taking the dogs camping

[Platokidd]

Looking for some ideas here...
We have a 14yr golden with bad hips and a basset mixed with a rottweiler we think. Looks like a dogs head on cows body with pigs legs His belly drags just getting up the stairs at home coz he is so fat and has no ground clearance..

Anyway they have a tough time getting in the truck or the camper. We do have a extra portable step to assist them. But its difficult for them so we just more often then not leave them at home.

Any body else had / have this problem?? Were looking for a fix.

[Weezer]

Looks like a dogs head on cows body with pigs legs His belly drags just getting up the stairs at home coz he is so fat and has no ground clearance..



OK, this is one time when I know I shouldn't, but I literally was LMAO here!



Our Fred is one of those dogs that draws attention. People want to know what kind of dog is that!

We're told he's half poodle and half doxy. Imagine a standard sized doxy with an Irish Setter coat...not ONE hint of poodle to be seen. I think he's gorgeous and others must think the same thing, as they ask where they can get a dog like him. Sorry, he's one of a kind. I've often said that if we had money to burn, he'd be the ONE dog I'd consider having cloned.

Oh, yeah, I'm with ya on the low ground clearance. DH has to keep the back yard mowed close in the summer time, or Fred gets his undercarriage wet from the dew. Lord help us if it rains and DH hasn't mowed in a week. Fred high centers on things quite often.

[Weezer]

As far as a "fix"? We just pick Fred up and hoist him in.

We did put the stick-down carpet stair mats in the 5er.

Two reasons; so his toe nails don't scratch the wood, and to give him traction.

He has an odd way of getting up and down things. He backs off and "cocks himself" then lunges at what ever he's trying to get up to.

[JohnandPandra]

Look into a Pet Step. Its a small folding ramp that dogs can use going into the trailer. Several brands and types, just have to see your needs.

[Weezer]

You need to post a picture of that dog/cow/pig! would that be a docopi?

[Witch Doctor]

Look up Dr. Foster Smith on the web. They have all kinds of ramps that would be easier then steps for them. They have both metal and plastic that fold up. We have been pondering it ourselves being our Brittany (Archie) is starting to show his age. But we will not leave him at home, he loves camping and the woods and go's nuts on the beach.

[Platokidd]

Thanks all! I show fdw and see what she wants to do. Weezer I will have to post a pic of docopi

[jeeplj8]

With my 13 year old lab we play the wheelbarrow game. I grab his back legs and lift and he walks up with his front. Not sure how much longer that will work, or how long he will be with us.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

Look up Dr. Foster Smith on the web. They have all kinds of ramps that would be easier then steps for them. They have both metal and plastic that fold up. We have been pondering it ourselves being our Brittany (Archie) is starting to show his age. But we will not leave him at home, he loves camping and the woods and go's nuts on the beach.

Good idea. They have all types of helpful devices. I agree that the ramps would probably be a good bet for the OP's dogs, as it sounds like they may have trouble with the booster steps.

[Lynkage]

While our dog is young, I could not bear to leave him home because he just loves to go camping. So many new smells that he just goes wild when we get the ATV's out or open up the camper.

Docopi!! love it!!

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by Lynkage

While our dog is young, I could not bear to leave him home because he just loves to go camping. So many new smells that he just goes wild when we get the ATV's out or open up the camper.

Docopi!! love it!!

Yeah. We got involved in camping specifically because we wanted to travel with our dogs. They used to stay home at the kennel while we traveled on cruise ships or airliners.

Now we don't leave home without them. More fun for us and for them. And traveling is so much less of a hassle. We know whose pillow we're putting our heads on, and we don't mind sharing that pillow with a dog.

[Campin Cajun]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

a basset mixed with a rottweiler we think. Looks like a dogs head on cows body with pigs legs His belly drags just getting up the stairs at home coz he is so fat and has no ground clearance....

I'm gonna need to see pics of this...........please.

[Weezer]

Darn, every time I see this thread pop up on the "recent discussions" list I come here looking for a picture!




Remember, no pics? didn't happen!

In this case; no pics? No such thing as a codopi!

[Platokidd]

FDW says, He doesn't look like a dogs head on a cows body with pig legs Hmmm....Luke wasn't in the picture mood. He can be a very stubborn at times.
Doing what he does best....lucky dog, all 85 pounds of dog

Refusing to look at the camera

[Weezer]

Awww he's adorable!

I'm gonna say he's beagle and doxy, or bassett and doxy.

Those front feet are definitely doxy.

[mark0224]

two doors on camper? if so make a handycap ramp for the door you don`t use.

[PhoneDude 8289]

We started camping just so we could take our pets with us. A boxer 70#, a yorkie 5# and a rabbit 5#. The dogs are both 10+ years old with the Boxer having trouble with the steps. The Yorkie is easy enough lifted in and out but the boxer is another story. Been thinking about some sort of ramp for her very soon.

[Campin Cajun]

Yup he's looks just like you described him, I can see why you love him so much. Great dog.

[CampingDogs]

Awwwww so cute.... We also are just getting into camping and major considerations are in place for our senior dog. I would use a ramp, in our case she is small so we carry her when shes tired, also because she cant see that well.....

[PhoneDude 8289]

Since my last post about our dogs and steps I have carpeted the steps inside the 5r with a runner from Home Depot. For now both dogs can navigate the inside steps without slipping and sliding. Bought a runner long enough to cover the steps and the landing in front of the bathroom up to the bedroom door. Bought some camco carpet for the outside steps held on with springs, our Boxer can manage those for now but I do see some sort of ramp in our future. The Yorkie is easy enough to hoist and handle but the boxer is another story.