If you suspect your dog is in pain or has medical reason to fear stairs, you may want to talk with the vet before you begin retraining.
You may want to time the training sessions to fall right before a walk or play session outside. This way, your dog will look forward to training because he knows he’ll get to run around afterwards.
Forcing your dog to use the stairs could make him aggressive out of fear. He may bite, bark, or snap to show you that he’s afraid of the stairs.
To make the sling, simply fold a towel length-wise and slide it under your dog’s belly. Hold the two towel ends together at the top. This will gently support your dog to help him up and down the stairs. [4] X Research source Another option is to take a sturdy, reusable shopping bag and cut it down the sides so that it lays flat, with a handle on each end. Slip this under your dog’s belly and hold onto the handles to support him. [5] X Research source Practice using the sling on non-slippery steps and a small staircase.
If using books, make sure the cover is not slippery and they are stable. Or, wrap the books in towels to give your dog some traction.
For example, say, “Go on boy. Get it. " When he does jump up, you could reward him and say, “Brave dog!”
If your dog is hesitant to go back down, you might want to make the drop from the step to the ground shallower. For example, set several books on the ground and place the treat on top of them.
Try to make the stairs fun for your dog. Treat training like a game and your dog will be more likely to try climbing them.
