Getting EM into my vehicle... any vehicle!

[Cory Michael]

Hey all. New to the forum but long time EM owner. So, to start, I hope everyone is doing well out there.

I've been the proud lover of every EM I've had over the years. Each have been a little different in what they love and what they don't but consistent in the fact they are (IMO) the best breed in the world! (I'm prejudiced)

In the past, I've always introduced them to the car early in life and almost had to limit their jumping in and out of my vehicles. I did that with my Samson when he was young but as he's gotten older, he just refuses. He's not super afraid of it... he just doesn't try anymore. He's also perfectly heathy and no issues to speak of (he's 3 years old). No bad encounters with a vehicle either.

He doesn't want to have anything to do with a ramp or my truck, despite working with him the past year on getting used to the ramp, carpeting it, buying longer ones, using steps, etc. I feel like I've tried it all but I know I haven't. So, I bought a Chrysler Pacifica minivan just for him thinking it would be easier all around and it is... for my other dog (Pyreneese) who would jump into a semi without questioning it. I'm now considering a Toy Hauler with a large back ramp and converting it have AC. The things we do for our dogs!

So, I guess I'm just checking to see if anyone has had similar encounters with their EM and had to get creative. I thought about a mobility van with large/wide ramp. I've even thought about using an engine hoist but considering I'd need one everywhere I take him, that might be out.

I have 10 acres I just bought out in the country and need him to come along as I can't leave him home alone nor would I want to. Thing is, he loves people like most EM's. And he's just fantastic dog all around and my best buddy. Without getting crazy and buying a $50k mobility vehicle just for him (my limit is $30k), anyone have any out of the box ideas or experience aside from constant training/work? The training/work is always ongoing. I need something more immediate.

Thanks in advance and happy holidays!

 

[Boxergirl]

Welcome to the forum. Have you looked at extra wide stairs? Pet Loader is the one I've used. Expensive, but worth it.

 

[Cory Michael]

Welcome to the forum. Have you looked at extra wide stairs? Pet Loader is the one I've used. Expensive, but worth it.

Thank you and I appreciate the response! Yeah I looked at Pet Loader but it didn't seem to be quite as functional for an 18" height into the minivan. But, I'll try anything. The dimensions show 26 × 10.5 × 24 but listed as an 18" platform. Wondering how wide they are? I certainly don't mind the price considering I spent $30k on a minivan solely for him. Lol. I'd dance a jig if he would get into my truck which is only about 20" high to the floor board.

 

[Boxergirl]

Thank you and I appreciate the response! Yeah I looked at Pet Loader but it didn't seem to be quite as functional for an 18" height into the minivan. But, I'll try anything. The dimensions show 26 × 10.5 × 24 but listed as an 18" platform. Wondering how wide they are? I certainly don't mind the price considering I spent $30k on a minivan solely for him. Lol. I'd dance a jig if he would get into my truck which is only about 20" high to the floor board.

Also take a peek on Amazon. I had a set of extra wide stairs in my wishlist but didn't end up needing them. The weight limit was good for an EM. I was going to make my own nesting boxes, but they weren't practical to take in a Jeep along with a very big dog.

 

[Boxergirl]

Or something like this? My girl would have done these, especially because the back isn't open. That was a problem for her.

https://smile.amazon.com/Pet-Gear-S...92184&pd_rd_wg=sM6NG&pd_rd_i=B016OH4V48&psc=1

 

[Michele]

Bring some "high value" treats to tempt him as you try to get him into the vehicle.

 

[Jo-Anne]

We just park out truck so the back is low enough and I toss in a treat he like then he jumps in on his own. At first he also did not want to even climb into my car

 

[Smokeycat]

I know with Kryten (EM) I had problems when he associated the car with going somewhere that he didn't want to go instead of somewhere fun. He has elbow dysplasia and for several months was on medical restrictions where the only time he left the yard was to go to the vet. He was almost impossible to get into the vehicle. We literally had to lift him 1 leg at a time or shove him up the ramp. Once we could start going 'fun' places again he started to get better and while he never resumed the eagerness to get in the car if it was just him he will climb in on his own when told to. If the other dog is there he climbs right in.

 

[Seona90]

Aw man. I had/have this problem with mine. She won't ride in the boot even though its equipped for her, she sits on the back seats instead. It was hard for her to get in to the back, even though she can jump on my bed (which is higher) perfectly fine. She is fine with it now with a bit of encouragement as she knows she's going out somewhere fun so she always sniffs about the car to get in.