Puppy Care

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably already got yourself a nice set of pet steps; but if you haven’t yet purchased dog stairs, you might want to take a minute to seriously consider the benefits. Every time your dog jumps on and off of objects such as furniture, his joints absorb the impact. Over time, this can lead to the early development of arthritis, not to mention that any time your dog jumps from something, he risks the possibility of a broken bone. Besides, pet stairs are wonderful to use by the bed to keep your dog from pouncing on and off the bed, simultaneously jolting you awake.

Some dogs may not take to using pet stairs straight away. This is not uncommon an uncommon occurrence, especially if the dog is older. All it takes is a little effort on your part to show your dog (in a way that he can understand) that using the stairs is worthwhile to him.

We’ve always had the best results when using our dog’s favourite treat as encouragement to use the stairs. For our bedside pet steps, I would sit on the bed in front of the steps dangling our pup’s favourite biscuit. At first he would try to go around the stairs to jump on the bed. When this happened, I hid the treat behind my back and gave my dog a firm “No!” After a few attempts (and many acts of re-positioning my dog in front of the steps), my dog finally understood that he would receive praise and a treat when he used the stairs. It didn’t take him long to learn to use the stairs on a regular basis.

We’ve also heard of dog owners who have denied their dog access to the bed unless the dog steps were used. This was done by either verbally dismissing the dog from the bed or bodily removing him from the bed onto the floor in front of the steps. This tactic is quite successful, as is high praise. Anytime your dog uses the stairs to get onto the furniture, make a big deal about it. Give him a cheery “good boy!” or any other phrase of praise you commonly use. This not only lets him know that you prefer for him to use the stairs, but also that it pleases you—and that’s what dogs want to do!

For information about getting your dog a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets.