Loading ramp training

[Johnsonmichael527]

A little back ground on me and my dog training experience. In my last career I helped trained hunting labs for a well renowned trainer. Our dogs have won many retriever trials and are outstanding hunters. I know the EM is a highly intelligent and stubborn breed. And that I have to learn how to train him as much as he needs to learn what I'm teaching.

My little boy boy is 6.5 months and is gingerly tipping the scale at 135lbs. And getting him in and out of the truck is increasingly get more difficult. We recently bought a ramp to assist with getting him in and out of the truck. He is not fond of it at all. Terrified would be a great term to describe it. We have tried his favorite treats lined up the ramp. We have tried getting his little brother to use. The fearless beagle runs up and down it. And Declan just watches him and walks away. I know this is getting to be the rebellious stage and it is the most impressionable age. Anyone have any pointers.

 

[TylerDurden]

I‘ve heard of people placing it on the ground/floor (flat) initially to get them used to it. We have some stairs that lead into our backyard and have placed the ramp there for convenience and training purposes. He has picked it up very quickly, as it allowed him to access the yard much quicker and easier. Ever since, he has been used to it. Same concept for the cars. Treats definitely do help as well.

 

[Johnsonmichael527]

I‘ve heard of people placing it on the ground/floor (flat) initially to get them used to it. We have some stairs that lead into our backyard and have placed the ramp there for convenience and training purposes. He has picked it up very quickly, as it allowed him to access the yard much quicker and easier. Ever since, he has been used to it. Same concept for the cars. Treats definitely do help as well.

That's a good idea. Maybe if we can get him used to it on flat then gradually increase the angle he will learn to use it.

 

[TylerDurden]

That's a good idea. Maybe if we can get him used to it on flat then gradually increase the angle he will learn to use it.

I would definitely give it a try. What‘s the surface material like? I know that most ramps are made of relatively rough (sand paper?) to prevent them from falling/slipping. He might not like the feeling of walking on it. I‘m sure he will be fine eventually after some time walking on it.

 

[Johnsonmichael527]

I would definitely give it a try. What‘s the surface material like? I know that most ramps are made of relatively rough (sand paper?) to prevent them from falling/slipping. He might not like the feeling of walking on it. I‘m sure he will be fine eventually after some time walking on it.

This one has the sand paint like material. We have some artificial turf we are going to put on it and try that out