Teaching your dog to use stairs is essential for their well-being and safety, especially when they want to reach their favourite spots, like a bed or the couch or wherever upstairs. Whether your dog is young or old, learning ways to teach your dog to use steps is a great way to keep them out of danger.

With some easy steps, you can help your canine companion climb those stairs with confidence. Let’s look at how to teach a dog to use steps for a bed and ways to make this learning fun and easy for both of you!

Let’s get started!

Why Use Stairs for Dogs?

Here’s a list of reasons explaining why your dog needs stairs:

• Stairs can protect your dog from potential injuries from repeated jumping, especially for breeds prone to joint issues.
• After surgery, dogs need to avoid jumping. Stairs can help them access furniture safely while they heal.
• If your dog is overweight, stairs can make it easier to get on and off furniture without the risk of injury from jumping.
• For pets that feel anxious about heights or are just waking up from sleep, stairs give them a safer way to get down without the fear of falling.
• Tiny dogs can benefit from using stairs to reach higher surfaces safely, which reduces the risk of injury from jumping or being lifted.
• If your dog is ageing and has joint pain, stairs can help them move up and down without extra strain.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Your Dog to Use Stairs

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to teach a dog to use stairs:

Get Ready with the Essentials

Before you start, gather few supplies:

• Pet stairs: Make sure you use sturdy and pet-safe stairs.
• Dog treats: Get your dog's favourite treats to keep them excited.
• Cushions or pillows: Place cushions around the stairs in case they fall while training.

Choose the Perfect Spot for the Stairs

Pick a suitable spot for the stairs, like next to a couch or bed where your dog loves to hang out as they are more likely to try them around their most-liked places. At first, put cushions on the sides to keep them safe, and you can take the cushions away later as your dog gets used to the stairs.

Tempt them with Treats

Begin by placing some dog treats on the stairs. Allow your dog to see and smell the treats to induce them to climb. This will help them feel more at ease with the stairs.

Encourage Their Climbing Attempts

When your dog is sniffing around and appears curious, praise them if they place a paw on the first step. If they hesitate, hold a treat close to their nose and guide it toward the first step. If they follow the treat, that’s awesome! Offer them praise and treats for the efforts they make, even if they just touch the first step.

Reward Your Dog More When They Reach the Top

When your dog reaches the top of the stairs, reward them with a special treat and plenty of praise. Spend some time cuddling and playing with them up there. This will help them understand that using the stairs is a positive experience that can lead to fun times.

Teach Them to Go Down Safely

Once your dog has mastered going up, it’s time to teach them how to come down. Follow the same steps in reverse. Start with your dog on the couch or bed and place treats on the steps leading them down.  Encourage them to follow the treats, and praise them as they go. It may take a little longer for them to learn how to come down, so be patient and cheer them on.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog to use stairs is a great way to keep them safe and happy. With patience and plenty of treats, you can help them learn this new skill. Soon, they will be able to climb up and come down the stairs with ease, ready to spend time with you!