DOG RAMP TRAINING GUIDE
Whether you have a senior dog with mobility issues or smaller dog who often jumps in and out of your car on on and off your bed or couch, your pooch will benefit from a Dog Ramp. Because Dog Ramps assist even healthy, younger dogs to avoid extra stress on their joints, they can prevent degenerative injuries later in life. (And if you have a large dog, these will help with YOUR back). Numerous studies have shown that the impact of dogs jumping in and out of cars or up and off of beds and couches can cause injuries, with 1 in 5 dogs developing painful Osteoarthritis later in life. So, if you’re not sure if your dog needs a dog ramp, here is an interesting article on PetMD, titled Do you need a dog ramp?
DOG CAR RAMP
If your dog has never used a ramp before, it’s best to let your pooch get used to the ramp before diving straight in and trying to get them to get into the car immediately. This is best accomplished by laying the ramp down on a flat, stable surface (preferably grass or carpet) and and teaching your dog to follow a treat whilst you lure them across the ramp.
Start Slow & Low
First get your dog acclimatised to the ramp by lying it on the floor and allowing your dog to sniff it and investigate the ramp’s feel and smell. Once they are comfortable, try to get your dog to walk along the entire ramp and then reward them with a treat if they do. If your dog steps off the ramp halfway through, move them back to the beginning of the ramp and try again, giving small treats all the way as they walk along the ramp.
Once your dog has reached the other side, coax them back across the ramp and reward them on completion. Do this a number of times until you can see that your dog is comfortable.
If your dog continuously steps off the ramp, place the ramp up against an object, such as a wall or couch, etc and attempt to create a corridor so that your dog can’t step off the ramp and has to continue to the end.
Gradually Increase Incline
Once your dog is comfortable using the ramp on a flat surface, increase the incline of the ramp slightly, by placing it on a low step or a low object (ensure that the ramp is positioned on something stable, as any wobbling will likely scare your dog and set you back with training.) Once your dog is comfortable on the slight incline, increase the incline gradually until your dog is comfortable with the ramp before trying to get them into the car.
The Dog Mom Car Ramp fits comfortably against the bumper of most cars, with a low incline and works best on the boots of hatch-backsl Do not attempt to use your ramp on large SUV’s or bakkies, as the incline should be between 18-25 degrees for your dog’s comfort and safety. If using the ramp to get your dog into the back of the car through the side door, ensure that the ramp is firmly situated before allowing the dog to access the ramp.
Be Patient & Reward Progress
The most important thing when training your dog is to use patience, encouragement and reward. Not all dogs will immediately take to a ramp and some may be very hesitant and fearful at first. In the long run, making sure your dog is comfortable with using the ramp correctly will greatly assist with preventing injuries and it is certainly worth the time invested in training your dog patiently and thoroughly.
There are a number of excellent training videos on YouTube and a few useful ones are embedded below.
Disclaimer: These videos are not my own and Boometime is, in no way, affiliated with any of the creators. These are simply videos which you may find helpful when training your dog to use a ramp. Boometime will not be held responsible for any injuries incurred by following these videos and you are encouraged to use your own discretion when training your dog.
ADJUSTABLE DOG COUCH RAMP
As with the car ramp, if your dog has never used a ramp before, it’s best to let your pooch get used to the Couch Ramp before diving straight in and trying to get them to get them up onto the bed or couch immediately. This is best accomplished by laying the folded ramp down on a flat, stable surface (preferably grass or carpet) and and teaching your dog to follow a treat whilst you lure them across the ramp.
First get your dog acclimatised to the ramp by lying it on the floor and allowing your dog to sniff it and investigate the ramp’s feel and smell. Once they are comfortable, try to get your dog to walk along the entire ramp and then reward them with a treat if they do. If your dog steps off the ramp halfway through, move them back to the beginning of the ramp and try again, giving small treats all the way as they walk along the ramp. Once your dog has reached the other side, coax them back across the ramp and reward them on completion. Do this a number of times until you can see that your dog is comfortable. If your dog continuously steps off the ramp, place the ramp up against an object, such as a wall or couch, etc and attempt to create a corridor so that your dog can’t step off the ramp and has to continue to the end.
Once your dog is comfortable using the ramp on a flat surface, increase the incline of the ramp to the next setting and place it against a low step or landing (ensure that the ramp is positioned on something stable, as any wobbling will likely scare your dog and set you back with training.) Once your dog is comfortable on the slight incline, increase the incline gradually until your dog is comfortable with the ramp before trying to get them onto the couch or bed.
The most important thing when training your dog is to use patience, encouragement and reward. Not all dogs will immediately take to a ramp and some may be very hesitant and fearful at first. In the long run, making sure your dog is comfortable with using the ramp correctly will greatly assist with preventing injuries and it is certainly worth the time invested in training your dog patiently and thoroughly.
