Stairs during the first year

Actually, I read a book like this for my first one too.

https://amzn.eu/d/0esqsdSL

Just so I could get an idea of what sort of plan to put in place. In the end, when it came down to the animal itself, I just did things instinctively. Naturally, really.

Once they're 8 months old, you can get a trainer in to get some advice. It’s not a waste of money because it’ll give you some direction when you have doubts or questions.

Hi there,

In my experience with smaller breeds, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—I have two, a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old—the older one taught the younger one everything when it came to training. It was a huge help and really surprised me. Honestly, it was brilliant!

Regarding stairs and walks:

• For the first five months, I carry them on the stairs.

• After that, we take it slowly with shallower steps, then learn to go down just one landing. Going up really shouldn't happen until after 18 months. Mind you, yours is a Golden Retriever. Given his size compared to the steps, I don't think it should be an issue. But you’re right, until he’s fully grown, don’t let him go up on his own. He’ll need a bit of help.

I can confirm that toilet breaks run like clockwork. Once a dog has had a drink, they’ll need a wee two hours later. When I adopt, I make sure to spend the first month with them non-stop. I take annual leave just to make sure I’m there to support them properly.

If you don’t have much holiday time, try to pop home at lunchtime to look after him. I’ve taught my dogs to manage without me, as life means I sometimes have to be away. It’s not a bad way to train them; it always comes in handy.

When it comes to walks, I think that at the start, you should keep them short and always stick to the same route while the dog gets settled. I find that changing things too much confuses them.

My training method involves keeping a notebook where I log our days: exactly what they ate and when, walk times, any incidents, activities, etc. It helps me get to the bottom of problems when they crop up (whether medical or behavioural).

I’m not trying to lecture you or tell you exactly what to do, just sharing my thoughts. At the end of the day, everyone does what works for them. 😀

To answer your specific questions:

• Using the stairs once every three walks?

=> As I said above, you have to build it up gradually depending on the dog. Just like with a child, you have to encourage them and see how it goes. In my opinion, walks should always be supervised.

• Going up slowly but avoiding coming down?

=> Personally, I’d say it’s actually the other way around because of the hips... but the vet is the best person to answer those sorts of questions.

• Starting gradually from 6-8 months, for example by only making him do part of the staircase?

=> Yes. I don’t like sticking to rigid dates. Again, you adapt to the animal when they’re ready. My second Cavalier was very scared of going to the toilet outside because he was so stressed by the environment...

(....) Adopting a dog involves sacrifices = Yes. And it requires a lot of time and patience. You and I don't speak "dog," and the dog doesn't speak human. Understanding each other takes time.

(...) Having to carry him for a few months, even when he already weighs 30kg (around 4 stone 10lbs): You said it yourself. = You’re on the 4th floor with no lift. Why fixate on a Golden Retriever? They’re big dogs as it is. Choosing a breed should be guided by the animal’s total comfort in daily life (being able to stay in hotels when needed, going to restaurants, putting them in a trolley to go into a shopping centre, travelling with them, getting onto a sofa...). In my case, I analysed all these factors alongside my own needs to try and decide on the right breed.

(....) My only worry is more about my partner's physical ability to manage this daily for such a long time.... = In what sense?

If you have any other questions, I’m happy to try and help.

Hi there,

The issue of stairs for large breed puppies is indeed a debated topic, and there is still no consensus within the scientific community. However, the following is generally recommended:

• Under 3 months: no stairs at all;

• Between 3 and 6 months: avoid steps or just 2-3 steps, and if possible, avoid going downstairs (if you can manage a ramp, that would be perfect);

• Between 6 and 12 months: only if the puppy shows no signs of limping;

• After 1 year: no problem at all.

Of course, these are just recommendations and there is no guarantee that using stairs will definitely lead to arthritis. Just as smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, stairs for large breed puppies are a risk factor for arthritis later in life; this means the risk is increased without it being a certainty. Nevertheless, as a precaution, wait until they are six months old if you can, and after that they can use the stairs without any worries.

I hope this helps shed some light on the matter for you!

Best regards,

Inès