Oak Valley Designs Carpet Stair Treads — Jess Yoder

Moments in this video

1. 0:01–0:07 Build Positive Association and Familiarity From How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs, Step 2: Positive Association with Stair Base

   This step focuses on creating a positive and comfortable association with the stairs, making them a non-threatening space. Begin by placing high-value treats or favorite toys on the lower steps or near the bottom of the staircase to encourage your dog to approach and investigate without feeling pressured. Engage your dog in short, positive play sessions or feeding times near the stairs to build positive memories. The video beautifully captures a small white dog calmly lying on one of the white stairs, looking around confidently. This scene perfectly illustrates the desired state of comfort and acceptance, suggesting the dog now views the stairs as a safe and even relaxing space, achieved through prior successful positive reinforcement and gradual exposure.

2. 0:01–0:07 Build Positive Association and Familiarity From How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs, Step 7: Fade Treats and Generalize

   This step focuses on creating a positive and comfortable association with the stairs, making them a non-threatening space. Begin by placing high-value treats or favorite toys on the lower steps or near the bottom of the staircase to encourage your dog to approach and investigate without feeling pressured. Engage your dog in short, positive play sessions or feeding times near the stairs to build positive memories. The video beautifully captures a small white dog calmly lying on one of the white stairs, looking around confidently. This scene perfectly illustrates the desired state of comfort and acceptance, suggesting the dog now views the stairs as a safe and even relaxing space, achieved through prior successful positive reinforcement and gradual exposure.

3. 0:07–0:10 Guide and Reinforce Stair Descent From How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs, Step 2: Positive Association with Stair Base

   Once your dog is comfortable being near and on the stairs, begin the process of guiding and reinforcing stair descent. For many dogs, going down stairs can be more intimidating than ascending. Start by placing your dog just one or two steps up and use high-value treats or a favorite toy to lure them down. Hold the treat at their nose level and slowly move it down to the next step, encouraging them to follow. Provide verbal encouragement and praise for every small step taken, or use a clicker to mark the exact moment they complete a step. Gradually increase the number of steps your dog descends. The video shows the small white dog confidently and independently getting up from its resting position and walking down the entire flight of white stairs. This independent and fluid movement demonstrates a complete mastery of stair navigation, which is the ultimate objective of this training phase and a direct result of consistent positive practice and reinforcement.

4. 0:07–0:10 Guide and Reinforce Stair Descent From How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs, Step 4: Step-by-Step Ascent

   Once your dog is comfortable being near and on the stairs, begin the process of guiding and reinforcing stair descent. For many dogs, going down stairs can be more intimidating than ascending. Start by placing your dog just one or two steps up and use high-value treats or a favorite toy to lure them down. Hold the treat at their nose level and slowly move it down to the next step, encouraging them to follow. Provide verbal encouragement and praise for every small step taken, or use a clicker to mark the exact moment they complete a step. Gradually increase the number of steps your dog descends. The video shows the small white dog confidently and independently getting up from its resting position and walking down the entire flight of white stairs. This independent and fluid movement demonstrates a complete mastery of stair navigation, which is the ultimate objective of this training phase and a direct result of consistent positive practice and reinforcement.

5. 0:07–0:10 Guide and Reinforce Stair Descent From How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs, Step 6: Full Stair Navigation Practice

   Once your dog is comfortable being near and on the stairs, begin the process of guiding and reinforcing stair descent. For many dogs, going down stairs can be more intimidating than ascending. Start by placing your dog just one or two steps up and use high-value treats or a favorite toy to lure them down. Hold the treat at their nose level and slowly move it down to the next step, encouraging them to follow. Provide verbal encouragement and praise for every small step taken, or use a clicker to mark the exact moment they complete a step. Gradually increase the number of steps your dog descends. The video shows the small white dog confidently and independently getting up from its resting position and walking down the entire flight of white stairs. This independent and fluid movement demonstrates a complete mastery of stair navigation, which is the ultimate objective of this training phase and a direct result of consistent positive practice and reinforcement.

The guide that use this video

• How to Teach a Puppy to Go Up and Down Stairs