Teaching your Puppy to Climb Stairs

Introducing your puppy to the stairs can be a challenge. However, if your puppy is trained properly it will be simple, satisfying and successful.

If your puppy is afraid of stairs, or simply does not know how to climb them, then begin slowly to build his confidence. Start off at the bottom of a flight of steps. A wide, shallow stairway will probably be least frightening for your dog. Go up one step; encourage and lure your dog up with your voice, a food treat or a toy. When he is successful, give him lots of reward and praise. Then go back down that same step. Repeat only one step over and over until your dog goes up and down with ease and courage. Wait a while, then try two steps. When your dog feels secure going up and down two steps, then try three steps and so on. Never force your dog to go up or down as this will only frighten him and slow the process. Always use praise and lures to get your dog to go up or down a step. Don't rush him into doing more than he can, take things "one step at a time."