You Can Lead a Dog...

[stoutfellow]

The doggy steps arrived today. They were surprisingly easy to assemble, seem quite sturdy, and actually don't look that bad either. They're rated to hold up to 70 lbs, which is plenty for my dogs.

Neither dog wants anything to do with them.

They do come with instructions on how to get dogs to use the steps, involving putting treats on the steps. However, Murphy and Ben are both tall enough to pick treats off the top step from the side. Also, coaxing with treats seems less likely to work in a two-dog household.

This is going to require some thought.

Comments

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

ROFL I wish I had an idea, but I'm sitting here instead trying to keep from snorfling out loud at your dilemma while sitting at the reference desk.

Here's hoping you figure out something that works soon...

[oilhistorian.livejournal.com]

How about putting treats where the steps lead (not on the steps themselves, but just beyond them)? Or are they that good at counter cruising that they wouldn't need the steps even then?

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Here's the problem. All of the places where the doggy steps might be useful are places they can get to; the steps would only make it easier. With Murphy's arthritis, in particular, there are a couple of hops that are difficult, but still possible, for him. I'd just like to get him in the habit of using the steps before it gets to be impossible for him to make the jump.

I guess my point is that it's unlikely that clever placement of treats will do the trick. Maybe dragging a fetch-toy up the steps will work...