We have a nearly 10 yr old golden who sometimes struggles to jump into the back of our estate. Sometimes it’s her being stubborn and sometimes she genuinely struggles. We would like her to get used to a ramp before she needs to, if you know what I mean. Can anyone recommend a lightweight ramp which will hold her 30kgs and is extendable. Thanks in advance.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Looked at ramps a couple of times for friends dogs, (a fat Lab, and a BIG Rotty cross) not all ramps are equal!
Dogs often don't like the 'flex/bounce' in some of the lighter ramps as they walk on them, and the surface grip of some is not all it could be, the dog, especially if a little unsteady gets un-nerved by slipping feet!
In terms of weight capacity, I'd go way over what the dog weighs to minimise the flex, the 'grippyness' is not so easy to judge on specification alone.
We've had a few ramps gifted over the years to the rescue charity I volunteer for, in virtually unused condition as owners dogs refused to use them because of either the 'bounce' or the slippy surface, and that's been relatively lightweight Border Collies!
The really good ramps are not cheap! And remember it has to fit in the car, so needs to be suitably compact in folded state. If possible 'try before you buy'. In general terms, found the all plastic ramps some of the worst!
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 04/1/2024
Looked at ramps a couple of times for friends dogs, (a fat Lab, and a BIG Rotty cross) not all ramps are equal!
Dogs often don't like the 'flex/bounce' in some of the lighter ramps as they walk on them, and the surface grip of some is not all it could be, the dog, especially if a little unsteady gets un-nerved by slipping feet!
In terms of weight capacity, I'd go way over what the dog weighs to minimise the flex, the 'grippyness' is not so easy to judge on specification alone.
We've had a few ramps gifted over the years to the rescue charity I volunteer for, in virtually unused condition as owners dogs refused to use them because of either the 'bounce' or the slippy surface, and that's been relatively lightweight Border Collies!
The really good ramps are not cheap! And remember it has to fit in the car, so needs to be suitably compact in folded state. If possible 'try before you buy'. In general terms, found the all plastic ramps some of the worst!
Thanks for the advice, I’ll certainly try to try before I buy!
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
A friend's elderly dog refused to use the ramp when she first got it, so she used food trail on the ram with roast chicken or cocktail sausages, and it worked!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Saw one not a fortnight since. Didnt actually know they were a thing. But, i suppose if the owners crocked, and the dog not much better, there arent that many ways to get the dog towards a yard up into a boot.
My mate travels with his dogs; mrs in the passenger seat, biggish Lab and a Spaniel round her feet in the footwell. And its only a bit of a Honda saloon. One half-decent smash, and all three will struggle to come away unscathed. Madness!
I used one of these for my old girl when her arthritis got the better of her. A little expensive, but very good quality and practical. Highly recommended. Didn't take her very long at all to get used to it with some encouragement with treats.
Used it to get into the camper too, when even that step became too much. (shh, don't notice she's on the bed ha ha - yes I'm guilty, I lifted her up there)
The girls have a crate in the back of our estate which they have used for travelling since they were pups. We have recently had to buy rear seatbelt restraints as our golden had surgery and the cone of shame wouldn’t fit in the crate! 🤣
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Quote: Originally posted by Webmaster on 05/1/2024
I used one of these for my old girl when her arthritis got the better of her. A little expensive, but very good quality and practical. Highly recommended. Didn't take her very long at all to get used to it with some encouragement with treats.
Used it to get into the camper too, when even that step became too much. (shh, don't notice she's on the bed ha ha - yes I'm guilty, I lifted her up there)
And even to get up the garden steps
This is what i saw. Reminiscent of the ramps for wheelchairs at rail stations. It was up into a 4 x 4 though. I would think there would be a 'steepness' limit, as some dogs wouldnt have made it i dont think.
This is what i saw. Reminiscent of the ramps for wheelchairs at rail stations. It was up into a 4 x 4 though. I would think there would be a 'steepness' limit, as some dogs wouldnt have made it i dont think.
Yes it was steeper when used with my Q7 although I usually lowered the car suspension height to make it easier. Unfortunately haven't got any photos. But for a standard estate car and most 4 x 4s would be fine . You can shorten the length or use it at full telescopic extension to make the angle less steep depending on your requirements.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Dog ramps
via mobile 04/1/2024 at 4:46pm
