How to Teach a Puppy Dog to Climb Stairs
Teaching a puppy to climb stairs can be difficult for some, but the process is actually pretty basic.
First off, if you are trying to teach a dog to climb a long steep staircase right off the bat you’re going to run into some problems. Like anything a dog needs to feel comfortable with their surroundings before moving forward.
I also recommend that you play with your dog before trying this training technique. A puppy that’s gotten its play energy out, can be much more receptive to training.
So to start your training try to use a wide set of stairs with just a few steps. Place a collar and leash on the dog, but do not give any tension on the leash.
Start walking toward the stairs from a distance of 10 feet or more and project confidence and authority with your head held high. This will put your puppy more at ease as you approach the stairs. If the dog starts to resist on the collar, try going into a circle and then approach the stairs again.
If the dog doesn’t resist go slowly up the stairs and reach for a treat as you do.. When you get to the top give your dog a treat. If it works repeat the process a few more times, and try it without the leash if successful.
If you still have a problem, it’s time to try some other tricks.
With a 10 ft or more leash, walk up the steps by yourself and then offer the dog a treat. If the dog comes up the stairs, give them the treat and then repeat the process a few more times.
After you do that, attempt to walk up the stairs again as mentioned earlier.
Once you have mastered a few wide steps you can move on to steeper staircases using the same techniques.
The surest trick I know to get my puppy to go anywhere is to just toss his favorite toy in that direction.
In case of Emergency, here’s one more trick. Sit at the top of the stairs and eat a Sandwich.. That’ll work.
If you’ve purchased a set of dog stairs for your home try to train them with one side of the stairs against a wall. This will put the dog more at ease when first using them.
Always remember. Be confident and positive. Dogs wants you to be in charge so they can relax and not have to be the pack leader.
When my dog was just a puppy you couldnt get him to go up or down the stairs but as he got older he out grew that fear.
Your advice is right on the mark.A puppy is very energetic and needs to be calmed down first for effective training.Taking puppy steps like us humans taking baby steps will always work out better.Nice job.