[orange c]

We adopted our 3 legged dog from a rescue group & she has never been around stairs. We are building a 2 story home and we are concerned about her.

[focusonme0820]

A three legged dog will learn to use the stairs just like any four legged dog. If she wishes to go up and down them she will do so. I know a three legged dog that can jump into the bed of a F-250 with the tailgate up so step should be no problem.

[rsc]

I have a 3 legged cat, and had this same problem. I let him figure it out on his own. He was fairly weak when I first got him, all he had done was sit in a kennel. The longer I had him the stronger and better at getting around he got. He can now run up and down stairs just as good as any 4 legged cat. Your dog will be fine with the stairs, she just needs time to adjust and get some muscle.Encourage your dog to get as much exersize as possible, if he becomes overweight she will have a really hard time getting around. Also the more exersize she gets the better her balance and coordination will get. Make her play a lot, take her on lots of walks, any activity will help her. Just treat her like a normal dog, try not to get annoyed at the 10 millionth person to say 'you should have named her tri-pod...hahaha' (seriously, i hear this every time someone hears about or sees my cat)

[findemhomes]

Depending upon how old the dog is and how large or small you may just want to carry him. Or if you are in still the building stages, consider that into the design of your stairs. Really steep or hardwood or laminate covered stairs are hard for even four legged dogs to get up and down sometimes. He will want to be wherever the family is and if you are all upstairs he'll be very sad if he's left downstairs alone! Also depends upon which part of his body has one leg, front or back. If he is missing one leg on the front, then his neck, shoulders and torso bear most of his weight. This will make it difficult when he goes down stairs, as he's having to balance his weight on one leg while manuvering steps of two different levels. Reversely, it makes it a little easy for him to get up stairs if the missing limb is a front one, as his two back legs will push him upward on the stairs. also depends upon how long the dog has been without the limb - if it's only been a few months he's still learning how to adapt. some 3-legged dogs can do a little wiggly crawl up and down stairs very quickly but should only do that on carpeted stairs as constantly wiggling up and down stairs can bruise them.Patience with him is the main thing. Please stay by him while he walks up and down stairs encouraging him with treats and praise for the first month after you move into the house. You could start working with him now by taking him to parks, outdoor areas, friend's home with stairs to get him acclamated. Good luck, and kudos for adopting from a rescue group!