[NAGDU] escalators..

[Al Elia]

I have heard that some training programs advise not to use escalators. I 
have always had dogs trained to go on escalators, which they do with no 
problem. To safely navigate an escalator:

1. Step on in the same manner you would when stepping onto a stairway. 
Praise your dog while doing this.
2. stand with one foot on the step above or below your other foot so you 
can tell when the escalator is reaching the end by the change in height 
between your feet.
3. keep your dog on short leash or on handle with your hand near the 
back of your butt such that your dog’s front paws are on the same step 
as your rearmost foot (leash) or your foremost foot (handle). This 
largely depends on your and your dogs comfort and how you and your dog 
typically navigate stairs.
4. Praise your dog while on the escalator. This will prime them to get 
off and also make them happy to be on/use escalators.
5. As soon as you feel the step height decreasing between your feet, say 
“hup” or “forward” or whatever command you use to tell your dog 
to move from a standstill or at a curb or what have you. Start walking 
as you say hup/forward/etc in case your dog is used to waiting for you 
to move before stepping on/off stairs.
5. Praise your dog as you and they stepp off the escalator.

My dog absolutely loves escalators – at the age of 12 he still does a 
full-body wag while we’re on them.

I hope this was helpful.

/Æ


On 13 Jan 2024, at 1:09, Madison Martin wrote:

> Hi all,
> I was in a store a couple of weeks ago where the only way to get to 
> the second
> level was via an escalator so I got to wondering how do you work a dog 
> on one or
> is it better to avoid them whenever possible because of the risk of 
> injury to
> the dog? Just curious that's all; look forward to reading any insight 
> that
> anyone can provide me!
> Madison