Table of Contents
- 1 Dachshund Ramp—Everything You Need to Know
- 1.1 What Is a Dog Ramp?
- 1.2 Which Dog Ramp Should I Purchase for My Dachshund?
- 1.2.1 Best Overall: DachRamp
- 1.2.2 Runner-Up: DoggoRamps—Bed Ramp for Small Dogs
- 1.2.3 Second Runner-Up: PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp
- 1.3 How to Train a Dachshund to Use the Ramp?
- 1.4 How to Make a Positive Association With the Ramp?
- 1.4.1 I Am Not a Cat, But This String Is Fun!
- 1.4.2 Shake That Bag!
- 1.4.3 Always by Your Side!
- 1.5 Why Is It Necessary for a Dachshund to Use a Dog Ramp?
- 1.6 In a Nutshell
- 1.7 And Check These Cuties Out
- 1.8 References
- 1.8.1 Share this post:
Dachshund Ramp—Everything You Need to Know
Image source: thedoexieworld
Are you looking for the best Dachshund ramp around? You’ve come to the right place. A Dachshund is a stubborn little punk. The sofa could be Mount Everest from their point of view, and yet, these daredevils will still try to reach the top. It’s a good thing they believe in themselves, but they can be quite a handful—and here’s why.
Dachs have long bodies and short legs, which makes them susceptible to back issues. Even if you have a perfectly healthy pooch sausaging around your house, you need to take preventive measures to keep them healthy and strong throughout life.
Watch Dr. Ross’s Review on Dog Ramps
What Is a Dog Ramp?
We see our dogs as family members, but they should not be treated as humans. Your sweetheart is a four-legged beastie, which means they can’t perform the same actions as you can, as much as they would love to. Our task as dog owners are to adjust our homes to their needs so that they could grow in a healthy environment.
A dog ramp is an auxiliary tool intended for puppies, grandpa doggos, canines with arthritis, but also for small breed pooches who have a genetic predisposition for health issues, such as Dachshunds.
The owners should opt for purchasing the ramp even if their pooch is in good shape, as it can make their lives a lot easier. Indoor and outdoor ramps minimize your pooch’s need to jump, and thus:
- Protect their spine
- Protect their bones
- Keep the joints healthy
Which Dog Ramp Should I Purchase for My Dachshund?
Even though it seems to be a simple product, you need to choose it wisely. Since Doxie’s spine barely stands even a small bent, you should choose the ramp that doesn’t have steep incline and can reach your car or a piece of furniture.
The sturdier a ramp you buy, the more comfortable your Doxie will feel on it. Don’t purchase slippery ramps—not only will your pooch feel unsafe, but they will also be exposed to falling off of it and gaining injuries.
Once you enter the shop, you will have three options before you:
- Metal ramp
- Wooden ramp
- Plastic ramp
They all have their advantages and downsides.
The metal ramp is the most stable and comfortable. Dogs enjoy it, but the owners sometimes find it too heavy to carry around everywhere. These ramps should not be left in the rain, as metal ramps rust in contact with water.
The wooden ramp is also rather stable. In case this ramp is too slippery for your pooch, you can consider carpeting it with non-slippery material. Do not just cover it with rags, because the rags will only contribute to their instability.
The plastic ramp is suitable as it can’t get rusty. It is not heavy, but it does lack stability. Small breed dogs, such as Doxies, can use the plastic ramp safely.
In order to choose the best one for your lovely Doxie, we sought help from experts and dog shop owners who have a lot of experience with these ramps. We also checked online reviews to make sure we don’t miss out on anything important.
Our task is to find the best product for your pooch on the market, and present it to you. There’s nothing that would make us happier than knowing that your pooch is growing healthy in a safe environment.
Below, you will see our suggestions for a perfect Dachshund dog ramp.
| Alpha Paw Picks | Ramp | Rating |
| Best overall | DachRamp | 4.9 |
| Runner-up | The DoggoRamp | 4.8 |
| Second runner-up | PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp | 4.7 |
Best Overall: DachRamp
Image source: alphapaw
If you want your pooch to get to the bed with ease, here’s a perfect, high-quality solution for you! This is a unique, non-slip dog ramp, made from wood. It’s stable and comfortable enough for your lovely Doxie.
DachRamp comes in four adjustable heights. It will provide your pooch with the independence to get up and down the ramp themselves. The padding gives them a soft surface to walk on but also enables them to grip without sliding due to the rigid carpet.
