Actually, the healthiest option for labs of all ages is to use ramps instead of jumping. Jumping at any age causes stress on a dog's joints (especially when they land - jumping down from a higher surface is even harder on their doggie bodies) and can contribute to health issues later on in life so most vets recommend you start using a ramp for getting in and out of the vehicle at an early age. 

You may already know that many labs are predisposed to hip dysplasia and other joint issues. While some of these issues unfortunately can't be avoided, you can still take action to help make things easier on your lab before the problems begin. 


The earlier you start, the sooner you can start taking unnecessary stress off your lab's joints, making things that much easier on their body as they age. And even if they are already showing signs of stiffness and hesitancy to jump, all is not lost. You can still help them.

Can old dogs learn new tricks? 

Many people say it’s easier to train a younger dog and develop the habit early so if by a couple years old, they are already used to walking up and down a ramp instead of jumping, they will have those good habits for life (which is especially helpful as they age). There is a lot to be said for training a lab to use a ramp while they are still young. However, if your lab is already up there in years, it's not too late for them. Even older dogs can learn to use ramps with a little patience (and treats) so if your older fur kid isn’t ramp-trained yet, it is by no means too late. 

Let me expand on that a little more. First things first, a ramp should ideally hold 150 lbs. Obviously, most labs don't weigh that much, but one of the most important things you can do is choose a sturdy ramp for your lab. Choosing a ramp that can handle more weight than you need means the ramp will be plenty strong and will help your lab feel more secure while they are learning to use it. 

Next up, look for a ramp that folds. This makes travel a whole lot easier and means the ramp won't take up seating in your vehicle. You can just fold it up, put it in the back of your vehicle, and go. No loss of seating or re-configuring needed and it's there when you need it.

That brings me to my next point. A good ramp should be lightweight and easy to set up. Some ramps may be strong, but they are back-breakers when you need to set them up. This is one of my favorites. Weighing just 12 lbs, it's easy to maneuver and won't break your back. 

Lastly, a good ramp should have a weatherproof surface. Whether it's a rainy day or your lab is using the ramp after a day at the lake, having a skid-resistant surface will help their paws get good traction no matter what and as a result, will help them feel that much better about using the ramp.