Saint Bernard

　　Because everyone’s living conditions differ, some owners need to climb stairs when taking their pets out for a walk. However, dogs are not naturally inclined to climb stairs, especially since the stairs in our homes are not specially designed for dogs. Therefore, how to train dogs to go up and down stairs is something every owner in a stair-access home should pay attention to. But climbing stairs is not beneficial for dogs, so avoid it as much as possible if it can be minimized.

　　1. Using food to entice dogs upstairs: Food temptation is the most effective method and makes it easy for dogs to go upstairs. When dogs climb up, they can only see the stairs ahead, so they just need to keep going straight up, but going downstairs is not that easy.

　　2. Using food to entice dogs downstairs: For dogs, especially younger ones, food temptation is the most effective. When they are on the high stairs, you entice them from a lower position with something they like to eat. They will stretch their necks out, eager to reach the tasty treat in your hand.

　　3. Don’t pull one of the dog’s legs with one hand: This method will frighten the dog, and pulling only one leg causes the other front leg to assist the body by sitting back, making it hard to pull them down to the next step.

　　4. Use both hands to hold the dog’s two front legs: Pull both front legs downward simultaneously, encouraging the dog to shift its weight to the lower step. Grasp firmly so the dog doesn’t feel too scared. Generally, once the weight is shifted, the hind legs following is not difficult. You can also place some treats on the next lower step to encourage them, helping them learn faster.

　　5. Practice a few times at a lower spot first: Start practicing a few times at a lower place, repeating steps 5 and 6. After several tries, the dog won’t be too scared. Successfully stepping down from a lower place counts as training success. Then start practicing at higher locations, repeating the previous two steps: hold the dog’s front legs with both hands and help them down one step while letting the hind legs follow by themselves.

　　6. After proficiency, dogs can go up and down stairs on their own: The first successful step is very important. If the dog takes the first step down without your help, it will proceed to the second and third steps. When the dog walks down from the highest place by itself, it gains confidence as it reaches lower steps. The lower the height, the less fear the dog feels. Generally, after one successful experience of going downstairs, the dog will be able to go down stairs alone.

　　Because of living environments, dogs need to be trained to go up and down stairs. However, stairs put great pressure on a dog’s back and waist. If the dog already has related health issues, it can cause significant harm. Therefore, if the dog is small-sized, it can be carried up and down stairs directly. For larger dogs, it is best to avoid climbing stairs as much as possible. (Source: PetsZone)