Train Your Dachshund to Use A Dog Ramp
A common question we get at Alpha Paw is “how do I train my dog to use their PawRamp?” Well, the good news is, If you’ve trained your dog to do anything, training them to use a ramp shouldn’t be an issue.
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 costly vet bills.
Because Dachshunds have an elongate spine, they have a higher risk of injuring themselves from jumping up and down on the furniture. More than injuries caused by jumping, Dachshunds and small dog breeds also have a higher risk for a certain type of spinal disease called IVDD.
The following video 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 $8,000. That’s much more expensive than the cost of a dog ramp.
Steps To Training Your Doxie 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 Doxie 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 doxie 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.
IVDD Survivor Story – Hannah & Louis
Persistence
Once your Doxie 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.
Why Ramp Training Is Essential
Due to their long body and short legs, dachshunds are prone to back issues caused by routinely hopping on and off the furniture or in and out of a car.
A dachshund ramp can help to minimize the stress of these jumps placed on your dachshund back, protecting your doxie by reducing the number of times it jumps each day and can help to prevent expensive back surgery in the future.
A Ramp is an essential item for any Dachshund owner, and we have built the DachRamp with your Doxies back health in mind.
