I live in a second story apt. building with my pup and I was wondering at what age is it safe for a puppy to use the stairs? My pup is about 4 months old (lab/collie/chow ? mix ~20lbs) -I have always carried her down the single flight of stairs but recently she is wanting to go her self and she is getting a bit heavier. I know that walking up/down stairs can damage the puppy's muscles or growth, but what age do you think is OK for her to do so by herself without damaging anything????
Thanks:)
2007-11-26 07:18:49 · 10 answers · asked by Here and There 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
i would say, if you can carry her for a couple more month, you should do it. You only need to carry her down the stairs, she can walk up by herself. The reason why you want to carry her, is because she will be a medium sized dog, and it important for them to develop their joints correctly. walking down stairs puts a lot of pressure on her legs and back.
2007-11-26 07:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by dobiz_rule 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
She has some fairly large breeds in her, so I would carry her until she is at least 6 months (preferably longer, and ideally more or less until she's 1 year old, but she might get too heavy for you.).
It won't harm her to take a flight of stairs on her own once in a while - and it's a good idea to let her do it occasionally, so that she learns to walk up and down stairs.
2007-11-26 07:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by Voelven 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dog was 5 months old when I got him and he walked up and down the stairs just fine from day one. He went through a short stage where he absolutely refused to walk down the stairs (had no problem with going up) when he was about 8 months, but he's just fine now!
He also understands the commands "downstairs," and "upstairs." This way I don't trip over him while walking on the stairs.
2007-11-26 07:41:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
She should be old enough to manage the stairs herself now. If it was a small breed dog like my chihuahuas I would say wait until it is ready to climb them. I have a couple of adult chis that can climb up and down the stairs but they usually won't, they would rather be carried. I have some that are climbing by about 6 months.
2007-11-26 07:26:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It really depends. If she is just attempting to climb without thinking or your watching eye, then it not safe... but if shes a pretty smart dog and understands what shes doing(so to speak) then its fine. One.... step... at...a... time. Thats all! Eventuallly she'll be ...well, a pro! At 4 moths of age she should def be able to climb the stairs by herself, most of her muscle mass is already formed and healthy and shes ready to start that ever so long climb up "mt everest"... hey, it seems that big to her!
If she wants to try climbing up while you watch her and you see something wrong, then you know shes not ready, if she makes it up fine though, let her climb from now on...!
Good luck! ... and happy climbing!
2007-11-26 07:42:17 · answer #5 · answered by SingDanceMusic𝄞𝄐𝄇♮𝄢♬ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They will start when they are ready, you might want to help them when they first start trying, but my puppy learned it's self, they learned to go up around 5 1/2 months old and down at 6 or so. hope i helped. =]
2007-11-26 07:57:11 · answer #6 · answered by Court 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Racing up and down the stairs may cause problems but walking on them will be fine. You should start teaching her proper stair manners now anyway. She needs to learn not to shove past you or get under your feet for her safety and yours. Start her on leash so she realizes how to go up and down them properly and doesn't race up and down them.
2007-11-26 07:24:48 · answer #7 · answered by Erica Lynn 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
My dogs have always started steps at 8 weeks old.
None of mine have had any growth or muscle problems.
My vet even said get tehm started young.
2007-11-26 07:42:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take her up and down on the leash so you can control her speed at first. But if she wants to do it let me. Stairs can be fun.
2007-11-26 07:24:58 · answer #9 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i would start her now. the sooner the better. otherwise she'll get used to you carrying her and get scared if you try later. going up is easier than going down. down is scary. use a leash when you do it so that way the dog knows your in control and won't let anything happen. shes curious and brave, let her do her thing. she'll be fine
2007-11-26 07:22:34 · answer #10 · answered by *<3_Gizmo* 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