Teach Your Dog to Use Ramps
It is not until our dogs are injured or develop arthritis that we start thinking about using a ramp to get them in and out of the car. Ramps need to become a way of life for older and injured dogs and thinking along these lines it is always better to get dogs using ramps before they are needed. Jumping in and out of cars can put stress on the joints and back. Using a good ramp or steps can assist your dogs especially the larger breeds.
Facts:
Allowing dogs to jump out of cars subjects their front legs to undue forces, so potentially boosting their risk of injury. Jumping up into cars also puts stress on the hips, knees and back. Vets are concerned that dogs jumping repeatedly from car boots may be at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in a number of joints. A study was carried out at Hartpury University Centre which concluded that dogs jumping into and out of cars could lead to musculoskeletal problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are abnormalities in joints which, through wear and tear, can lead to arthritis causing stiffness, swelling and pain in dogs.
After reading these facts it is important that we start thinking about ramps and steps for dogs of all ages and prevent any injuries or damage to the joints. So getting your dog use to ramps, selecting the correct ramp for your dog and car is explained further.
Introducing your dog to ramps early:
Dogs can never be too young to introduce them to ramps. This could be a great training game. It is also useful for dogs of all ages to prevent any injuries or joint disease.
Begin teaching your dog to use the ramp with laying the ramp flat on the ground. By walking your dog over it on the floor allows the dogs to get the feel of the ramp on their feet as they are usually a different texture.
Start by using treats to lure your dog onto the ramp. Give a treat for each foot that is placed on the ramp. Once all four feet are on the ramp encourage your dog to take a step or two using the treats. Once this has being achieved the next task would be to lay treats over the ramp and slowly walk your dog over the full length of the ramp. If your dog jumps off just calmly start again, treating your dog after every successful walk.
Next add some height to the ramp. Place a few books under one end so the dog can walk on a slight incline and off the other end. This should then be increased perhaps onto the sofa before trying your car.
Choosing the right ramp and some extra safety tips:
There are lots of different ramps available for dogs. Some of them are excellent and some not so good. When looking for ramps think about the following:
· Surface on the ramp, non slip is very important
· How does it attach to the boot of your car?
· Width of the ramp
· Length of the ramp
· Weight capacity
· How it folds up and will fit in the car
Ramps can be very dangerous if not used correctly. If you have a ramp that is not fit for your car or dog then problems can occur. It is important to look at how the ramp attaches or rests on the boot. Ramps can easily fall off if they are not right for your car. The other main problem with a lot of ramps is that they are slippery, especially if your dog is not comfortable walking over them. It is a good idea to stick on strips of carpet or towel onto the walk way of the ramp making them comfortable and non slip to your dog.
Please see the links below which show some of the ramps available.
My Pets Folding Non Slip Car Dog Ramp
PetSafe Solvit Telescopic Ramp