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Dog stairs give smaller dogs, senior dogs, and post-surgery dogs independent access to elevated surfaces — the couch, the bed, the car seat — without the joint impact of jumping. If your dog is regularly launching themselves off furniture, stairs for dogs are one of the simplest ways to protect their joints long-term.
Here’s what to look for, which options are available in Australia, and how to get your dog using them.
📋 In This Guide
- Who Actually Needs Dog Stairs? — the dogs that benefit most
- What to Look for When Buying — height, width, surface, material
- Dog Stairs Available in Australia — from budget to premium
- Stairs vs Ramp: Which Is Better? — how to decide
- How to Train Your Dog to Use Stairs — step by step
- FAQs
Who Actually Needs Dog Stairs?
Dog stairs aren’t just for dogs that are already struggling — they’re also a good preventative measure for breeds prone to joint and spinal problems.
📌 Dogs That Benefit Most from Stairs
Small & Toy Breeds
The most common use case. Small dogs jumping off beds and couches experience significant joint impact relative to their body weight. Stairs give them a safer, lower-impact route down — and more independence getting up without needing to be lifted.
Dachshunds & Long-Backed Breeds
Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and other long-bodied breeds are particularly prone to spinal and disc problems (IVDD). Jumping down from elevated surfaces is one of the most common injury triggers. Stairs or a dedicated dachshund ramp are strongly recommended for these breeds even while young and healthy.
Senior Dogs
As dogs age, joints become stiffer and less able to absorb impact. A dog that’s been jumping off the bed their whole life may need stairs as they enter their senior years — particularly if they’re showing signs of arthritis or stiffness after waking.
Post-Surgery or Injured Dogs
Dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery or injury often need to avoid any jumping for weeks or months. Stairs allow them to continue accessing their usual spaces — particularly the bed or couch where they sleep — without putting strain on the recovering area.
What to Look for When Buying Dog Stairs
✅ Buying Guide: Dog Stairs Checklist
Height
- Measure the height of the surface your dog needs to access — bed, couch, or car seat
- The top step should reach the surface height or slightly below
- Unlike ramps, stairs are not adjustable — get the measurement right before buying
- Most dog stairs come in 3-step or 4-step configurations for different height ranges
Width & Step Depth
- Each step needs to be wide and deep enough for your dog to place all four paws comfortably
- Narrow steps force your dog to place paws sideways — uncomfortable and less safe
- For larger small breeds (Cavaliers, Pugs, French Bulldogs), look for wider steps
- Extra-wide options are available for dogs who need more room
Non-Slip Surface
- Non-slip surface on each step is essential — particularly on smooth flooring
- Look for carpet-covered steps, rubber grip surfaces, or removable washable covers
- A dog that slips on the stairs once will often refuse to use them again
- Washable covers are a practical advantage — stairs get dirty quickly with regular use
Stability & Material
- Stairs that wobble will frighten dogs and lead to refusal — test stability before committing
- Foam stairs are lightweight and gentle but may compress over time with heavier small dogs
- Wooden stairs are more durable and stable but heavier and harder to move
- Plastic frame stairs with carpet covering offer a good balance of stability and weight
Dog Stairs Available in Australia
Here are three options across different price points — from a genuine budget buy to a premium wide option.
🏆 Best for Larger Small Breeds
Topmart Extra Wide Pet Stairs
The widest option of the three — well suited to small breeds that need more step room, like Cavaliers, Pugs, or French Bulldogs. Extra-wide steps give dogs more confidence and a more natural stride. Carpeted surface for grip. A premium option if your dog needs the extra width.
From $260.57
MID-RANGE PICK
Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs
A well-reviewed mid-range option with a carpeted non-slip surface and solid frame construction. Suitable for small to medium-small dogs. USA made. A reliable choice if you want something more robust than a foam option without going to the premium price point.
From $93.59
BUDGET PICK
Zinus Pet Stairs
A solid entry-level option for small dogs accessing low-to-medium height surfaces. Lightweight and easy to move between rooms. Good starting point if you’re not sure whether your dog will take to stairs — lower financial commitment while you trial the concept.
From $49.41
💡 Looking for a Budget Option?
Check your local Kmart — they sometimes stock portable pet steps for just $22. Stock varies by store and changes frequently, but it’s worth checking before committing to a more expensive option — particularly if you just want to test whether your dog will use stairs at all.
