How to Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp

In this article:

• Why ramps are a great tool for dogs.
• When should I start training my dog to use a ramp?
• Is a ramp or steps better for my dog? 
• What kind of ramp should I get for my dog?
• How should I introduce a ramp to my dog?
• How do I get my dog to go down a ramp?
• Should I use multiple ramps for multiple pieces of furniture? 

For senior dogs, small-breed dogs of any age, those with long spines (like dachshunds and corgis), and dogs with joint issues, repeatedly jumping on and off of furniture can lead to serious injuries and exacerbate existing conditions. One solution that many pet owners opt for is teaching their dog to use a ramp. This might seem simple, but if you have a fearful dog—or even one who likes to do things the way they’ve always done them—ramps can take time to acclimate to. Here’s how to ramp up, as it were, your dog’s comfort level with this excellent tool.

Why ramps are a great aid for dogs

While it might seem natural for dogs to jump on and off of things, this repetitive motion can put significant stress on their bodies. It can contribute to or exacerbate serious health issues, including:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A painful spine condition that can lead to paralysis.
• Ligament injuries: Similar to ACL tears in humans.
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation that can worsen with repeated impact.
• Post-surgery complications: Jumping off of furniture can lead to opening of surgical wounds, failure of surgical repair, prolonged recovery, and other issues. 

When should I start training my dog to use a ramp? 

Consider introducing a ramp for senior dogs of any size, small dogs of any age, dogs who show signs of joint stiffness or mobility issues, dogs with long spines, and dogs recovering from surgery or injury. 

If you’re thinking that sounds like most dogs, then you’re onto something. 

“I‘m a pretty big proponent of: If you can use a ramp, use a ramp,” Kate Naito, CDBC, CPDT-KA, and Fear Free–certified trainer, said. “And that’s just because jumping on and off of things repeatedly is asking for injuries, especially with smaller dogs and older dogs.”

Dr. Alex Schechter of Burrwood Veterinary in Michigan agreed that it can be a good idea to start long-backed dogs on ramps early; prevention is always better than treating injuries after they occur. However, he says, there’s no silver bullet to prevent IVDD, “since there is a big genetic component and [IVDD pain] can happen with any type of movement.”

While an injury can sometimes be—or seem to be—a cause of IVDD, genetics are a big factor. Teaching an at-risk dog to use a ramp is no guarantee that they will avoid the condition, but it can make an injury less likely and improve their lifestyle in the event of a diagnosis.   

Is a ramp or steps better for my dog? 

Research on canine biomechanics suggests that, while both ramps and stairs increase range of motion compared to flat surfaces, ramp descent may be easier for dogs with limited motion, making them the better choice for most dogs with mobility concerns.

Dog ramps are generally gentler on joints and better for larger dogs or those with arthritis. They offer a gradual incline that minimizes joint stress. 

What kind of ramp should I get for my dog? 

The first thing to do is pick the proper equipment. “I would start with a ramp that has really good traction, and is going to be the right height,” Naito said. “Some of them are adjustable; some of them aren’t.”

If you’re not sure whether the ramp you’re considering is a good fit for your dog, talk to your vet.

How should I introduce a ramp to my dog? 

It can take some time to get a dog used to a ramp, especially if they’re fearful. But the method is the same for fearful and confident dogs, Naito said.

Start with zero elevation

Start with the ramp lying flat on the floor. This crucial first step is often skipped, Naito said, but it’s the foundation of successful ramp training.

The treat-toss method:

• Toss some treats off the ramp, then one on the ramp, then back off again
• Let your dog naturally step onto the ramp while following the treats
• Repeat until they are comfortable with the exercise 

This tossing method, which alternates between treats on the ramp and treats off the ramp, is intended to make learning feel casual and non-threatening. It should help your dog become comfortable with the ramp, without any pressure to perform.

Though it may seem odd for a dog to be suspicious of what is essentially a board lying on the floor, fearful dogs may not be fans of new items that suddenly appear. And if you, the trainer in this scenario, try too hard to get them to touch it, they might get doubly suspicious. Go at your dog’s pace.

Walking back and forth on the ramp

Once your dog casually steps on the flat ramp, begin teaching them to walk across it:

• Walk alongside the ramp with your dog.
• Guide them to naturally step onto the ramp as you shift back and forth alongside them so that your body blocks them from jumping off  
• If your dog tries to go around the other way, create a “Hansel and Gretel” treat trail across the ramp.
• Practice familiar commands, like “sit,” while they’re on the ramp to increase their comfort level.

This stage might take multiple sessions. Don’t rush—let your dog voice their feelings and respect their comfort level while consistently practicing. Only move forward once your dog can happily accept treats in exchange for their progress.

Now add elevation 

Once your dog has mastered the ramp lying on the floor, you can raise it. If your target furniture is still too intimidatingly high up, start with something lower—like a thick dog bed. 

• Place a treat at the bottom and another one-third of the way up the ramp.
• Start with just front paws on the inclined ramp, then toss the next treat back to the ground, to give the dog some relief.
• Gradually move treats higher up the ramp until your dog puts all four paws on it.
• Practice the back-and-forth motion: up partway, back down, up a little more, back down.

As you elevate the ramp up to the target piece of furniture, make sure it’s properly placed. Your dog will only use the ramp if it’s positioned where they naturally want to access furniture—typically toward the center of the room where “all the action is,” said Naito, not tucked away in a corner.

Yes, this might mean your ramp sits in the middle of your living space—but proper placement is essential for success.

How do I get my dog to go down a ramp? 

Most dogs learn to go up the ramp relatively quickly because the couch itself is the reward. The real challenge comes with going back down. Dogs often revert to jumping off furniture out of habit, even after mastering the upward journey. As such, Naito suggests that you stay vigilant—especially during the first two weeks—and gently redirect your dog to use the ramp when they attempt to jump down.

Should I use multiple ramps for multiple pieces of furniture? 

Once your dog masters one ramp location, they typically understand the concept and can more easily adapt to ramps in other locations, Naito said. Start with lower furniture (like couches) before moving to higher surfaces (like beds), and introduce each new location gradually.

Remember, every dog learns at their own pace. When Naito made a video that walks viewers through these steps with her fearful small dog, it took 30 minutes for her to master. But Naito acknowledges that she’s a professional trainer, and ramp acclimation could take weeks of practice if you don’t have a ton of experience working with dogs.

Though your dog may be reluctant to go up or down a ramp at first, teaching them to use one can enhance their quality of life. With some patience and consistency, you can help an aging dog, or one who’s otherwise vulnerable to orthopedic injury, maintain their independence while safeguarding their ligaments, spine, and joints.