Puppies and Stairs: When, How to Train, Risks

Puppies should climb stairs as little as possible in their first months of life. Their growth plates (the areas at the ends of the long bones where bone growth takes place) are sensitive and can be damaged by repeated strain. Small breeds can begin supervised stair climbing from 6 to 8 months, large breeds only from around 12 months. You don't have to avoid it entirely: controlled, slow practice in small sessions is better than carrying your dog until adulthood and then having to deal with the problem of stair anxiety.

When can puppies start climbing stairs?

These figures are guidelines. Your vet can use X-rays to assess how far your puppy's growth plates have closed and give you an individual recommendation.

In the first few months, the rule is: carry the puppy up the stairs or block access to the stairs with a baby gate. Still, you shouldn't keep it away from stairs completely. Dogs that never saw stairs as puppies often develop a fear of them later.

Why is climbing stairs risky?

When climbing stairs, several times the body weight acts on the joints. Going down puts even more strain on the body than going up, because the weight lands on the front legs. In a puppy whose growth plates are still open, repeated heavy strain can lead to misalignments or joint problems. If your dog is limping, you should react right away.

Occasional, controlled stair climbing (3 to 5 steps, slow, under supervision) is no problem. It becomes problematic with uncontrolled running and jumping on the stairs, with several floors multiple times a day, or with slippery stairs where the puppy can slip and get hurt.

Training step by step

Step 1: Preparation. Place non-slip mats or carpet on the steps. Choose a calm moment with no distractions. Have treats ready. With clicker training, you can mark every bit of progress precisely.

Step 2: Let it explore. Bring your puppy to the stairs and let it sniff and explore. No pressure. Reward every approach to the stairs with a treat and praise.

Step 3: First step. Place a treat on the first step. When it puts its front paws on it: reward. Don't move on right away. Repeat this step several times until it is relaxed.

Step 4: Build up step by step. Once the first step works reliably: treat on the second step. Respect the puppy's pace. Never more than 3 to 5 new steps per session.

Step 5: Practice going down. This is the harder part. Stand below your puppy and lure it down one step with a treat. Slowly, one step at a time. Offer support (hand on the chest) if it seems unsure.

Keep the sessions short (5 minutes maximum). Better 3 short sessions per week than one long one.

Which dogs have trouble with stairs?

Short-backed breeds (Dachshund, Basset Hound): Prone to slipped discs. Stairs only under supervision and in moderation. For dogs with back problems: a ramp as an alternative.

Short-nosed breeds (Pug, Bulldog): Shortness of breath when exerting themselves. Slowly and with breaks.

Large and heavy breeds (Great Dane, St. Bernard): High weight = more joint strain. Especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Only after the vet gives the go-ahead.

Older dogs with arthritis or muscle loss: A ramp or stairlift as an alternative. Non-slip surfaces are a must.

Overweight dogs: More weight = more joint strain. Reduce the weight first.

Safety on the stairs

• Non-slip mats or carpet on the steps
• A baby gate to prevent uncontrolled access
• Good lighting
• Never leave the puppy alone on the stairs
• Don't tolerate running or jumping on the stairs

The exercises in this article are an excerpt from the Hundeo course "Puppy Training." With Hundeo Pro, you'll find all the lessons as video guides with a step-by-step structure, plus training tracking and, when problems come up, personal help from real trainers.