Stairs vs Ramp: Which Is Better?
Both solve the same problem — reducing jump impact — but they suit different dogs and situations.
📊 Stairs vs Ramp Comparison
| Stairs | Ramp | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small dogs indoors | All sizes, cars, higher surfaces |
| Adjustable height | No — fixed height | Often yes (telescoping) |
| Footprint | Compact | Larger — needs run-up space |
| Dog acceptance | Some dogs prefer steps | Some dogs prefer continuous surface |
| Car use | Not suitable | Yes — designed for this |
If you need something for indoor use with a small dog, stairs are generally the more compact and practical choice. For cars, larger dogs, or higher surfaces, a dog ramp is usually better — particularly a car ramp. For Dachshunds and other long-backed breeds, a dedicated dachshund ramp or stair designed for their specific proportions is worth considering. There are also options designed specifically as a dog ramp for the bed if you prefer a ramp over stairs for indoor use.
How to Train Your Dog to Use Stairs
Most dogs don’t instinctively use stairs — especially if they’ve always jumped. A short training process makes the difference between stairs that get used daily and stairs that sit in the corner untouched.
✅ Step-by-Step Training Guide
Step 1: Introduction
- Place the stairs next to the surface your dog usually jumps on or off
- Let your dog sniff and investigate the stairs at their own pace — don’t rush it
- Place a treat on each step and let them discover it without any pressure
- Keep the first session to a few minutes — end on a positive note
Step 2: Luring Up
- Use a high-value treat to lure your dog up one step at a time
- Reward immediately at each step — don’t wait until they reach the top
- Say a consistent command (“stairs” or “steps”) each time so they learn the cue
- If your dog jumps over the stairs onto the surface, calmly reset and try again
Step 3: Going Down
- Coming down is often harder than going up — dogs can be reluctant initially
- Lure with a treat from the top step down, rewarding each step
- Never physically push or force — it creates negative associations that are hard to undo
- Some dogs learn down more easily if you walk alongside them the first few times
Step 4: Building the Habit
- Practice 3–5 times a day for the first week — short sessions work better than long ones
- Gradually fade the treats as the behaviour becomes habitual
- Consistently redirect your dog to the stairs whenever they attempt to jump
- Most dogs are reliably using stairs within 1–2 weeks with consistent practice
❓ Dog Stairs FAQs
Are dog stairs worth it? ＋
Yes — particularly for small breeds, long-backed breeds like Dachshunds, and senior dogs. The joint impact of repeatedly jumping off a bed or couch adds up over time and can contribute to early onset arthritis or spinal problems. Stairs are a simple, low-cost preventative measure that most dogs adapt to quickly.
What size dog stairs do I need? ＋
Measure the height of the surface your dog needs to access — bed, couch, or car seat. The top step should reach that height or close to it. Also consider step width: small breeds with broader bodies (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Cavaliers) benefit from wider steps. Check product dimensions carefully before buying — unlike ramps, stairs aren’t height-adjustable.
My dog won’t use the stairs — what do I do? ＋
Go back to basics with the training process — lure with high-value treats one step at a time, never force, and keep sessions short. The most common reason dogs refuse is a negative first experience (slipping, being pushed) or simply not enough reward-based repetition. Most dogs will come around within a week of consistent, patient training.
Are dog stairs or a ramp better? ＋
Depends on your situation. Stairs are more compact and better for indoor use with small dogs. Ramps are better for cars, larger dogs, and higher surfaces — and are usually adjustable in height. Some dogs have a strong preference for one or the other. If your dog refuses stairs after consistent training, try a ramp instead.
Can I use dog stairs for a car? ＋
Standard indoor dog stairs aren’t designed for car use — they’re not stable on uneven ground and don’t fold for transport. For car access, a purpose-built car dog ramp is the right tool. These are designed to be stable on varied terrain and fold compactly for storage in the boot.
The Bottom Line
Dog stairs are a small investment that can make a real difference to your dog’s joint health over time — especially for small breeds and Dachshunds who are routinely jumping off furniture. Pick the right height, make sure the steps are non-slip and wide enough for your dog, and give the training process a week of consistent practice. Most dogs take to them quickly once they understand what they’re for.
