I am going to buy a dog ramp for my elderly lab for him to get in and out of the Motorhome and to avoid him scratching the door way as he leaps in and out!
I would like to get one that is very light if possible and one that is reasonably compact.
Any of you dog owners use one of these and can you recommend a good one as there is quite a selection to choose from.
Hi Val and Charlie, I looked at these when we got the caravan and a Nissan Terrano to tow it. We have a Greyhound and a Lurcher. Blaze the Greyhound is 9 and George the Lurcher is 11. Neither had a problem getting into the Astra boot with the back seat down but the Terrano is way to high for them. Get a ramp I thought. The price of folding ramps seems to be anything from £40 upwards and being on a pension and a tight so and so, I decided to make one. The end result wasn't too bad (my view, not the Wife's ). Anyway, because the ramp was so steep, even at 6' in length and 18" wide, the Dogs won't use it. Blaze jumps up into the car, George has to be lifted. Only one occasion did I get them to walk (run) up it and they were both scared. We had the same problem with getting them into the caravan, rather jump than use a ramp even though the step was only half the height of the Terrano. End of that idea. After our experiences I can only say, try before you buy if you can. Some old Dogs do not like learning new tricks. (What the Wife says about me as well). Hope you get it sorted, Ray
Ray,know what you mean about old dogs and new tricks!
Charlie is 12 and although quite fit he just launches himself at the motorhome door and does not use the steps as he finds them a bit scary as he can see through the two steps! (What a dope!)
We can see it is beginning to be a problem for him as he "prepares" himself for take off ready to launch himself in to the motorhome!
Thought the ramp may help him ease his way in as opposed to being a cannine missile!!!
I did try him with a cheaper, smaller folding one (which looked a bit like a clothes airer with a removeable washable cover on) first but it was quite flimsy and being a large heavy dog, I think he felt as if it was going to collapse, so he refused to use it. And I mean he really wouldn't use it. He'd sit on the floor and refuse to budge!
I have been looking at these and I wondered if anyone had used them and found them ok but if it worked for Spike then I am sure it will do the trick for Charlie
Thanks for the info,I will get one ordered asap!!!
Val , thankyou for posting this, I have been looking for something for my Stan, he has poorly legs and I have found these links really useful. Thankyou.
And Charlie is gorgeous, What a face, so lovely and cuddly.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Lightweight Dog Ramp
). Anyway, because the ramp was so steep, even at 6' in length and 18" wide, the Dogs won't use it. Blaze jumps up into the car, George has to be lifted. Only one occasion did I get them to walk (run) up it and they were both scared. We had the same problem with getting them into the caravan, rather jump than use a ramp even though the step was only half the height of the Terrano. End of that idea. After our experiences I can only say, try before you buy if you can. Some old Dogs do not like learning new tricks. (What the Wife says about me as well).
.
