What a pity, I don’t subscribe to cable. And I’m beginning to like your friend already base on similar allergy!

Thanks so much for your advice! I am planning on trying the walking-down-the-stairs method tomorrow after work. My pup is taking his usual before bedtime nap, ha, so I’ll let him rest before our big practice session tomorrow.

I’ll keep you and everyone else posted in case other owners of big dogs are having the same problem.

Thanks again!
Katie

PS: The National Geographic Channel has a program on Friday nights at 9 pm called “Dogtown”. It’s a documentary on a wonderful shelter in Utah called Best Friend’s Sanctuary. My friend’s dog is being showcased tomorrow night, she’s allergic to humans!

You’re absolute right on the depth perception thing. Could you tell me more about the 10-15 stairs, like where are these stairs at? Home or outdoor (unfamiliar setting)? And when he does effortlessly on 3-5 stairs, was it in all settings? Both up and down with no qualms?

If the latter question is so, have you ever tried the reverse method on 10-15 stairs? Instead of walking up, try walking down. Usually I don’t recommend this approach to first-timers but since your young lab has already some experiences with stairs. If this is still a challenge to him, try something in between like 7-9 steps.

In addition, it seems that your lab isn’t motivated by food or maybe not that treat you offered. Big job requires big gun, so bring out those really SPECIAL treats or toy or event or person or playmate. If you try to think from your dog’s perspective “What’s in for me when I get there?” you’ll be amazed of how many more creative methods you can come out to get the result you wanted.

Try these methods and see how he progresses.

I have an 8 month old labrador retriever. He is still a puppy mentally, but big enough to walk up stairs. He does 3-5 stairs at a time no problem, and even jumps into our SUV fine. But when it comes to 10-15 stairs, he freaks out and won’t budge. I’m thinking it may be a depth perception thing – looking up all of those stairs may seem scary – but I don’t know how to get him to go up. I’ve put treats on every single step and tried to coax him with gentle words, but nothing. I don’t want to use a leash b/c I think his instincts will kick in and he’ll just buckle down. He’s too heavy for me to carry up more than a few steps, so I don’t know what to do at this point.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Katie

You’ve two interesting questions here. Since we’re on the Climbing Stairs post, I’ll share my views on your miniature dachshund puppy not climbing stairs question.

There are two possible reasons why your pup “can’t” climb stairs yet. Due to their (extremely) short legs, it does take a considerable amount of effort for dachshunds to climb those stairs. Secondly, she’s indeed very young. Give her some time to be around the stairs. She doesn’t need to climb those steps whenever she’s near any stairs.

Another reason she “can’t” climb those steps is that there is no motivation for her to do so. If she’s to climb 4 steps to go for a walk (which most dogs love to) or get to her meal (most dogs are motivated by food), then she’d eventually learn to overcome those 4 steps. So find what motivates her.

Another effective method is introducing her to more playmates like puppy kindergarten classes or playdates. Young puppies have yet to fully develop their Alpha status, so they’re most likely to follow the Alpha dog. So find a place where they are exposed to steps. It doesn’t have to be a set number of steps for her to practice; even it is only one step, that will do for now.

Hope this helps.

I have a minature dachshund puppy.. She’s actually almost 5 months old but she’s still can’t climb up the stairs in my house. The stairs are pretty wide and preety short. 3 – 4 steps. How do I teach my pup to climb the stairs. I really want to help her.

Also, my pup gets really anxious when she’s alone. How do I train her not to cry when she’s alone?

Thank you for your comment. Yes, I agree. My KISSER motto is applicable for all dogs of all shapes, sizes and age.

Benji.