Lots of satisfied customers are thrilled with the ramp. It is suitable for both healthy and injured Doxies. Your canine is safe to use even after surgeries.
Our ramps are portable and lightweight. You won’t mind carrying them around the whole day. AlphaPaw ramps are our number one choice.
Runner-Up: DoggoRamps—Bed Ramp for Small Dogs
Image source: doggoramps
Here’s one more ramp that’s made for small breed canines. It is suitable for dogs under 40lbs, which makes it perfect for Dachshunds.
The ramp is made of furniture-grade hardwood, and it is extremely sturdy. Anchor rope provides extra safety. The DoggoRamp has an anti-slip surface, which will prevent falling off the ramp.
You can order it in five colors, and match it with other furniture in your home. This way, not only will your pooch enjoy the ramp, but you will love it too.
Second Runner-Up: PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp
Image source: amazon
If you need a dog ramp for your vehicle, here’s a solution. PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp can be used for cars, trucks, and minivans. It has adjustable sizing, which means that you can change its steep incline according to your Dachshund’s needs.
It is not heavy to carry around, although it’s made of strong aluminum. The surface is tailored to prevent slipping. The ramp is easy to use, clean, and store.
How to Train a Dachshund to Use the Ramp?
Dachshund training requires getting into their personality. Sometimes they can be challenging and sneaky, but you shouldn’t let their small size fool you. Throughout centuries, they have developed lots of courage and independence while fighting with pests.
To train them to obey your rules, you will need to stick to some guidelines. If you are persistent enough, both you and your pooch can have a lot of fun. It doesn’t matter if you are raising newborn puppies or older canines, the training techniques are the same.
- The goal of each practice is to do it as often as you can. Each dog needs a different amount of time to get used to new things, but keep the training as repetitive as possible. Teaching your Dachs to use a ramp is a specific training exercise, as they don’t see any problem in jumping around the house. It will probably take some time for your demand to sink in.
- Keep the training sessions short, up to 15 minutes. If you prolong them, your pooch will lose interest. Your goal is to see a little improvement after each training and show lots of encouragement each time they complete the task successfully.
- Make sure the ramp is mounted properly and that your dog can go up and down safely. If the ramp falls during the training session, your Dachs will associate it with fear and be less likely to approach it again. Once you place a ramp on a desirable place, let the games begin!
How to Make a Positive Association With the Ramp?
Image source: thedoxieworld
Before putting the ramp against a bed or a sofa, we advise you to get your pup used to it on a flat surface. It’s important to let your dog create a positive association towards new objects they should use, as Dachshunds have a fear of the unknown. If they start barking at it, there are some hard feelings there.
Don’t pull the ramp across the floor once you have placed it. Your sausage roll will get scared of the noise it’s making and associate it with harsh and unpleasant sounds. Don’t lift the ramp suddenly above their heads, or they will think of it as a danger or an enemy.
What you’re hoping for is their interaction with the ramp. If your dog approaches it and starts sniffing, praise them. You can also place the treat on the ramp, but don’t do this too often, because the main goal is for your canine to approach it on their own.
After sniffing, wait for them to touch the ramp with their paws. The more they interact with the ramp, the more dog treats, praise, and gifts they should get. Once the positive association has been made, you can place the ramp against the object.
We advise you to start with objects that are not too high. Dogs can get scared of heights, and if they feel the ramp is too steep, they will hardly approach it. Below, you will find several methods on how to get your pooch to come up or down the leaned ramp.
I Am Not a Cat, But This String Is Fun!
You can tie a string around their treat, and pull it up and down the ramp. If your pup doesn’t follow the string, it means they are not hungry, so try again after an hour or two. The ramp should not be too steep. Try to purchase the ramp that will be suitable for your canine’s size. Once your pooch follows the string successfully, let them eat their price. If you give them too big a treat, they will munch on it for too long. This way, your Dachs can lose focus on the activity, which will only prolong the training process. So, keep the treats small.
Shake That Bag!
Sit on the bed, near the top of the ramp, and encourage your pooch to climb up. Use your hands to call them to come to you. Shake a bag of treats and give them one once they reach the top.
IVDD Survivor Story – Hannah & Louis
If they are hesitant about coming up, lower the bar. Try to get them to make only one step on the ramp, and as soon as they do it, give them their praise. Don’t rush your pooch if they are not ready. Adjust to their pace. Repeat the same method for coming down.
Always by Your Side!
This is a method that we call—a pre-ramp training. Put your Dachs on a leash and walk around the house or your yard. Teach your pooch to walk by your side, and don’t let them walk you. Praise them every time they stop walking when you stop.
