If your dog won’t go down basement stairs, there’s every possibility it is scared of the stairs or rather the basement. It might want to go down the stairs, but not sure of what to do. When your dog stays at the top of the stairs and whines, the dog is likely going through anxiety.
Why Won’t My Dog Go Down The Stairs Anymore?
We humans see stairs as a few steps that connect two floors, but to dogs, they are seen as a challenge that might be intimidating, particularly for baby dogs who have never walked the stairs before. If your dog is anxious about stairs, you will see it having issues going all the way down the steps. He feels motivated to climb or ascend the stairs, and in another moment, he does not.
Dogs are always afraid of what they don’t know. If your dog doesn’t go down the stairs, it may be that the dog is bought from a breeder that didn’t introduce him to stairs, or the dog lived in a bungalow; taking them to a new environment can be challenging.
The Perception of Dogs
Dogs see stairs from the upper floor as a big steep and from the lower floor as an obstacle. They find it hard to use their feet in climbing up & down the stairs. Helping them get over this doubt will aid in boosting the dog’s self-esteem.
Factors Responsible
For your dog not wanting to go downstairs anymore, it could be for several reasons. It could be that it has slipped and hit its leg on something or heard a frightening noise when climbing the stairs and has always link that event to the stairs. Vision issues could be another reason for the unusual fear of stairs.
Why Don’t Dogs Like Basements?
Dogs don’t like basements because the stairs might cause them some discomfort. They find it challenging to go down as they view depth differently than we humans.
How Do I Get My Dog To Stay Down The Stairs?
By making your dog stay downstairs, you will have some privacy. Follow the tips below if you want your dog to stay downstairs:
- Employ obedience commands and treats to let him stay downstairs.
- Provide everything your dog needs so that coming upstairs will no longer be an option.
- You can also place toys. If the dog is surrounded by the things he likes doing, the dog will be willing to stay there.
Why Is My Dog Hiding In The Basement?
When a dog is hiding in the basement, it could be due to fear or pain. Something could have happened that caused the dog to become fearful. Or he may be sensitive to noise and light. If your dog is staying away from bright light and big noises, he likely has Uveitis. If that is the case, your dog needs to be examined by a veterinarian to know if something is disturbing him physically.
How Do I Teach My Blind Dog To Go Downstairs?
If your dog is having a sight problem and can’t go down the basement stairs, that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to do the normal daily activities he ought to do. Fortunately, teaching a blind dog how to go down the stairs is not difficult. With care and patience, you will help him understand how to climb through the stairs without issues. However, there are different techniques to try if you want your blind dog to go up and down the stairs within a few weeks.
- Get some treats to incentivize your dog.
- Make sure you have the stairs to yourself.
- You need to be proactive and patience.
- Take things slowly because blind dogs are afraid of plunging the stairs they cannot see.
- Now head to the foot of the staircase and get to work.
Can You Keep A Dog In The Basement?
Yes. You can keep a dog in the basement, but you need to consider your pets’ wellness and security before doing that. However, the basement must be clean with enough ventilation. If you have dogs that fight when left alone, please divide the room into quarters.
How To Teach A Dog To Go Downstairs?
Getting your dog to go downstairs is easy. It requires frequent training and employing a mixture of positive & negative encouragement to get the desired result. The tips below may help to train the dogs.
- Don’t Force the dog
Don’t force your dog if he’s not reluctant to plummet stairs. If you force your dog, he will get more frightened. This won’t help your objective of showing the dog how to go downstairs.
- Prevent any Injury
Put the dog against the wall to prevent him from jumping off one side. This keeps your dog safe during the instructing stage.
- Going down
Please start from the bottom step and lure him off. Once he’s done, move to the 2nd step. Try to get the dog to relax and eat on the stairs. Keep moving slowly until he’s mastered the staircase. It might take some days if your staircase is large or if the dog is very young or scared.
- Going up
Your dog also needs to conquer these in small steps. Put the dog on the 2nd to the top step and lure him up to the top. Start with 3rd step to the top once he’s comfortable. Keep building until he’s mastered the whole staircase.
Why Do Dogs Suddenly Get Afraid Of Going Downstairs?
If your dog usually goes to and fro down the stairs but all of a sudden becomes afraid, it could be due to several things, which include:
- The dog is in pain. This usually happens to grown-up dogs that might begin developing joint issues like arthritis.
- The dog has a traumatic encounter with the stairs. For instance, the dog may have slipped or tumbled down the stairs.
- The dog has long nails that may make it challenging for him to get a proper grip on stair surfaces.
In Summary
Keep in mind that patience is key if your dog won’t go down basement stairs. Don’t try to rush your dog. Take your time and set him up for success.