Help! My Dog Doesn't Want To Climb Up and Down Steps!

Puppies often have to be taught to climb up and down stairs. When raised with other dogs, they are taught by watching and copying their pack mates. Puppies in single dog homes may need some assistance from their humans provided in the form of treats and verbal encouragements.

Sometimes, however, even after all the help and encouragement your dog may simply not want to climb up and down the stairs.What is a pet parent to do?

Climbing stairs is a necessary life skill so even if it is not an everyday necessity in their life it is important that you help your dog overcome their hesitance and fear. Reinforcing this skill is very similar to how they would be taught for the first time

Encourage with treats: Put a treat on each step and encourage them to go one by one until they have ascended or descended the entire flight. Cheer them on and show your excitement at their accomplishment all along the way.

Give incentive: During a game a fetch toss their favorite ball or toy up the stairs. In their excitement they may forget, or not notice, that they fear the climb. This is only recommended for going up the stairs.

Walk with them: With your pup on the leash slowly walk with them up and down the stairs encouraging them along the way and cheering on each accomplishment.

Is it cause for concern?

Weight Loss Formula
From Life's Abundance

If a usually agile dog suddenly refuses to climb stairs the refusal may signal a health issue since any sudden changes in behavior should be cause for concern.

Excess weight could also be a factor in a dog's ability to to climb steps.  Extra pounds put extra pressure on
joints and makes moving and aerobic activity more difficult.

 As dogs age they could experience joint pain that may make it unpleasant to do activities such as climbing. Vitamin supplements may help reduce their discomfort.  Life's Abundance Dog Agility Formula  is a wonderful holistic formula that contains Glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels and hyaluronic acid that helps lubricate the joints and maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissue.

It is important you consult your veterinarian before adding supplements, and/or drastically changing your dog's diet.