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My dog won't use pet stairs for our high bed. How can I teach her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 9 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

We purchased "pet stairs" to help our dog get on our new bed which is much higher than our previous bed. Although we have stairs in our home which she bounds up and down constantly and easily, she doesn't seem to "get" the pet stairs. I've tried bribing her by putting a treat on each step (didn't work) and have been literally taking her legs and putting them on the stairs to show her how to climb them but no luck. She's a 9 year old miniature schnauzer, playful and in good health.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 12th, 2018

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
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 9th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this morning!

    You may try starting at the bottom of the stairs with her and coaxing her up step by step with a treat she really really likes. Warmed up small pieces of hot dog work wonders. Give the treat and lots of praise when she takes a step up. Really reward her when she makes it all the way up the stairs. It may be that her misstep on the stairs frightened her a bit. If you try this a few times and she is still having hesitation, you may want to have her veterinarian take a look at her just to make sure she has not sustained any injury.

    I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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