I bought a new collapsible ramp in the summer but have only just opened it. We have used a wooden ramp before, but not for a long time so I am starting completely from scratch with this, taking into account Monty has issues with slippy surfaces. Here I'm rewarding him for putting two feet on it, and throwing a bit of kibble around. You can see he's not that keen and walks around it wherever possible. Is it worth getting the clicker out for this?
Getting used to a ramp
- Thread starter Natalie
- Start date
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
To be honest, he doesn't seem to be showing much in the way of avoidance/discomfort in this video - it looks more to me as if he just doesn't really understand what the point is. There's no hesitation or twitchiness when he does put his feet on it. You should see Willow when I start with a new object 
Personally, yes, I would get the clicker out and free-shape him walking along the length of the ramp rather than approaching it side-on, because that's the behaviour I'm ultimately after, but if you're less confident with free shaping, then I'd just click each time the feet go on it and immediately toss the treat away so you get a really clean training "loop", and do this until he's running back to slam his feet on the ramp again. Once you have that enthusiasm for the ramp, you can add in the back feet, too - and you might find luring works more quickly for you at that point (or not!).
Personally, yes, I would get the clicker out and free-shape him walking along the length of the ramp rather than approaching it side-on, because that's the behaviour I'm ultimately after, but if you're less confident with free shaping, then I'd just click each time the feet go on it and immediately toss the treat away so you get a really clean training "loop", and do this until he's running back to slam his feet on the ramp again. Once you have that enthusiasm for the ramp, you can add in the back feet, too - and you might find luring works more quickly for you at that point (or not!).
I had a few goes before filming and he was more reluctant initially, but glad you think he doesn't seem that bothered by it.
I propped it up against the sofa first of all (as this was how I taught him to use the wooden ramp) and he definitely doesn't want to get his back paws on it yet, so thanks for the tip, I can see that I could just end up him using it side on if I'm not careful.
I propped it up against the sofa first of all (as this was how I taught him to use the wooden ramp) and he definitely doesn't want to get his back paws on it yet, so thanks for the tip, I can see that I could just end up him using it side on if I'm not careful.
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
I wonder if you can get him walking along it while it's on the floor first, before you prop it up onto something?
Then, maybe prop it up onto something low (do you have any steps that are one or two high in the house or garden)?
Yes that's what I ended up doing , I optimistically hoped he would remember the old ramp and transfer the learning. Though the new ramp, even when flat on the floor has a slight incline, which you can see in the video
I've tried standing with my legs apart over the ramp so it sort of funnels him in, think there's an improvement already
And this is the outtake when his dad arrived home
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
When Solstice had cruciate ligament surgery we bought a ramp for the car. I spent ages trying to get her to walk along it on the flat, planning to gradually raise one end bit by bit until she was comfortable with it. She continued to do her own thing, getting on it from the side and generally looking puzzled, as if she was saying 'But WHY?' Eventually Trevor said 'Why don't we just show her what it's for and see what happens?' So we did. Straight up it, no messing, no problems!
Pee Ess I'm not recommending this as a way of introducing dogs to ramps, just chuckling at the memory. Sol was an All or Nothing, let's go for it girl!
Pee Ess I'm not recommending this as a way of introducing dogs to ramps, just chuckling at the memory. Sol was an All or Nothing, let's go for it girl!
Well actually, that was my approach first time around 4 years ago. I assumed if I put the ramp in the middle of the gap of my small hatchback he would see the sense and run right up it. Unfortunately he made a right mess of very pointedly jumping around and over itWhen Solstice had cruciate ligament surgery we bought a ramp for the car. I spent ages trying to get her to walk along it on the flat, planning to gradually raise one end bit by bit until she was comfortable with it. She continued to do her own thing, getting on it from the side and generally looking puzzled, as if she was saying 'But WHY?' Eventually Trevor said 'Why don't we just show her what it's for and see what happens?' So we did. Straight up it, no messing, no problems!
Pee Ess I'm not recommending this as a way of introducing dogs to ramps, just chuckling at the memory. Sol was an All or Nothing, let's go for it girl!
However I do remember it really didn't take that much to get him running up the ramp onto the sofas, probably 3 or 4 sessions. He has got a bit more of an issue now with surfaces, and unfortunately this ramp has a bit more 'give' to it than the wooden one did, (not helping his issue with wobbly or slippy things) but I really hope we will have cracked this in a week or two.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
I hope so too. I reckon you will, you're going about it the right way.Well actually, that was my approach first time around 4 years ago. I assumed if I put the ramp in the middle of the gap of my small hatchback he would see the sense and run right up it. Unfortunately he made a right mess of very pointedly jumping around and over it
However I do remember it really didn't take that much to get him running up the ramp onto the sofas, probably 3 or 4 sessions. He has got a bit more of an issue now with surfaces, and unfortunately this ramp has a bit more 'give' to it than the wooden one did, (not helping his issue with wobbly or slippy things) but I really hope we will have cracked this in a week or two.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Oops! Crossed posts! Maybe worth a try? (She says somewhat recklessly on third glass of wine!)
Don't worry, I've probably had the same tonight!
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
I think I would just lure him onto the ramp. Approach it with him on your side and then walk next to it with your hand/arm out over the ramp and his nose as he goes up it
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
I put the ramp against the sofa with a sausage trail. My ramp was too big so I got rid of it
Which ramp did you buy as it looks quite easy to transport?
Which ramp did you buy as it looks quite easy to transport?
It is, it's very light and folds up in half then half again into a neat box, it was from Aldi for just 19.99. They sell them twice a year.
Last night i put a blanket over it ( it's very noisy! And he does find it slightly slippy.) and he got quite good at jumping up on the sofa and walking down it. He will walk up it until his back feet get close. So definite progress, i need to be careful not to pish him too quickly, and to try not to reward him when approaching it side on.