Well, I've been a big fan of positive reinforcement techniques so have been working with her recently by using treats and acting like going downstairs was a huge deal- "HEY, MOLLY, COME ON, LET'S GO DOWN STAIRS!!" With a huge smile, I would have bite sized yummy treats and her favorite football toy. When we got down the stairs I'd praise and pet her then throw the ball and she'd go zooming after it to play fetch. Quickly, and by quickly I mean in a matter of doing this three times she got over her fear which had been irrational before
Now she's all too happy to go downstairs whenever I call her.As I'm sure you realize this doesn't seem like some huge breakthrough but actually it kind of is.
Oh yeah, and this totally shows that it's not true that praising your dog will reinforce their fear, as dominance based trainers say! That's why I'm so in to improving dogs lives... positively. Have a great day!