You can repeat this exercise several times before you finally move it to the ramp. Be careful — if you hold the leash in your right hand while walking, once you come to the ramp, it needs to be on your right side, too.
Start from the bottom of the ramp and have your pooch on the leash next to you. Start walking by the ramp. If your pooch reaches the top, praise them. If not, get back to walking for a while or try again later.
Why Is It Necessary for a Dachshund to Use a Dog Ramp?
Image source: thedoxieworld
Lots of dog owners aren’t aware of how fragile the Dachshunds’ backs are. Even if you are an owner of this lovely breed for quite a while, what you read here may come as a surprise to you. Our team of veterinarians strongly recommends purchasing the dog ramp as soon as your sausage crosses the threshold. Here’s what causes back issues:
- Aging
- Acute injury
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Aging brings bone frailness. The Wiener Dogs develop back problems because of their genetic predisposition, and most of them end up with some condition due to their hectic lifestyle. In translation, don’t let them party too much in their youth, or it will backfire disastrously later. Typical stairs can put enormous pressure on your pooch’s back. The dog ramp is there to minimize their abrupt moves.
Injuries are dangerous for all pups, but Dachs get them more easily than others. Just like other dogs, these beautiful wiener woofers like to jump, but one clumsy landing is enough to change their lives for good. The ramp will reduce their attempts at jumping. The most critical points that you need to be on the lookout from are:
- Jumping on house furniture
- Jumping in and out of a car
- Going up and down the stairs
Intervertebral Disc Disease is a condition that makes spinal disk age more rapidly than in other dogs, and it affects Dachshunds more than any other breed. Dachshund pups are prone to IVDD, due to their elongated bodies.
Every fourth wiener dog develops the disc disease, which every owner must know before welcoming this gorgeous canine in their home.
If IDD is left untreated, this condition can lead to paralysis and shorten your Dachshund’s lifespan. The treatment costs an arm and a leg, and your doggo can go through lots of hardships. In the worst-case scenario, they could end up getting surgery, which is stressful for both the owner and a dog.
Even if these pups seem to be jumping with ease, that doesn’t mean that their bodies don’t feel the pressure. It’s essential to relieve stress from their back before they start feeling any symptoms. The ramp is an excellent solution that can protect your Dachs from developing back issues. You need to take care of these Dachshund canines, as they are incredibly delicate.
In a Nutshell
You might find it challenging to get your Doxie used to the ramp at first, but once they start using it on their own, you will have a wonderful time with them. Adjust to your pooch’s pace, and they will grow to love their ramp eventually.
So, be patient and loving with your sausage roll. We wish you a happy ramping!
And Check These Cuties Out
If you are a Doxie lover, but still not sure which breed to welcome to your home, take a look at our table below—you might fall in love with some of these adorable Doxie mixes.
| Dachshund Pug mix | Dachshund Lab mix | Dachshund Beagle mix |
| Dachshund Golden Retriever mix | Dachshund Pitbull mix | Dachshund Corgi mix |
| Chihuahua Dachshund mix | Jack Russell Dachshund mix | Dachshund Poodle mix |
| Dachshund Yorkie mix | German Shepherd Dachshund mix | Dachshund Terrier mix |
| Pomeranian Dachshund mix | Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix | Shih Tzu Dachshund mix |
| Min Pin Dachshund mix | Basset Hound Dachshund mix | Dachshund Husky mix |
| Maltese Dachshund mix | Dachshund Dalmatian mix | Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix |
| Border Collie Dachshund mix | Rottweiler Dachshund mix | Doberman Dachshund mix |
| Papillon Dachshund mix | Rat Terrier Dachshund mix | Italian Greyhound Dachshund mix |
| Bulldog Dachshund mix | Blue Heeler Dachshund mix | Boxer Dachshund mix |
| Great Dane Dachshund mix | French Bulldog Dachshund mix | Weimaraner Dachshund mix |
| Dachshund Boston Terrier mix | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dachshund mix | Cairn Terrier Dachshund mix |
| Shiba Inu Dachshund mix | Dachshund Bichon mix | Pekingese Dachshund mix |
| Schnauzer Dachshund mix | English Cream Dachshund |
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
- Jensen, V. F., and K. A. Christensen. “Inheritance of Disc Calcification in the Dachshund.” Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, vol. 47, no. 6, 2000, pp. 331–340., doi:10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00297.x.
- Beauchesne, Ryan. Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire. St. Martins Griffin, 2015.
