I think I'm gonna need steps

[Kody]

Hi all,
If you look at my avatar you will see a beautiful big puppy, she is 6 years old but has a small (?) problem. Because of her problem, I also have a problem. It's very difficult for Kody to jump up into the cabin and to lift her into the cabin is very difficult for me. Kody is 75 pounds and I am 70 years old. My sweetie would also like to be able to enter and exit the cabin with a minimum of difficulty. The only way I can find a solution to this problem is to use a set of steps.
How have you guys designed a set of steps to enter and exit the cabin? Kody's problem is that she is terrified of open steps and I hope to be able to train her to walk up steps without fear. Even for us, being able to use some steps would be fabulous as we could ensure that we don't track mud and dirt into the cabin. The thought of carting a set of steps around is just gross! Where would you store and carry such a monsteroid? If I were to go Tear-dropping on my own, there would be no problem but going away on my own would result in my rapid demise. If/when I am able to train Kody to walk up the steps, she will also stand on the steps for me and I can wash each paw in a bowl of water. How have you guys made and carried steps? Are they worth the time to build?

[bc toys]

I was reading your problem and got to thinking a ramp would work good for your dog you can put a strip of indoor outdoor carpet on it and the feet can be clean some watt. Well thats my thought on it hope it helps you

[bobhenry]

Yep my old wobbly legs need a bit of help too. Here are the steps to barn to be wild.



I have recently pressed them into service at the observation platform on the caboose....



And here are the bigger ones for the side door of the caboose....



They are simply a 2x6 box on another 2x6 box. The barn unit might weigh about 15 pounds max and are the last thing loaded and the 1st thing unloaded.

Here is the boss lady snoozing in the barn.....



She scampers in and out of the barn and the caboose at will and she's an old fart too.

[S. Heisley]

I was reading your problem and got to thinking a ramp would work good for your dog you can put a strip of indoor outdoor carpet on it and the feet can be clean some watt. Well thats my thought on it hope it helps you

...Exactly! That's what you find most in the pet catalogs; but, being handy, you can make one. (They are pricey in the catalog.) Also, a ramp takes up less space and is easier to build than steps. Because it'll be out in the weather sometimes, I would look for some grooved or stubbled rubber to put on top of it. They make slip-free strips just for that purpose, too. But, first, maybe build the ramp and see if you can get your pooch to use it.

[stumphugger]

My 80 pound boy was sore from an injury. He was able to get in and out of the tear by using a ramp. Earlier, I broke down and bought one. It was on sale but I still felt foolish for buying it. A ramp is easier than steps for him when he's stove up.

The ramp is lightweight, and telescopes in and out. It is about 3 or 4 feet long when in the compacted shape. It telescopes out to about 7 feet. It is plastic, with non skid sandpaper-like stuff on the part for walking on. He learned to use it quickly. He's an avid tennis ball retriever so I used that to get him on the ramp. Originally, the purpose was to use it to get him in the back of the pickup.

They sell them at petsmart. The ramps are not cheap. But if you are like me, I would not be able to come up with such a light weight one or figure out how to do the telescoping part.

[Kody]

Hi guys
Thanks for the info and ideas. I will check out making a ramp and see if I can design one that either folds up or telescopes. Storage will be bit of a problen so I will also look at seeing if I can make it slide out from under the trailer frame. The big advantage of having it sliding out is the convenience of storage but that creates another problem. The ramp will collect all the dirt, mud and weather if under the frame. I'll work on it, I might be able to slide it into an enclosed box/draw arrangement. Will let you all know how I do it.
The things you do when you love your fur kid to bits.

Kody

[mikeschn]

How about a version of this, which you could store on the bed, or even under the mattress?

As long as it's narrower than the door, and shorter than the width of the trailer, it should work!



Mike...

[Miriam C.]

Ramps work! You can make some clips to hold it under the TD, over the top or on the front. If it is on the front it will deflect some bugs too.