Our little Houdini puppy greeted me in this spot to my surprise in the first few weeks we had him. He was supposed to be gated in the kitchen but as I came down the stairs, he was sitting at the foot of them, waiting. He squeezed his little body through the gate and sat, waiting for his people. He did not try to climb the stairs. Nowadays, there is no kitchen gate to squeeze out of because Teddy sleeps in his little bed in the living room, next to one of us who takes a turn sleeping on the couch so he has company. (Don't judge.) He sleeps peacefully all night in his dog bed and isn't squeezing through gates or searching for his family. However, he has discovered that he can climb the stairs. He's done it a couple of times now- and mind you, it is a big flight of stairs that involve a smaller set, then a landing, then a large staircase that is wooden floors and not conducive to little paws. Slippery. Steep. I cannot believe he's done it. We aren't putting a gate there so I'm trying to figure out ways to keep him from climbing. Enter Hello Kitty. She is a Valentine's decoration that I was putting out last week. Teddy was sniffing her and investigating when she toppled over on top of him. Since then, he's been petrified of her. He runs the other ways when he sees her. His fur stand on end. I was sure that placing her on the steps would keep him far away.
It didn't. My daughter's JoJo robe was on the landing near Hello Kitty and Teddy pushed his fear aside to secure the JoJo robe. Then climbed higher. I found him near my son's room. The only solution seems to be constant supervision of him to make sure he isn't climbing the stairs. All of the sudden, this pup seems more bold, ready to try new experiences. His nervous nelly mom (me) does not like him climbing big staircases. Compromise will have to be reached- maybe with supervision, he can do one climb a day. I guess even dogs enjoy the climb....
7 Comments
1/19/2021 03:40:16 am
Such an endearing story of dear Teddy and his adventures... curiosity is such a driving force! The Hello Kitty incident is too hilarious and sorry, I have to admire Teddy for overcoming (even if it was just the lure of the tantalizing JoJo robe). I for one would never, ever, ever judge the taking turns to keep him sleeping peacefully in his bed. Precious. Good luck with the stairs... you will find your way, climbing together.
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Adrienne Gillespie
1/19/2021 06:20:55 am
It is fascinating to see what scares and intrigues a dog. Teddy seems to be a brave, curious soul.
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1/19/2021 08:28:44 am
Kathleen, I love how your puppy is working through his fears (athough I get that doing so makes life more difficult and worrisome!).
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1/19/2021 12:13:06 pm
You made me smile with this. First, the lengths we go to , to help a little one sleep. And the image of the fearsome Hello Kitty at the top of the stairs- too funny! But of course the puppy will continue to outwit you...
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1/19/2021 03:14:41 pm
Ha! Totally laughed out loud at Hello Kitty. She really is terrifying, towering at the top of the stairs.
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I LOLed when I imagined Teddy face-to-face with that giant Hello Kitty on the stairs. Who ever would've thought at mouthless cat would scare a puppy... until she didn't scare him anymore. Oh my!
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Donnetta Norris
1/26/2021 04:00:58 pm
I remember when our Princey-Poo-Poo learned to climb up and down the stairs. He is allow, because he sleeps in our room (don't judge). We tried the sleep downstairs with him, and it did not work. No one got sleep in those early puppy days. Your pooch is so cute. I hope he brings you as much joy as my Prince brings me.
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
February 2024
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