Stair and Ramp Training

Offering your dog stairs or a ramp to assist him on getting onto furniture or onto the bed seems like a simple idea, but actually getting the dog to use the stairs or ramp could be more challenging than you may expect.  As a professional trainer and behavior consultant living with several Dachshunds, including some who have suffered back injuries or ailments, I have taught many dogs to use ramps and/or stairs.  I am happy to share these ideas with others in hopes that it will help people assist their dogs in becoming accustomed to using these helpful tools.

Ramp and Steps

There are a lot of different steps and ramps on the market that you can buy.  You can also construct your own, which may be the way to go depending on your situation.  With a dog that has had severe back problems, is weak or experiences pain, a ramp would probably be easier and safer choice for the dog.  Steps are great for dogs that are very mobile or as a preventative from jumping on and off of things.  Ramps are generally easier for the dogs to get up and down.  Keep in mind that the less steep they are, the better.

I have found that many of the stairs on the market for dogs are constructed so that the stairs are very shallow.  This can cause the dog to just prefer to jump over the stairs or race up or down them, particularly if you have a long backed dog like a Dachshund.  I recommend ordering stairs that are deeper, so that the dog can more easily navigate over them.  I also recommend stairs that are not slick but are carpeted to help with traction.  Sometimes when people have a difficult time getting their dog to use the steps or a ramp, it is because of the way that particular one is made.  So, it is important to think about this when you buy or make yours.  Some dogs will take readily to one type, but not to another type. 

Here are some steps that I like.  They are nice because they are deeper so that a long backed dog has more space to step onto.  I also like these ones because they have carpet on them. 

 
    

Ramps can be a great option too.  As I mentioned, ramps are probably a better choice for a dog that may be in pain or that has a more difficult time moving around.  The more level the ramp, the easier it is for the dog, so keep that in mind if you build your own.  Ramps should also be covered with carpet or some other non-slip covering.

                       

 

Getting Used to the Steps or Ramp

Some dogs will need some time to just get accustomed to the ramp or steps.  So, you may need to just set them up and see what happens.  Put it where you want it, against your furniture or bed and then just leave it there for a few days.  Some dogs will just start using it on their own.  Others will require training.

As soon as your dog is comfortable in the presence of the steps or ramp, you can begin training.

Step or Ramp Training

Generally, we will be training the same way whether or not we are using the steps or ramp, but may modify some things.  So, when I say “ramp”, in the training instructions, know that I am referring to steps or a ramp.

The first thing that you need to do is find a high value food that your dog loves.  The food will be used as a “reinforcer” while we train the behavior.   The food should be something the dog really likes such as small bits of chicken, hot dog, lunch meat or cheese.  We will use food to build and reinforce the behavior.  Eventually, the behavior of using the ramp will be reinforced by being on the furniture.  In other words, to train it, we are using food, but the behavior will be maintained by the access to the furniture that the dog receives by using it.

Once the dog is completely used to the steps you are ready to begin.  With the dog out of the room, place a couple of pieces of high value food at the bottom of the ramp, or on first step.  Position yourself next to the ramp and wait for your dog to find the food.  The moment he starts to eat the food, place another piece of food, a few inches higher from the first piece.  If the dog eats the second piece, place another piece a couple of inches higher.  If the dog doesn’t eat the second piece, feed a little bit more on that lowest spot and then try again to place it a little higher. 

If it is taking you some time to get the dog to step on, periodically toss a treat away, directly in front of the ramp but a few feet away so that he gets to start the process over.  Remember that approaching the ramp is part of the process, so it is okay to do this.  Also, if the dog is unsure, this gives him a release of pressure and time to collect his thoughts and start over.  Finally, approaching the ramp over and over

will help him get more used to the ramp and associate the ramp with good things.

If the dog is not interested, you probably need to use higher value food.  The dog may not be willing to try and figure it out for kibble, but may be willing to work through it for chicken.  So, be prepared to switch up the reinforcer if necessary.

It is critical that the dog be allowed to choose to approach the ramp and step onto it and that he not be forced to do it.  Too much pressure, even enticing with food can be too much for some dogs who are cautious about something. 

If the dog is comfortable eating the food and moving forward a little bit on the ramp, go ahead and continue to add food as the dog takes steps forward.

      

If your dog picks it up easily, either lift him off the couch and try again, or teach him to walk down the stairs.

         

If your dog does not pick it up quickly, it’s okay, just spend more time teaching him and working through it.  Also, if your dog is not comfortable going up, try putting him on the couch and then seeing if going down is easier than going up.  Some dogs are more comfortable coming down the ramp.  It just depends on the dog.

Be sure to teach the dog to come down the ramp confidently.  Dogs who do not know how to use the ramp may jump over it.

The biggest mistake I see people make when they are shaping a behavior like this is that they want and expect the dog to get it too fast.  You absolutely must move at the dog’s pace. 

While I do use food for this training, I am very careful to train in small enough steps that the dog is never pushed or forced and gets reinforced for every tiny step or move in the right direction.  I want to build this behavior with confidence and allowing the dog to choose helps to do that.

If you have multiple dogs, practice with each of them and see who takes to it the easiest.  Then, you can work with that dog and then let the other dog observe and follow the first dog. 

Some things to keep in mind:

·         Do not ever pressure or force your dog to use the stairs or ramp. 

·         Do not just place the dog on the stairs or ramp, especially if they are uncomfortable with it.  Just being placed onto something you are worried or suspicious about will make the dog feel worried and want to get off of it.  Also, it is a breach of trust, between you and the dog.

·         Take your time and allow your dog to take breaks.

·         Use very high value treats like chicken, cheese or pieces of hot dog.  The pieces should be very small but high value because you want to reinforce every single little move in the right direction.

·         Placing yourself next to the ramp, on the side of it, will help give your dog a sense of security. 

·         If you have a very difficult time with this, start by training your dog to step onto something else such as a step, cushion, aerobic step or some other item that has only level and is not as high first.  Then, try progressing to the ramp or steps.