Why is my 10 month old black lab scared to go down the back stairs to go outside?

Question

He'll go down the front porch stairs just fine, but refuses to go out the back door.

I just got him today, he has never been down the stairs.

Answer 1

If you've recently got him, give him a little time to settle in. For now, if he needs to go to the bathroom, try to carry him down the stairs. If that doesn't work, try to find some dog treats that he likes and tempt him down the stairs with them. Don't try to use force (and by that I mean don't break him neck trying to pull him down the stairs). Good luck!

Answer 2

What kind of stairs are they.. are they open like a fire escape? Some dogs that haven't been up and down stairs much are very cautious or just plain reluctant to use them. Takes slow encouragement to teach them to use the stairs.

Answer 3

If there is land where coyotes live behind your house there is probably a reason.

The coyotes marked their territory out back on your fence or,
Your dog doesn't like the weather outside. Or it's just maybe because, he doesn't like the dog next door or there is a cat nearby last, maybe he just doesn't have to go to the bathroom outside he probably prefers to go inside, lol.

Answer 4

Dogs can be fearful of new places. Gentle coaxing should work. Lead him with a treat. If he tries to sit, a light tap on the rear will usually be enough to encourage him to move forward.

The back door may remind him of something unpleasant in his past. Gentler persistance will overcome the fear.

Answer 5

Probably from the time you pushed him down the stairs when he was little.

Answer 6

If they're open-riser stairs, that may be it. Even some people feel insecure on them.

Answer 7

is it slippery or creaky???

mabey that is why he doesn't like it