To us, an elevator is simply a way to get from floor A to floor B. But to our canine friends, elevators can be darn magical things. Just imagine being in one room, hopping in a small box, and suddenly appearing in an entirely different environment. If you’re anything like us, you might wonder: “What do dogs think about elevators?”
Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lift-ing to find out. (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves…)
Do dogs understand elevators?
From a technical standpoint, not really. Unless your doggo is some kind of canine supergenius, it’s unlikely they know an elevator is a metal box attached to strong cables that moves up and down (or sideways, if you’re travelling through a certain wacky chocolate factory).
However, dogs can recognise that elevators are quite unique environments. Many dogs notice the ‘ding!’ when you get to your level, and the constant opening and closing of the doors. Some dogs may even sense the up-down motion.
If you travel with your dog in an elevator frequently, they might also come to understand it as a means to an end. That is, they may know that there’s always a walk when they come out the other side, or a delicious and healthy dog meal when they’re returning to your apartment after a long day. Soon, they might associate the elevator with certain activities.
So, what do dogs think about elevators?
Whether or not they understand it, you may be curious about how your doggo feels when they travel up and down in this magical mystery box.
The answer to the question “What do dogs think about elevators?” really comes down to the individual dog. Some are quite happy to travel in a lift without giving it much thought, while others can get a little (or very) freaked out.
Elevators are pretty stressful environments for some dogs, which can create fear and anxiety whenever they approach one. They might be scared of the cramped space, or perhaps the strange motion of an elevator makes them feel uneasy.
If a dog is scared of elevators, they may refuse to get in. Or, once they’re inside the elevator, they might tremble, crouch, whine, or even pee out of fear. If you have a stressed dog on your hands, read on to find out how to get them used to travelling in elevators.
Tips for travelling in an elevator with your dog
If you and your doggo are regular elevator-goers, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure everyone’s safety.
Use the right equipment
Sadly, there have been numerous horrible accidents involving dog leashes and elevator doors. If you use a lift often, you may want to get your doggo a harness. This is because harnesses are generally safer if, for whatever reason, the doors close on your dog’s leash and they get left behind. If they do end up stuck outside the elevator, the leash won’t pull on their neck.
If you’d prefer to use a collar, a breakaway collar is a great option. The buckle will release automatically if any pressure is applied.
As well, a shorter leash is often better than a long one. Using a short leash allows you to keep your dog close and minimises the risk of the doors closing before your pupper gets inside. If your dog is small enough, you can easily carry them into the lift.
Pay close attention to your pupper
When you’re getting in the elevator, make sure to stand between the doors or hold the ‘open doors’ button until your doggo is safely inside. The same goes when you’re getting out.
And while you might be used to scrolling through your phone to pass the time in an elevator, try to avoid it if you’re travelling with your dog. If you’re distracted, you may not notice if something goes awry.
Respect your fellow travellers
Some people can get a little anxious about travelling in a small space with a dog, especially if a pooch is on the bigger side. You could ask other travellers if they’re comfortable having a dog along for the ride, and if not, wait for the next lift to arrive.
If you’re in a crowded lift with your doggo, try to stop your dog jumping on people. While your dog certainly means well, others might not see it that way – especially if they have nowhere to escape to.
Get them used to travelling
Does your doggo panic around elevators? Never force them into the elevator, as this will only worsen their anxiety. Instead, the key is to desensitise them from their fear.
This is where gentle positive reinforcement dog training can help. Start by using treats to get your dog comfortable with being near the elevator doors. Next, familiarise your dog with the sound of the ‘ding!’ by offering them a treat when the elevator makes a noise. Then, gradually introduce them to the interior of the elevator – again, with treats.
After that, you can get them used to the sliding doors. Hop in the elevator, close the doors, hand your pupper a treat, open them again, and hop out. When you start riding the elevator with your dog, take a slightly longer trip each time until they’re happy to hang out for the entire ride.
If that just never happens, using the stairs might be a better bet. Bonus: it’ll give you and your pupper a good workout!
