Doggie- lovers: what do dogs like? Ramp or step?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the best method for helping a 50lb Black Spitz, primarily German Shepherd, enter a Dodge Journey safely. Users debate the effectiveness of ramps versus steps, highlighting that ramps may require training but can be more suitable for older dogs with mobility issues. Recommendations include using carpeted ramps for better grip and confidence, and various products from Chewy, such as the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp and Heininger Portable Pet SUV Twistep Dog. The consensus is that different dogs have unique preferences, and training is essential for successful use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dog mobility aids
  • Familiarity with dog training techniques
  • Knowledge of ramp construction and design
  • Awareness of pet safety during transportation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the benefits of carpeted ramps for dogs
  • Explore various dog ramp designs and materials
  • Learn about training techniques for dogs to use ramps and steps
  • Investigate additional dog mobility products on platforms like Chewy
USEFUL FOR

Dog owners, pet trainers, and anyone involved in canine mobility solutions will benefit from this discussion, particularly those with older or mobility-challenged dogs.

DaveC426913
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TL;DR
I want to build something to help my poor stumpy-legged dog into the hatch of my car.
This is Luna. She is a 50lb. "Giant" Black Spitz on the outside, though - according to genetic testing - almost entirely German Shepherd on the inside.
She's about nine or eleven now.
Luna wallpaper.jpg


She is juuuuust too short to be able to jump into hatch of my Dodge Journey (where the cage is in the back). I will be transporting her a lot more in the near future and I'd like to ensure it goes safely and without potential injury.

I could, perhaps, being her in through a side door it the back, but that leads to safety/control complications . Back hatch is better - easier to access the cage and leash her.

Which would be better for a dog? A ramp? Or just a step? What do they prefer?

The portable cage itself is about four feet long, so that will inform my dimensions, so I can slap the lift-er-up-er of-choice to the cage for compact storage.

I'm not sure if a 2.5' rise over 4' would be shallow enough, so I could double the length of the ramp to about 8' with a hinged arrangement.

1744505933819.png



Details such as the hinge, attachment points and anti-slip strips/frets(?), etc. can hashed out later.


On the other hand, maybe a step stool is just simpler and more readily available ...
 

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Some dogs seem to not like the ramp:

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Or maybe try a 2-in-1 design:

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TIL I am not the first dog-owner in the world to want a way to get their pet into their vehicle ...

I feel a bit silly... :sorry:
 
jack action said:
Some dogs seem to not like the ramp:
Yes. This I have heard. It's what inspired this thread.
 
Have you tried a carpeted ramp? That will make it a lot easier for her to "hold on" going up and down the ramp. It may also help to have small sides on the ramp to increase her confidence when walking up and down the middle of it. I've made wooden motorcycle ramps in the past by ripping a dado down the middle of a couple of 2x4s and gluing them to the edges of a plywood ramp (forming a basic "I" beam). If you did something similar and tacked some carpet on the top surface, that might make a nice comfortable ramp for her.

Edit/Add -- I think that a carpeted ramp can be a fair amount shorter than a plain ramp, since she can hold on while going up and down the steeper ramp. That should help to fit it in your car.
 
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We had a dog that eventually had extreme hip problems (part pit bull), so she could not deal with stairs well. I made her a ramp out of a sheet of plywood (~ 8 feet by 2.5 feet) with carpet on it so she could go in and out the back door unaided (about 4 steps). This worked great, but is probably too large to carry around in your car. We would just pick her up to get her (~80 lbs) in the car.
 
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BillTre said:
a sheet of plywood (~ 8 feet by 2.5 feet)... is probably too large to carry around in your car.
The cage is about 4 feet long, so my plan for a ramp is to have it hinge to 4 feet long and I can just throw it in next to / on top of the cage.
 
DaveE said:
Most steps you can buy are a bit too small for larger dogs. Different dogs will have different preferences. They will also likely need to be trained a bit to use them easily before you can really tell. Here are some of the most common solutions I see at dog trials.
https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-happy-ride-telescoping-dog/dp/53679
https://www.chewy.com/heininger-portablepet-suv-twistep-dog/dp/159071
https://www.chewy.com/heeyoo-foldable-dog-car-stairs/dp/1825166

There are lots of choices
Thanks, This is a great array of options. Hadn't even thought of using the tow hitch.
 
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  • #10
She's a bit older.. Ramp use will take some training while steps might seem more obvious.
 
  • #11
Cepacia said:
She's a bit older.. Ramp use will take some training while steps might seem more obvious.
Yeah, we took her for some agility training a few years ago, where she learns to navigate an obstacle course, including ramps. Hopefully she hasnt forgotten everything.
 
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BillTre said:
This worked great, but is probably too large to carry around in your car. We would just pick her up to get her (~80 lbs) in the car.
Why not try a number of ramp lengths or even a telescopic arrangement, to vary the length and find the shortest ramp that doggie could manage. An experiment involving doggie treats could be arranged.