My new foster dog can't figure out how to use the stairs?!

PaulaMackie

We are fostering a lovely little greyhound girl.
With some coaxing she can get up the stairs but getting back down, not a chance! We have to carry her back down..

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

fawkese1

does she need to go up the stairs for anything right now? or can you take your time getting her used to them? it would be best if you could take your time getting her used to them... i would only allow her up a couple of stairs at first, maybe block them with a baby gate, then let her go up them, and reward her going back down them on her own, keep repeating this, when she get good at say 2, then move the gate up to 3 and so forth...

Darkpaladin

Has she bonded with you and anyone else in the family? If there's 2 of you, why don't you try 1 standing in one end of the stairs and 1 in the other with some treats and try calling her. It might take some time but it might work. I helped a friend with his dog in a same situation and it worked. Of course it took us 2 hours to master it and for his Lab to catch on but all went well.

PaulaMackie

It's all fine! She has officially conquered the stairs! She runs down them as fast as she can then once shes down them she starts wagging her tail and getting excited as if you say iv done it!! Its so cute

Darkpaladin

good job. Nicely done.

fawkese1

sweet

dogsrock

Sometimes it just take a bit of patients.