Adjustable Dog Ramp
Ramps Make It Easy To Go Up and Down
Adjustable Dog Ramp
Introduction
The adjustable dog ramp is used for pets getting into a car, on a sofa or bed. Reduces the joint strain and arthritis pain and helps prevent further injuries. When dogs use a ramp it requires less leg power and less joint rotation.
When shopping for a dog ramp look for models that has a slope falling between 18 and 26 degrees. This is the ideal range for dogs walking up or down on a ramp. A larger angle will require more effort for your pet to walk up the ramp and place more stress on their joints.
What is nice about a ramp it does not require you to lift your pet on or off any type of furniture, saving your back. They fold up for easy storage.
Benefits of A Dog Ramp
Now, let’s look at some possible benefits of a dog ramp.
- Less Stress on Joints
Adjustable Ramp Uses
It’s not so much the jumping up part but it’s the jumping down that can be hard on a dog’s joints. If you have a senior or large breed dog, you need to treat their joints with extra care. Having a ramp can reduce this stress on their fragile joints. If your dog suffers from hip or joint pain or arthritis a ramp is easier on their legs and joints. They don’t have to lift their knees, hips or shoulders when going up or down the ramp.
- Prevent Dog Injuries
You can help prevent dog injuries when they are trying to jump into the car. This is true if your pet should miss a jump trying to get into your car. As dogs age it can get more difficult for them to jump into the car. Also, it is not safe for pets jumping into any vehicle when it’s raining or snowing outside.
- Preventing Injuries To Humans
If your dog should weight over 50 lbs. and you are trying to get him into the car to go somewhere, you may have difficulty in lifting him. This is especially true if you have weak muscles or back issues.
- Diversity
A dog ramp is great to help dogs go up small flights of stairs, climb on beds or couches, grooming tables and bathtubs. They are also versatile because they are adjustable to fit various heights and can be stored under the bed or in the closet when not in use.
How To Train Dogs To Use Ramp Video
Below is a good video on how to train your dog to use an adjustable ramp.
Do Dogs Prefer Ramps or Steps?
To answer this question will depend upon the type of dog you own. If you have smaller dog breeds, they have legs that may be too short for the stairs. So, they would prefer a ramp.
Larger dogs will not have difficulty in climbing the stairs do to the fact of their longer legs. However, as they age they will experience some difficulty in climbing because of aching joints and arthritis.
Older dogs will prefer ramps because as they age they can develop aching muscles, joints and arthritis.
Ramps are best because they don’t require the dog to lift their legs or hips when using the ramp. They just walk naturally.
The bottom line is a ramp is best for your dog than using the stairs.
Reasons Why Dogs Should Not Use Stairs
Adjustable Height Options
Many home owners own homes with a basement or second floor that has stairs to get into those spaces. As we mentioned before, climbing stairs for some dogs can be difficult. Before getting your dog into the home, be sure to prepare the stairs ahead of time for your pet.
Let’s look at some possible reasons.
- Carpet or Wood
If your stairs are all bare wood with no carpeting it will be difficult for dogs to climb up or down these stairs. It can also be harmful as they can slip when climbing. If your dog has large untrimmed nails can also make it difficult for them to climb the stairs. It is recommended that you have some type of carpet or non-slip mats added to the wooden stairs. This will provide some traction for them when going up and down the stairs without injuring themselves.
- Which Dog Breeds Need To Avoid Stairs?
Some breed of dogs can easily climb up and down the stairs with ease while others will have some difficulty. Long-legged dogs like a Great Dane or Lurcher will not have issues in stair climbing. However, Chihuahuas or a Yorkshire Terriers will. Dogs that have long backs like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Bassett Hounds should avoid stairs.
- Some Dogs Are Afraid of Stairs
It may seem unusual that there can be some dogs that are actually afraid of stairs. But, there are. This is called bathmophobia. This can happen as they develop a fear of stairs if they are not used to them. Or, a dog had a previous bad experience with stairs can develop bathmophobia. All is not lost. You can help your pet overcome this phobia. Be patient and reward them for just coming near the stairs. Helping them to see that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
- Puppies
If you brought home a puppy, when they see the stairs it is like a mountain to climb to them. The stairs can also be a real hazard for young puppies. Vets suggest that puppies not be allowed to climb stairs unless they are over 12 weeks old. Even then, they should be supervised. If your dog is small you just might have to carry them up and down until they learn to do it themselves.
- Older Dogs Are Prone To Stiffness
As your dog goes up and down the stairs, it requires them to use a greater range of motion in the front and back joints. As your dog ages, they can show signs of stiffness when going up and down stairs.
In all of these situations, a ramp would fit the bill nicely.
Ramp Dog Training
Foldable For Easy Storage
When you bring home an adjustable ramp, you will need to take some time to teach your dog on how to use the ramp. A dog will not just walk on a ramp without some coaching from his owner.
In this section, we will provide some ramp training steps that will help you to teach your dog how to use the ramp. You can review the video above for further training tips.
Before starting, place the ramp outside full length on a flat surface (a grassy area) and a supply of his favorite treat. Here is what you need to begin: lots of praise, treats, ramp and patience. You can also train him in the house. It’s best to train him outside. Be sure he is on a leash.
Follow the steps below.
- Allow your dog to sniff around and inspect it and reward him with a treat.
- Have a treat in your hand and treat him when he puts one or more paws on the ramp. Now, place a treat in the middle of the ramp and one in your hand. As soon as he places all four paws on the ramp reward him with praise (“Good Boy” or “Good Girl” or “Good Dog”) and a treat. Lead him to the treat in the middle of the ramp. Now place one at the end of the ramp. Your goal is to have him follow your hand from one end of the ramp to the other. Every time he does, he get rewarded with a treat and verbal praise.
- If your dog jumps off the ramp, start him back to the beginning of the ramp and restart. You can reward him for sniffing the ramp or placing one paw on it. Keep on doing this until he follows your hand across the ramp to the other side.
- Once your dog is going across the ramp to the other side with a treat in your hand, you can begin to wean him off treats and lead him with an empty hand. Only reward him when he reaches the end of the ramp. If he only follows if you have a treat in your hand, keep the treat there, but reward him with a treat from the other hand.
- When the dog gets to the end of the ramp, have him turn around and return where he started. You can add a verbal command such as “Up” or “Out”, a couple of seconds before you begin to direct him with your hand. Treat your dog for any movement on the verbal command.
- Once he has mastered going from one side of the ramp to the other, now add a slight incline. Raise the ramp a little at a time. If you raise the incline too fast your dog may jump off the edge or refuse to get on the ramp at all. Always praise him and treat him for showing any proper behavior.
- Use your empty hand to direct up and down the ramp. You may need to reward him periodically.
- With enough practice, your dog should go up and down the ramp without much treating. Always have some on hand as it serves as a valid reinforcement for good behavior.
Conclusion
Ramps are very good for aging dogs and those that suffer from aching joints and have arthritis. It makes it easy for them to get up on a couch, sofa, bed or the back of the car. All it takes is a little time for training them on how to use the ramp.
Be sure to have plenty of his favorite treat and give him lots of verbal praise for every time he does the correct behavior. Only reward him when he does.
With a little patience from you, you will be surprised as how quickly your dog will master going up and down the ramp.
Remember, it will take lots of time and practice for some dogs to master the ramp. Some dogs will master it very quickly. Just remember, each dog has a different temperament in learning something new.
Shop Adjustable Dog Ramps
You can shop for the adjustable dog ramps by clicking on any image below. You will be taken to Amazon where you can purchase the item. While there, you can read the customer reviews and answered questions.
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