dogs and Deployable steps

[Cornpop]

Okay we're complete Newbs to this but my dogs will not go up the Deployable steps they have no problem going down they just jump over them what can I do to make them not scared of it

[NYPatriot]

You could try step mats/carpet?

[JFlightRisk]

Dogs have trouble going up steps that they can "see through" the other side of. Blocking off the open back side of the steps will help. I have seen vinyl pieces sold somewhere that can be attached with snaps, I'll see if I can find it again.

[Cornpop]

thank yall I will research!!!

[JFlightRisk]

Ok, I found them here.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...hoCcDQQAvD_BwE

A bit pricey, so my Plan B' would be to Velcro some material on the back sides. We're getting two puppies in a few weeks, so that will probably be another spring project for us.

Putting step rugs on is another good idea. One slip going up, and your pooch may get gun shy.

[Rustynuts]

We got a new pup and she wouldn’t go up or down the steps. When I was working on the coach she was with me and I used training treats and would leave them on the steps where she had to at least go up or down a step to get it. By the second day, she was running up and down them and making off with all my tools.

[norty1]

Ours would go up and down our 3 step unit easily but are still getting used to the 4 step I just added.
I never even considered the open back, just thought it was the different spacing. I will do some experiments to see if I can make it easier for them.

[jetlag]

Just a matter of training them. We live upstairs in a barn and have always had to train the little puppies to use the stairs. I will sit with him/her and gently push them down one step. I would move down one step and repeat. The reverse going up except standing behind them. Never took long to teach. Our 2 toy poodles wondered about the steps on the camper a time or two but quickly realized they were going somewhere, lol. Now they fly up the steps.