Dog Ramp Training

Dog Ramps Training

See a wide range of dog ramps at unbeatable prices here. Bi & Tri fold dog ramps, telescopic dog ramps, many ramps sold exclusively here. Full training guide to successfully use a dog ramp including top tips from dog trainers below.

Training your dog to use a dog ramp is probably the simplest form of dog training you will ever do and is much easier than teaching your dog to " sit" most of the time. Why? Because you are about to find out that your dog will like using it almost right away! Dogs love walking up dog ramps onto couches and beds because it makes them feel " bigger" in the household pack and more like you. As a matter of fact we have never sold a dog ramp to anyone that had a dog that would not use it. Some dogs did not want to use it right away because either they did not trust it or were afraid of it. After a day or two though most dogs get the hang of how to use the dog ramps irrespective of which model you decide to buy. We deal with a lot of dog trainers and they all believe that any dog, no matter what age your dog is, can be trained to use a dog ramp, some dogs do take longer to train than others but if your dog is reluctant to use the dog ramp then read on. If you find your dog will not use the dog ramp right away after it is set up, this following section is for you.

Dog Ramp Training

Training your dog to use dog ramps is extremely simple. If you can show your dog that it is nothing to be afraid of and even something to be rewarded for using they will be happy and even very proud to go up and down it. For them it is all fun, for you it is even funnier to watch, not to mention it could save you an expensive vet bill down the road. There are a couple different ways to get your dog used to the ramp and we will start with treats!

Firstly lay your dog ramp flat on the floor, the most important aspect of dog ramps training is familiarising your dog with the dog ramp and gradually building up the dogs confidence on the dog ramp. If you put your dog on a short lead and have him walking backwards and forwards across the ramp. If your  dog is reluctant to use the dog ramp then add a few treats  along its length. Once this has been accomplished and your dog is comfortable with this just try gradually increasing the incline of the dog ramp, by either putting this on a small step or low wall etc , the plan is to gradually increase this until it is at a similar height off the ground to the back of your car or 4 x4.

Dog ramp training step #1: Treats. We all know that our dogs will do just about anything for their favourite treats and where the " treat" goes, the dog almost always follows. Get your dog's favourite treat or food out. Give them one for sitting or for something that they are familiar with to start which will get their mouth watering and ready for some ramp action. Now, get the dog to follow the treat up to the bottom of the ramp and get their feet (at least front feet) onto the ramp. Now give them the treat and reward him or her with showers of praise. Tap on the floor of the dog ramp  and then praise them again. Now try and get them to follow the treat a little farther up the ramp if not all the way up. Give the treat again even if they go no further than the first attempt and praise. Do this a couple times a day the first day and you may just get them on it that day. The praise is very important though because this shows your dog that by getting onto this new object that you are very, very pleased with them for doing it and all dogs want nothing more than to please their owners. Repeat this several times a day on days 1, 2 and beyond if you need to go that far.

Dog ramp training Step #2: (If you have a medium to large dog persevere with Step #1 as it will work within a few more days) It is very rare that someone make it to step two but it does happen. If you have a small dog and you are on day 3 pick him or her up and set them on the top or middle of the ramp and make sure you have a treat handy. Stay right there with them so they feel secure and do not panic. Right away as soon as you set them on the ramp reward them with a treat and lots of praise just for being on it. Use another treat to coax them down the ramp and then shower him or her with praises. Generally dogs that are sluggish to use a ramp right away will go down it more willingly than going up it and this can be the ice breaker for you. After you successfully get the dog to go down the ramp (they will) a few times, they will trust that this new " thing" (ramp) is sturdy and go up it for you. Once they trust the dog ramp and see that it is something that is really good in your eyes to do, they will automatically start using the dog ramp all the time. it really is all about being patient and getting your dog confident to use the dog ramp.

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Choosing the right dog ramp

Selecting the right dog ramp foy your dog can be quite daunting. If you are considering choosing a dog ramp then we do urge you to call us for free advice and help in choosing the right dog ramp, we are happy to advise you on 0800 849 8844.

The first thing to consider when deciding which ramp to buy is the weight of your dog, some ramps are stronger than others and especially if you have a large breed or heavy dog then you will require a strong dog ramp. many people think that these wooden ramps that are available are strong but these are often quite brittle and certainly very heavy dog ramps.

Most customers who ring us looking to buy a dog ramp always say that weight is the most important factor when choosing a ramp. Obviously elderley or incapacitated people definately prefer a dog ramp that is light and easy to set up but generally most people would appreciate a nice light ramp, certainly if you are using a ramp on a daily basis the lighter the better.

The next consideration when buying a dog ramp is the vehicle you want to put the ramp to , is this a hatchback, estate or 4 x4 which has a higher boot? Most 4 x 4 vehicles will require a longer ramp at least 71" long and therefore the Saunders DR2 ramp , the tri fold dog ramps, the Solvit telescopic dog ramps come to the fore. basically the higher the vehicle the longer the dog ramp that is required as this reduces the ramp incline. If the dog ramp is too steep the dog will be reluctant to use the ramp, so a longer ramp increases the chances of the dog ramp being used.                                                                                         

Is your dog an elderly or nervous dog? If this is the case then they will feel happier on a ramp that doesn't flex or bounce, dog ramps that are particularly stable and dont flex, are the Solvit dog ramps and the Saunders dog ramps, both these makes of ramps encourage confidence as the ramps do not bounce or flex as the ramp is being used.

We are more than happy to help you choose the right dog ramp so after reading our dog ramp guide please dont hesitate to call us should you require help in choosing the right dog ramp.

Dog Ramp Assistance

Call us on 0845 180 1010 to help to choose the right dog ramp. Click here to see the full range of dog ramps