The first thing that occurs to me is what's the traction like? My stairs are wooden and this was much too slippery so I put carpet on them. I'm guessing in an apartment building you may not be able to do much about the stairs but I know some people use little rubber booties etc. for when their dogs need to walk on a smooth surface, for example at the vets. This might be an option if traction is a problem at least until Romeo is feeling more confident. 

Does he find it easier going up than down? That's what I'd expect from a front leg tripawd (my Meg is a front leg too). Do you think it's primarily s physical issue or a question of building confidence? do you use a webmaster  harness with a handle on the back? That can certainly be helpful in terms of both helping him physically and making him feel more secure. 

Are you doing core strengthening exercises ? One of the ones I do with Meg involves her standing on a wobble cushion and putting her front leg up on a step. She also stands with her back legs on the step and puts her front leg down on the wobble cushion. Perhaps something like that might be helpful for Romeo?

All best,

Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie)

Oh Kathi, thank you! I am so trying the "Grandma Bump"!! Our stairs are steeper than yours but maybe, just maybe this will work. Isa is three months post-amp (today as a matter of fact) and it seems as much a matter of confidence as anything. oh, the thought of sleeping in my bed! thank you!

We might try that, combined with the Grandma Bump and having the kong with peanut butter (standard bedtime treat) with me at the top of the stairs. Times I have gone upstairs, she sits at the foot of the stairs and barks. and barks. and barks. Until I get up and either haul her up by the harness (hard on both of us) or I go back downstairs. On one notable occasion she turned around halfway up, more than halfway. Not the most graceful move on either of our parts and a wonder either or both of us didn't end up in a heap at the bottom. Scared the daylights out of me.

My dad is coming for a visit in two weeks and he'll get the "good" bed while he's here so, for now, downstairs is fine. Once he heads home, we will revisit this challenge. Paws crossed!