Can Puppies Go Up And Down Stairs?
- Anja Boecker
- Updated: 14 March, 2022
This question is on the minds of many puppy owners. There are countless warnings about joint damagewhen dogs are too heavily loaded at a young age. Others think that climbing stairs is harmless . This article will help you make the right decision.
Bone Growth in Puppies
It varies from dog to dog how long the growth phase lasts. Generally, small dog breeds grow faster than larger ones. But even within a breed, the growth can vary.
Normally, all dogs are fully grown after 1 ½ to 2 years. Then the bones and joints are fully loadable for the first time.
Before that, young dogs should not be stressed too much. Bones that are growing are unstable. If they are loaded too much in this phase, it can lead to joint and bone damage later.
Within the first six months, a puppy’s bones grow the most. So it is especially important during this phase to make sure the dog does not exhaust himself.
Effects on the Bones
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to this question. However, there are indications of correlations between stair climbing and later bone damage.
Even experts cannot yet say exactly whether it is actually harmful to puppies.
Therefore, the best option is not to let the puppy walk up and down the stairs alone for the first few months. Then you can be sure no late damage will occur.
Nevertheless, sooner or later, dogs must get used to climbing stairs. If they are carried for a long time, they may later be afraid of walking up stairs.
Some sources state that climbing stairs is bad for certain breeds, like the Dachshund, and advise not to let them do so.
Finding a middle ground
Dogs must learn to use the stairs correctly, step by step. After you pup is a few months, you should start teaching them.
He should never be alone on the stairs so joint or bone damage do not occur. Dogs are instinctively impulsive, so it's quite possible that yours hurts himself by running or jumping. Joint or bone damage on. If it runs or jumps too fast, late damage cannot be ruled out.
So go carefully and slowly with him up and down the stairs!
This middle ground is ideal: your dog gets used to the stairs and his bones are not too stressed.
It is important that your pet learns coordination while walking on stairs. This is how he develops his muscular system.
Nevertheless, exercise periods on stairs should not be too long. Always remember that his bones are still in the growth phase.
In the beginning, only let your puppy practice on non-slip stairs. . He is probably still very clumsy.
If he slips, it will be difficult for him to forget the experience. In the worst case, he will no longer want to climb stairs at all.
In no case should your pet jump on the stairs . This is an instinct for quadrupeds, especially when running downhill.
The last three stairs are often skipped, but this is anything but good for the bones of a young dog.
Always stay close and go up and down the stairs with him.
The older your furry friend is, the more stairs he can climb on his own. This way you can introduce him gradually and at the same time protect his bones and joints.
My Conclusion
Too much stress can cause bone damage in puppies. On the other hand, they need to be accustomed to walking up and down the stairs at an early age.
The ideal solution: After a few months, let your furry friend walk down a few flights of stairs by himself.
Of course, you must ensure that he doesn't overdo it. No jumps, no running too fast.
Over time, he can be allowed to climb more and more stairs. In this way, he’ll get more and more used to this situation.
After a few months, he will no longer be afraid of stairs.Your dog will be able to run carefully up and down.
Your pet's bones will not be damaged in the process if you are careful. It is important that you limit the exercise to a reasonable amount.
My name is Anja Boecker and I am a dog trainer and behavior consultant (IHK certificate). With these articles I would like to help you understand your dog better and build an inseparable bond.
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