Corgis are a dog breed that’s becoming more and more popular these days – and with good reason!
Their cute, foxlike faces and compact bodies are so charming, it’s hard for any dog lover to resist carrying and cuddling them anywhere and everywhere – even up and down stairs.
For those who want to give their corgis more mobility, they use corgi stairs to help their pup go up and down furniture or different parts of the house.
Here’s everything you need to know about corgis and stairs, along with some interesting facts that you might appreciate!
Should Corgis Steer Clear of Climbing Stairs?
Can corgis climb stairs? If you’ve ever wondered whether or not corgis can actually climb stairs, the answer is yes – provided they are already a fully matured dog and you have taken the time to teach them how to do it safely.
Corgis are generally able to climb stairs, but their diminutive size and short, stubby legs present body problems that might hound them later in life if they are made to move in ways that can increase their risk for injury.
Climbing up and down stairs repeatedly can put strain on their bodies and exacerbate issues related to joint problems or even spinal injuries.
Even if you’ve taught your corgi how to climb stairs and you can see them doing it with confidence, it is still important to keep an observant eye on them for any signs of discomfort or pain.
When you see them having just the teeniest bit of hard time climbing, you will need to intervene by keeping them from doing it altogether.
When Are Stairs a Concern for Corgis?
Are stairs bad for corgis? While a corgi does have the ability to climb stairs, there are certain conditions wherein it’s best to have them avoid it. Some of these include:
1. Lack of proper training
Just because your corgi can climb stairs doesn’t mean they are doing it safely. So if your corgi is not correctly trained to do it in a way that will avoid health issues, then it’s best to avoid stairs to prevent future discomfort and pain.
2. Overweight corgis
Corgis that are overweight or have existing health conditions may also be more prone to injury from climbing stairs.
It’s important to talk to your vet to determine if your corgi may be at risk for any health issues that can get worse with stair climbing activities.
3. Stairs with steps that are too high
When your stair risers are an uncommon size (higher than the usual 7 ¾ inches, for example), your corgi might end up straining his spine and legs going up and down because of overreaching.
Even if your corgi is properly trained, if your stair steps are too high then it still won’t be good for them.
That being said, if your corgi is comfortable climbing stairs and does so in moderation, it is generally fine for them to continue doing so.
It is important to supervise them and ensure that they are not overexerting themselves or putting too much strain on their joints.
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Up the Stairs or Down the Stairs – Which Is the Lesser of Two Evils?
Because corgis are a breed known for developing spinal problems later in life, going up stairs and down stairs is always a concern for them.
However, between the two, it is going down the stairs that can pose a bigger problem because of the required effort needed to accomplish the task, as well as the strain that goes with the action.
The act of going down the stairs will require more pressure on the corgi’s front leg and spine when they descend, which increases the risk of back problems.
This concern is made worse when your corgi is overweight, has a back that is longer than usual, or is of a mature age.
Make no mistake – going up the stairs is also not something your corgi should be doing many times a day because of the strain involved.
But because the motion of going up the stairs requires the use of hind legs rather than front legs, it is a lot less stressful on their spine.
It is important to monitor your corgi’s movement on the stairs and help them up and down when you think they need it.
What Age Can Corgi Puppies Use Stairs?
Corgi puppies can start using the stairs when they are around 3-4 months of age. However, it’s important to still supervise and assist them as needed to ensure that they are safe.
Remember – their bones and joints are still developing at this age, so it’s important to limit their use of stairs and not allow them to go up or down excessively.
Gradually introducing them to stairs with adult assistance is recommended to ensure they become comfortable and adept at using stairs.
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Tips in Teaching Corgis to Use Stairs
Here are five simple tips for teaching your corgi to become a competent – and safe – user of stairs:
1. Start with the basics
Before you introduce your corgi to stairs, make sure they are comfortable walking on a leash and following basic commands like “come” and “stay.” This will help you keep them safe and under control as you teach them to navigate stairs.
2. Take it slow
When introducing your corgi to stairs, start with a single step and let them get comfortable with it before moving on to the next step. Use lots of positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to encourage them and build their confidence.
3. Keep it positive
If your corgi seems hesitant or scared of the stairs, don’t force them to use them. Instead, stay patient and positive, offering lots of encouragement and rewards for even small steps in the right direction.
4. Use a leash
To keep your corgi safe as they learn to use stairs, use a leash and stay close to them. This will allow you to guide them up and down the stairs and prevent them from falling or getting hurt.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Once your corgi is comfortable using stairs, keep practicing regularly to reinforce their skills and keep them confident. Over time, they’ll become pros at using stairs and you’ll be able to trust them to navigate them safely on their own.
Ramps or Stairs: Which Is Better for My Corgi?
You might be wondering whether it is better to use a ramp or simply go with corgi stairs in your house to help your corgi navigate your home.
Both ramps and stairs have their advantages and disadvantages for corgis, so which is better for your corgi will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
Ramps can be a good option for corgis who have trouble with stairs due to mobility issues or health concerns. Ramps can be a whole lot gentler on their joints and spine, and can also be easier for older or overweight corgis to navigate.
Ramps can also be more accessible for corgis with short legs, making it easier for them to get up and down from furniture or into a car.
Meanwhile, stairs can also be a good option for corgis who are able to navigate them safely. Climbing stairs can provide some much-needed exercise for corgis, which is important for their overall health.
Stairs can also take up less space than ramps and can be more versatile in terms of where they can be used.
In the end, the decision between ramps and stairs will depend on your corgi’s specific needs and circumstances.
You may want to consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to determine which option is best for your corgi.
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Hip Dysplasia – How to Address the Problem
Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is a concern that is common to short legged dogs like Corgis. You might be worried that going up and down stairs will hurt your dog’s hips.
While you can’t totally prevent it, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in corgis when using stairs.
1. Limit their use of stairs
Limit your corgi’s use of stairs as much as possible, especially during their early growth stages. Too much stair use, especially up and down stairs, can put unnecessary stress on their hips and joints.
2. Make sure they’re supervised when using the stairs
When your corgi uses stairs, supervise them closely and assist them as needed to prevent falls or injury. You may want to use a harness or leash to help guide them up and down stairs safely.
3. Consider using a ramp
Consider using ramps instead of stairs when possible, especially for older or mobility-challenged corgis. Ramps are easier on their hips and joints and can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
4. Keep your corgi at a healthy weight
This will reduce stress on their hips and joints. Overweight corgis are more prone to developing hip dysplasia, so make sure to feed them a balanced diet and provide regular exercise.
5. See your vet regularly
Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help catch hip dysplasia early and provide treatment options. They can also provide guidance on how to manage your corgi’s health and wellness to prevent hip dysplasia.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in your corgi and keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
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Conclusion
A flight of stairs in your home shouldn’t be something to fear just because you own a corgi. For as long as you know what to do in terms of guiding them up and down it, your corgi shouldn’t end up with spine or leg problems.
The best thing you can do for your corgi is to make sure that you teach them how to do it, and be ready to help at a moment’s notice. In doing so, your corgi can happily go up and down the stairs with greater independence than before!
Would you prefer a ramp or stairs in your home for your corgi? Share your thoughts about the matter below!
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