted a english toy spaniel/dachshund mix from the pound two days ago. She seems to be taking the transition very well. But no matter how we coax her (with treats, clapping, leash), we can't get her to go up and down our stairs! I was wondering if she had arthiritis (spelling?),and that it hurts when she tries. Any ideas to help me?

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

She may have had bad experiences with stairs in the past. Here's what I've done to get my dogs used to "scary" things. I'll use the vacuum as an example.

Step 1#
Put the dog on a leash. Make sure it is not possible for the dog to slip out. Bring the dog to the vacuum (a few feet away if necessary) and have him sit. Treat the dog every few minutes. Don't use soothing "It's okay"'s, instead, in a happy cheery voice say something like "This is fun!"

Step 2#
Move closer to the vacuum and repeat process.

Steps 3# and 4#
Move closer and closer and repeat process.

Step 5#
Plug in the vacuum. Do not turn it on. Treat.

Step 6#
Move vacuum (vacuum is not on and do not move in the dog's direction). Treat.

Step 7#
Turn vacuum on. Do not move it in any way. Treat.

Step 8#
Move the vacuum (that is on) around, but not in the dog's direction. Treat.

 

[nohea]

Yes, Make sure that your voice is a happy one as gaddy said, if your voice shows concern your dog will be concerned. Take it slow, I had a dog who when he first came home wouldn't walk down a hallway, within a few months it didn't phase him, time and patience will solve most issues!

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I have had a problem with this basement, too, because my dogs where down there for a few hours when we were gone sometimes and they hated it. Now they pretty much realize that when we go down there, we're just getting something (or better yet, they're getting raw bones!).

 

[poodlesmom]

Many times dogs will have a fear of using stairs. I have found if they are open stairs without a backing that takes much longer for them to get used to. Another thing that I have found much easier for inside stairs is if they are carpeted. Sometimes if they aren't they are just too slippery for the dog to feel safe.

I wouldn't force the issue but would try to reward and lure her into attempting them. Just take a treat that she absolutely loves & put it on the first stair she can't reach with her mouth while she is not on the stairs. Make sure she sees you put it there - in fact give her one & then place the lure one on the step. Then just leave her alone. Eventually I think you'll find she'll venture up on her own and take it. After a couple of days move it up another step or two continuing to gradually putting it on higher steps all the way to the top. You can actually put some on a couple of consecutive steps once she has taken the first one.

Personally I would hold off on the leash method until she has been with you for a while & is feeling more secure in general with her new home. Once you have established a pretty good relationship then you could advance to attempting it with her on a leash making it a very happy and fun adventure.

 

[schmitzgirly94]

Thanks everyone!
She is making progress and now will
go up the upstairs by herself!
We're still working on the basement stairs though.