Scared of the front step?

My foster dog, Tina, is terrified of walking on the front step! I'm trying to teach her it's OK to walk up on the front step. She'll lay right against it, but will not walk up it. She also doesn't like coming inside, it's scary.

She's 3 years old & been a farm dog all her life. She's basically kenneled outside here or on the 50' tie out. But, she's been for 2 walks every day since I've had her. She loves her walks. And I sit with her outside a lot. She's just so uncomfortable inside that I'm taking things slow.

Ideas on showing her the front step is safe? How about showing her that walking inside buildings is OK?

Just FYI-I've tried luring her with treats, that's a no go. She also doesn't play with toys.

Is the step solid and completely stable on the ground? If not it might spook her.

Other then that don't make a big deal over it, if you show her that she can resist and get your to listen then she'll keep doing it. Does she completely obey you otherwise? Maybe you need to make sure she knows you're in charge (just adjust your body language) so she'll be more comfortable.

continue with treats, maybe some hot dog. Don't try to lure her with it, just get her as close as she will go and give her some pieces. Walk her off then turn around go back and give her a few more pieces when she gets as far as she will go comfortably. Continue just so she associates the step with yummy treats. Continue slowly and make sure you NEVER try to pull her over the step.

Will she go down the step? If so stop her on it and give her treats, walk her back up and then down onto it and give more treats. Repeat a few times, never walking down past the step just stopping on it and giving treats then going back up. After that goes well go past the step only by one step and see if you can get him back up onto it. If you can give lots of treats repeat and then go down a little further and see if she will go back up.

If she fetches you could try throwing the ball into the house and see if she chases it up the steps.

Just work slowly and it will get better.

I agree with whats already been posted.

Also, when she stops and refuses, don't give her the baby talk ("its ok" etc.) it just reinforces the behavior. Ignore it. Then praise like she pooped gold if she even places one foot on it!!

I would try sitting above the front step and eat something yummy, offering her a piece every now and again. She'll eventually get curious and might come up for a bite!

I would try sitting above the front step and eat something yummy, offering her a piece every now and again. She'll eventually get curious and might come up for a bite!

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Or even better sit up there and dangle it in front of her then pop it into your mouth and *accidentally* drop the next piece on the step beside you. She'll go for it I bet.

She has got to be one of a few dogs on this planet who do not eat people food! I've been working with her, & its getting to be where she trusts me more....so hopefully I can make some progress.