Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is my dog too young for stair exercise to burn off energy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Male | neutered | 10 months and 10 days old | 42 lbs

When can I use stairs as exercise for my dog? We live a town home that doesn't have a backyard so most of my dog's exercise is done inside or during walks. A friend of mine recommended using the stairs in our house to help burn off his seemingly endless amounts of energy but I'm worried that he is too young to run up and down the stairs. What do you recommend?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 21st, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can start doing this at anytime. It is all about not over doing it so perhaps keeps this limited to once daily. Also, I would consider relying more on walks (perhaps longer walks) than using the stairs at least until his bones are more developed (at least after 1 year of age). Good luck and have a nice day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Yes he's old enough to go up and down the stairs for exercise. That is good for rear leg strength. I like them to walk up and down, no running so he doesn't fall and get injured. Retrieving is another good way to wear out an energetic dog., as is controlled tug of war. To burn even more calories and work on his obedience I like to have Rowan sit and stay, then throw a ball or toy up a hill then tell him to fetch. Have a treat handy to give him so he'll drop the ball when he comes back. Cattle dogs are very smart so work on teaching lots of tricks also. That will give you two something to work on in the house, it'll tire him out, work on his listening to you, and it's fun to show tricks to your family and friends. There are lots of great Dog Trick books to help with this. Check out those of Karen Sundance. I'm glad you are concerned about giving Rowan plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog, and better behaved too. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rowan.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is it safe for my growing puppy to use stairs, or should I carry him?

Winton is adorable! I have heard this recommendation about the stairs as well. That being said, I have not seen significant research backing up the recommendation. I think it is reasonable to limit stair use as it is practical for you. I feel it is more important to limit hard running while the bones and joints are developing. If your dog is going to be your running partner, it is best to wait to until 15-18 months before allowing running on concrete sidewalks. Keeping your puppy lean as he grows is very important in protecting the joints as well. It sounds like you and Winston are off to a great start!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my puppy's jumping and stair climbing bad for her joints?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In general, I'm not concerned about an otherwise healthy puppy doing stairs and small jumps. If the couch is particularly high, try to discourage this but otherwise I'm not terribly worried. That being said, I do occasionally see puppies who land too hard from a jump and are now limping with an apparent strain or sprain. Usually, a few days of rest and pain medication is all that is needed but it can still be scary. Of course, if there is an underlying problem, Coco would need to be more careful. Hope this sets your mind at ease. Best of luck to you and Coco!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy is scared of stairs. When do puppies learn, and how to teach?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nico!! Good question and it really does depend on the individual puppy and what size/breed they are. Smaller breeds with shorter legs might take longer to get accustomed to using stairs. You might want to use treats or food rewards to coax him to start using the stairs. Otherwise, let mother nature take her course and I'm sure in time Nico will get the hang of it. He is just probably a little scared and intimidated right now. Good luck with Nico.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are stairs bad for a basset-beagle mix's back in a townhouse?

Hello. I am so glad that you are considering adopting Bucephalus. You do not indicate his age, but I would not expect a young(er) & healthy dog like this to have any difficulties with the stairs. As he ages, arthritis might limit his ability to climb 4 stories, but this could be the case with about any other breed of dog. If you manage his weight so he does not get obese, & make sure he gets regular exercise to prevent early onset of arthritis, he should do just fine. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are stairs good exercise for German Shepherds? Is it safe for hips?

This is not a good exercise for a German Shepherd as this breed is prone to hip dysplasia which can be aggravated by climbing stairs. It would be much better to take Bruno out to run in a park or on open ground or go for long walks.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my 3-month-old puppy getting too much or too little exercise?

What a cutie! I would follow his lead in the amount of exercise he needs. You are correct in that going running or prolonged jogging in a young dog is not a good idea, as their growth plates are still developing, so we recommend waiting until they are over a year old. Walks, however, and playtime outside with you are fantastic. If he is seeming like he is overly tired or not enthusiastic to continue walking, this would be a cue to slow down/stop. As he gets continued exercise his endurance will increase, just like a person starting to exercise.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog is super energetic. How can I mentally and physically tire her?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Jogging with her would be a good option. Other things you could consider include letting her run around at the dog park, playing fetch, having her spend time at a doggy day care with other dogs of a similar age. This will also improve with time as she is really young now. This will get better with time though those activities can help in the meantime. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share