Corgis + Stairs = ?

[Sam and Sarah]

Hi,

I have a 4 month old Cardigan Welsh Corgi who has become increasingly brave and is starting to climb the stairs; however, her breeder insisted that she can't start using stairs until she's a year old. Does anyone know why that is? What happens if my Cardi gets into the habit of climbing stairs?

I usually have them gated, but she has gotten gutsy and whenever the gate isn't there, she'll try to take the stairs. (She only does it going up; she's too afraid to go back down.) She seems to enjoy it and isn't in pain, but I want to follow my breeder's advice... and if it'll hurt her, I don't want her doing it. Any advice?

Thanks,
Sam

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

While I am aware of Corgis, I've never owned one so I'm not sure about this. I think going up should be just fine, but if you wish to be absolutely certain, consult your Vet. I am quite sure that would be a question happily answered over the telephone.

Just from a Behaviour stand point, if you don't allow the dog to learn about the stairs before a year of age, they will become a very frightful obstacle. I'm sure the Breeder is concerned about back issues on their growing bodies, but we all know that going down is much harder on the body than going up, for dogs especially.

You sound like a very caring owner, so I would suggest you follow your own instincts. Perhaps read some articles, or even purchase a book (I'm old fashioned that way) on Cardigan Welsh Corgis and see what the experts say. A lot of Breeders have their own little peccadilloes.

Our Behaviour Section might be of interest to you, as well as our Health Section as many different topics are addressed in both. You might even wish to start a thread in either of those places as it will more likely be seen there.

Good luck to you!