Helping Your Dog Overcome a Fear of Stairs

If your dog is afraid to go up or down the stairs, it’s important to approach the situation with patience and a solid training plan. At K9 Kamp, we’ve worked with many dogs who are hesitant, and we’ve found that the key is gradual exposure and consistent, balanced guidance.

Start with Going Up the Stairs

Most dogs are more afraid of going down the stairs than up. So, the first step in your training is to get your dog comfortable going up the stairs. If your dog isn’t confident, you may want to start by avoiding the stairs altogether, like going out the front door or using another exit, and practice going up a few steps from there. Each time your dog successfully goes up, reward them with treats, praise, and a calm, encouraging tone. This helps them associate the stairs with positive experiences.

Introduce Going Down with Leash Control

Once your dog is comfortable going up the stairs, helping them overcome their fear of going down is the next step. Start by putting a leash on your dog and walking them up a few steps. Stop before reaching the top, and gently guide them back down using the leash. Apply gentle pressure if needed to help guide them, but never force the dog. Keep these sessions short and rewarding, repeatedly repeating the process to build confidence.

Gradual Progress

As your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually increase the number of steps it takes up and down, always rewarding it for its progress. With time and consistency, your dog will begin to feel more confident and comfortable navigating stairs, whether going up or down.

At K9 Kamp, we understand that some dogs may take a little longer to get over their fear, but with a thoughtful approach and plenty of practice, most dogs can successfully overcome their anxiety.