Thanks...I help Coal in and out when I get ahold of him as he is not particularly thrilled with my command, "I'll help." I have a nice aluminum ramp, but you'd think the dogs view it as the entrance to the Inferno. Dante, in his book "Dante's Inferno" has a sign at the portal to that final place for many, "All Who Enter Here Forsake All Hope." That is true. Pic...Mr. Coal checking out something that might be "construed as a treat".View attachment 60628
I use a ramp for Kryten, he has never been a jumper. With his elbows I wouldn't want him jumping out anyway. Jiggers has springs instead of bones in his legs so he jumps in and out.
Denna could hop into the back of the Subaru when she was younger, and was great at climbing into our F350 using the running boards - but then she did jump out - which I could see was a bit jarring on the front leg & shoulder joints.
Since she tore her CCL (back right) in 2016, so she doesn't jump in anymore. She could climb in the side-door of the Subaru fine, and the F350 running boards were still ok, with a "boost" to the back end to get her all the way up.
Recently, the Subaru was traded in on a used Acura MDX, which is too tall, and doesn't have running boards (yet - I plan to add some soon)... It's WAY too far for her to jump down - she did once, I will advise against that for all future rides! We have a "solveit" ramp that will be going in the car from now on... unless we can figure out something that takes up less space... we do have a plastic box in the back to hold various supplies, maybe we could trade that in on something sturdy enough for her to use as a step... hmmm... might have to think about that idea. It would have to be big enough that Denna would feel comfortable hopping DOWN on it, too.
This is the ramp we got (based on reviews here on the forum)
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Solvit-Extra-Long-Telescoping-Inclines/dp/B0016HPTFW
I set it up in the back yard, and Denna took right to it. All the "socialization" work we did with agility equipment in her youth certainly comes in handy when introducing new stuff for her to walk on/over/under now.
I can tell you it works for a 200 lbs dog and other than a few scratches and dirt it is the same as when I bought it 6 years ago.We have been using the same ramp and have been very satisfied. However, it is relatively large (bulky) and heavy. I have walked it up and down myself (165lbs) and it is extremely robust. The price seems to be high but it‘s probably the best ramp you can find for an EM.
Someone tell me about the steps to get into the vehicle....sounds like a great idea, and I will try to sell my alum ramp. Thanks for the tip, as always.
I vaguely remember the 165 days.We have been using the same ramp and have been very satisfied. However, it is relatively large (bulky) and heavy. I have walked it up and down myself (165lbs) and it is extremely robust. The price seems to be high but it‘s probably the best ramp you can find for an EM.
Pricey little suckers, huh? I'm sure these would be the ticket, however. I have an aluminum ramp, foldable, and quite a nice one. I have to use the "Jaws of Life", a "bosch pneumatic air hammer", a 1/4 stick of dynamite, and a loggers' "come-along" to get the dogs to use the thing, however. Steps would be better...maybe I can sell the ramp! Pic is Chev "kissing" my oldest grandson.There are several kinds. Your vehicle doesn't look at high as my SUV or my daughters' Jeeps, so you may not need as many steps. Here are a couple of options for you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFXD0IE/ref=twister_B00MFWVEEC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Solvit-PetSa...25345202&sr=1-1&keywords=hitch+steps+for+pets
https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Gear-Standing-Lightweight-Easy-Fold/dp/B016OH4V48/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1525345357&sr=1-1&keywords=Pet+Gear+Free-Standing+Foldable+Pet+Stairs,+Chocolate
Take a look around Amazon. There's a hitch step that is just one step, if that's all you need. Make sure to check the weight limit. I'm going to have my husband make me something like the platforms in the last link. I think the width will make Ella feel more stable using them.