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

This is a very common problem! Most dogs have to be taught how to use the stairs at first. I would recommend going very slowly, and using treats to reward her for each tiny step in the right direction. So instead of putting treats on the stairs, if this is too challenging for her, start by putting a treat on the very first step so she can eat it easily. Do this several times. Then, try holding the treat in your hand and luring her nose up and forward, to see if she'll put a single paw on the first step - praise and let her have the treat as soon as she does. If this is too hard for her, give her the treat just for lifting her front paw - then work up from there. The key is to break it down into tiny steps that are manageable for her. Do short sessions (no more than 3-5 minutes at a time) several times a day. If you're still having trouble, consider calling a good reward-based trainer to come and get you started on the right track. You can search for a qualified trainer in your area here: www.ccpdt.org

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!

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!

Molly may have gotten scared going up and down the stairs when her cone was on and now, even though the cone is off, she is still fearful. Try working with her by just doing 2-3 steps at a time and using positive reinforcement, like giving her a special treat and lots of praise, after each step. Once she is used to doing 2-3 steps you can slowly increase the number of stairs she's going up. One other thing to consider is that her hesitancy to go up the stairs may be related to pain in her joints or neck. If you try slowly encouraging her and that's not working you may want to have her evaluated by your vet. They can do a full orthopedic exam and possibly X-rays to make sure there are no bone or joint issues.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs just do not enjoy going outside too much and it takes some encouragement to get them to go outside. Most of the time this is something that happens when they are scared or nervous about their surroundings. This is certainly not uncommon. A few things that you can try are going very slowly and reward progress. As your dog makes progress going outside, go ahead and reward Petrus with praise and also treats. Try to find fun things to do outside that your dog may like such as playing ball so that he associates going outside with something good. Before you know it he will get used to being outside. Good luck!

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!

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.