How to Train Your Dog to Use A Dog Ramp: A Pet Parent Guide

Your Four-Legged Buddy Needs A Dog Ramp

A common question we receive here at Paw Ramp is, “how do I train my dog to use a Dog Ramp?” Well, the good news is, If you’ve trained your dog to do anything, training them to use their Paws Ramp shouldn’t be an issue.

The trick for most dogs is training with treats, and lots of praise when they use the ramp. Many dogs will take to the ramp immediately and enjoy the freedom of running up and down on it. However, if your dog is hesitant, training and persistence will help them get used to their new transportation method.

A Reminder About Why Dogs Need A Ramp

If you are a pet owner and you’re considering purchasing a dog ramp and the training process involved before actually taking the leap and buying a dog ramp, here are some reasons why a ramp will not only prevent injuries for your dog but will also save you from costly vet bills.

If you have a smaller dog, especially a Dachshund, having a ramp is one of the most important purchases you can make for your dog. Because Dachshunds have an elongated spine, they have a higher risk of injuring themselves from jumping up and down on the furniture. More than injuries caused by jumping, dogs also have a higher risk for a certain type of spinal disease called IVDD.

The following information provides valuable insight into this debilitating condition, and every pet parent should consider adding a dog ramp to their home and car ramp when they’re traveling, to reduce the risk for their dogs. While smaller dogs have a higher chance of developing IVDD, all dog breeds are susceptible to the health threat.

Moreover, the surgery to help dogs with IVDD can go as high as R 30,000. That’s much more expensive than the cost of a dog ramp. Keep in mind that all dog breeds have a risk of developing IVDD. It’s not just the smaller dog breeds that can suffer from the painful disease.

Steps To Training Your Dog To Use A Dog Ramp

Now that you understand the importance of dog ramps, we’ll go over the steps on training your dog to use them. Once your ramp arrives you will need to:

Place the ramp by the bed or couch you are using
Block alternative routes using items like pillows or a baby gate
Have treats handy
Have a collar or harness attached to a leash

Once the ramp is unboxed and placed where it needs to be, allow your dog to sniff around and inspect it. Additionally, allow them to get used to it being in the house before moving on to the next steps.

Initial Training

Once you are ready to begin training, you will want to stand by the ramp and use your hand to encourage your dog to go up the dog ramp. Most pups will naturally take to the ramp and you can have them practice going up and down. Each time your four-legged buddy goes up or down the ramp, make sure to praise them and give them a treat.

For dogs that are not taking to the ramp fast, you can attach a leash and block off alternative routes with cushions or a baby gate, then gently guide them up and down the ramp again using treats and praise when they complete their journey. Make sure not to force or drag them onto the ramp, the leash is for gentle guidance only.

Once your dog is comfortable using the ramp and has made several guided journeys up and down, you will need to be persistent to create a lasting habit. A few daily sessions with 5-10 repetitions may be all you need to train this behavior. If your dog at any time bypasses the ramp then block off the alternative routes again and leave these blocks in place until you are comfortable that they will continue using the ramp.