stairs

[bronn]

Hi,

Elvis is our first Newf, and I have to say I have not encountered this issue with any of my other dogs. (Berners and Rotts) He has an absolute phobia about stairs...he will not willingly go up or down a strange staircase. When he was smaller, I could muscle him up or down, and once he realized he could do them, that particular staircase was never a problem again. However, everytime he encounters a new staircase, he will pull back, and run away. He's only 11 mos old, but he's already 145 lbs, and I can't muscle hime anymore! Did anyone else ever have this problem with their Newf, or does anyone have any ideas how to get him over this? It's getting to be embarrassing!!!

Thanks in advance
Bronn

 

[NessaM]

My baby (first newf) does the same thing. Nanook is 14, almost 15, weeks old, and he'll do this with indoor staircases although not usually outdoor staircases...

Because of this I've been making a concerted effort to help him with stairs in general - I've found the best way to do it is to have him on a leash, keep some special treats in my pocket (steak or hotdog - something he'll do anything for!) or a toy he loves, and go in front of him. I'll go up or down a few steps on the staircase, sit down, and tell him to follow me keeping my tone happy and excited, and my posture calm/interested. I don't coddle him, but I do not allow him to back up either. You don't have to haul him up the steps, but don't let him back up! If you keep up the positive energy, he'll come to you eventually to get his treat and this time it was HIS IDEA! Sure, you didn't really give him an option, but to his mind, he decided to take those first steps. Then you move up another few steps, and repeat the behavior if necessary.

I've found with Nanook that once he's taken the first few steps he's perfectly fine with continuing to go. I've also found with Nanook that usually he's afraid to go down stairs, but not afraid to go up. Since he's such a baby, I don't blame him - stairs are scary when your legs don't always do what you expect them to! But he needs to be able to do this too, so we can spend as much time together as possible. I work on stairs with him every other day, one trip up and down. I try not to overdo it because it can be so bad for their joints.

Some of the books I've read also suggest doing stadium steps - because they're usually not "whole" stairs (they've got gaps) and they're often metal they can be especially scary for dogs - but sometimes hotels will have outdoor staircases like that, and if you want your furry kid to go with you on vacation, it's a good idea to have him be brave about that sort of thing!

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Does he have a doggy friend who could go on walks with you, where there are lots of steps? If he sees another dog going up and down without a problem, he may be more willing to try it.

Also, have you had his hips, knees, elbows checked out? If he's having any joint issues, the pain could show up as he's putting more weight on those joints (like when he does stairs), and he may think the steps are causing the pain. Hence, the reluctance to do them.

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[Yogi & Cordelia's Erin]

My rescue, Yogi Bear, doesn't like stairs much either. From wha I can tell, it's because his body is so long. His front legs have to be up about three or four steps before his back ones can move.

Definitely rule out any arthirtic or other causes first ...

 

[bronn]

I think his problem may also be that his body is too long....we have 4 other dogs, and he will watch us go up the stairs, walk with his front paws up four or five of them, and stop. He doesn't get the whole "gotta move the back legs too" concept. He's due for his yearly check-up at the vets, but so far there haven't been any ortho problems....I will just continue to litter my steps with very tasty bribes and see how we do...I will let everyone know when he finally goes up those stairs to the second floor!

Thanks,
Bronn

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Sometimes you have to place the back paws on the stairs by hand until they get the idea.

If your pup is 145 lbs at 11 months, he might be overweight which might be making it hard to get up the stairs too. I guess you will find out at the vet check up.

 

[TerriW]

are the steps carpeted-?

 

[migrandl]

Are the stairs open at the back? Many dogs don't like open stairs because they can see through them. My GSD doesn't like open stairs at all, yet Trouble would go up or down any type of stairs - even open steel ones.