At the same time, we had to teach her to go up and down the ladder to the inside of the boat. This is not merely stairs, it is a ladder. We go down it just like any other ladder, facing the steps. Therefore, this was not an easy task to teach a dog.
However, it was amazing when Abby finally caught on. We figured if she doesn't break anything then she will only get stronger making it easier as she ages.
You would think climbing up would be easier than going down the steps. Nope. She climbs down the first 2 or 3 steps then jumps the rest of the way. However, going up is tougher since it is so steep. Not many dogs can climb a ladder.
Abby got it though! With a bit of coaxing and treats, she figured how to maneuver these steps. She hooks her front paws over the step, like grasping if she had thumbs, then lifts her back legs up. And she's fast too! If I don't hurry up, Abby's all jammed up behind me trying to get up. Same with going down. I forget sometimes and don't let her down first. Then she's pushing me to get down.
Well, I do hope she can manage this for years to come. If she has trouble as she ages we can use the steps leading to the state room. We put them away since they take up too much room, but they are perfect for the older dog, or the aging human too!
