STAIRS.

[Margaret & Pebbles]

I live in a one story house, no basement, no stairs.  Pebbles is 3 1/2 years old and has never climbed one stair.  At the end of the month we are going to visit my nephew who has a two story home.  Will Pebbles have a problem climbing the stairs?  I thought if I go to the top of them and call her she will go up them.  Do they figure out stair climbing on their own?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have the same situation, no stairs, and Jackdoodle figured it out the very first time we visited a friend whose home does have stairs. He ran right up, no problem. That was when he was about 2 years old.

However, I didn't have him for the first 14 months of his life, so it's possible he had experience with stairs before I got him. 

 

[Margaret & Pebbles]

I'm hoping Pebbles will figure it out, otherwise I might be sleeping on the couch!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sure you will be able to get her to follow you, especially if you hold a treat in your hand as you go up.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We are in the same position.  Lucy took right too stairs with no problem.  Sophie on the other had was a different story.  She didn't have a lot of problems going up, it was coming down that was the problem.  DH has carried her down many a stairway.  She is 4 now and has probably just in the last year become dependable on stairs.  Some of her biggest issues were is the stairs were open (like many outdoor stairways) or if they were steep and narrow.  We rented a condo in FL in January and as a last minute note the owner said "OH, BTW, you can't use the elevators with the dogs".  Like that was no big deal.  We were on the third floor and just held our breath that Sophie was going to go up and down.  She did, but they weren't real steep and were solid concrete.  Good Luck.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I can't imagine why she physically couldn't do it. My 8 week old puppy started the day he came home. Maybe it will take a little coaxing because it's new, but any healthy fit dog should be able to transverse stairs is what I'm thinking. They jump o. Beds, into cars, fly though the air running after birds...stairs don't seem too much of a stretch. Now whether or not she WANTS to is another thing....good luck.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I was just going to suggest the same thing. There must be stairs somewhere. Think of parks or stores. I know Lowe's and Home Depots don't have stairs. Do you have Bass Pro Shop in your area? They allow dogs and they do have a staircase in there. In any case, I don't think Pebbles will have a problem at your friend's house.

[Margaret & Pebbles]

Thanks everyone, I'll just hope she won't be afraid.  I do have a friend that lives in a tri level, maybe 5 or 6 stairs for each level.  I can take her there and see how she does.  I have two meniscus tears in my knee, so I know I will be taking the stairs very slow!!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

That's a good idea. I would just take here there and see what happens. Pebbles will be fine, I bet. Just be careful so that she does not knock you down. Monty is like a white lightning on stairs, especially if somebody rings the doorbell. Whew!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

My thoughts too on going to a park or outdoor area with stairs and give it a try! I think Pebbles will be leaping up and down them in no time! Have a wonderful trip, lucky Pebbles to be able to go away with you!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

When we got Rooney the breeder nor I - both living in FL, did not have stairs.  On our 1st visit to Michigan - at my dd house - there was a short flight of stairs.  Rooney sat at the bottom - with the question in his eyes "what the doodle is this".  We placed a treat on each step and guess what - he figured the stairs out real quick.  Same thing going down - took once and all was fine.  Take your time, use treats - Pebbles will figure it out!!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

This just boggles my mind. No stairs anywhere even on walks. I wish sometimes I didn't have stairs but I can't imagine my dogs never encountering them. I have gone out of my way at times to find an elevator we can take since I think it's important for them to get used to all sorts of things.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

F - it is so true and very strange in Florida.  No stairs.  Being from Michigan and having a basement and an attic, I couldn't get over it, but those don't exist here.  Very few homes are two story.  Funny huh?  On walks, bike rides - not hills - none.  Flat, flat, flat.  Come visit me this winter - there is no snow or ice!!!!  :0)