[Dailydrool] Getting a hound to use a ramp

[Pamela McQuade]

It's a bit scary for hound to use a ramp at first, but forcing him is unlikely to help. Instead, use that hound nose to help you. Take a really, really good treat (maybe chicken?) that your hound usually adores. Place bits of the treat along the ramp, maybe two feet apart, with the last one at the bottom of the ramp. As the hound scarfs up the treat bits, he will suddenly find himself at the bottom of the ramp. Repeat in reverse to get the hound up the ramp. Do this until the hound is comfortable doing it on his own.
 
It may take a while for the hound to get used to it, but it should work. If there's a problem, try putting treats every foot or so. Eventually those fears should disappear.
 
This is how we taught our Abner, who was very shaky in the back end after surgery, to use his ramp into the van. Only because he knew the ramp usually meant a vet visit, we always had to use treats to get him into his crate there. When he came home, he usually raced down on his own. We had no trouble at all getting him to use the ramp we had built up to our front door. I think the hounds see it more or less as a playground apparatus.
 
If you have problems, just be patient. Let him take his time. Forcing him will just make him more fearful.
Pam, food slave to the Dashing Bassets, who have all used a ramp
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