Need traction on tailgate (Re: disembarking a rottweiler)

[Latebutsmart]

I am soliciting suggestions. Here is the situation:

The Rottweiler, after only three rides in our new Smartie (Big Red), has developed fear and loathing for the car because he hurts himself jumping down from the tailgate. His feet slip on the gate and he bangs himself on the leg or foot. Neither DH nor I can lift him down (without potentially hurting ourselves), so we need another solution. Fast.

The ideas we're toying with so far include: (1) carpeting the tailgate; (2) carrying an extra rubber mat (stored in the tailgate storage area) to place on the gate before encouraging him to jump; (3) gluing non-slip strips to the gate (a lot of them). Buying him a tennies is not an option.

Have any other dog owners had this problem, or is our particularly klutzey?

We tried to get him in and out of the car by lowering the passenger seat to the flat position, but he's having none of that...

Again, all suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[alexpeister]

what about a few strips of the soft side of sticky velcro? You can get it fairly wide, I think up to 2 inches. The black probably wouldn't show much and the adhesive is quite strong. especially if you get the industrial type of velcro.

[jimvw57]

Try some indoor/outdoor carpeting with the rubber backing. it shouldn't slip around and you could use a piece big enough to go from the back of the seats to the end of the tailgate, giving him some extra insulation from the motor if it gets warm.

[jetfuel]

...a folding ramp will do the trick...if he's an old guy...his hips will thank you...
....let me know if you need help...we will make something for him....seriously..

jetfuel

[smartHHO]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...a folding ramp will do the trick...if he's an old guy...his hips will thank you...
....let me know if you need help...we will make something for him....seriously..

jetfuel

I know I have seen the folding ramps for pickups and SUVs due to some dogs, IE old dogs, have bad hips when they do get old. I am sure if he/she is not old, they will thank you in the 12 - 14 year range for it.

he is a quick site I just dug up for example:

http://www.discountramps.com/dog_ram...FRdinAod7HurTw

[jetfuel]

..very good call HHO...very good...

..I was thinking more on the lines of a home build...but for 79$....you can't go wrong

jetfuel

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by Latebutsmart

I am soliciting suggestions. Here is the situation:

The Rottweiler, after only three rides in our new Smartie (Big Red), has developed fear and loathing for the car because he hurts himself jumping down from the tailgate. His feet slip on the gate and he bangs himself on the leg or foot. Neither DH nor I can lift him down (without potentially hurting ourselves), so we need another solution. Fast.

The ideas we're toying with so far include: (1) carpeting the tailgate; (2) carrying an extra rubber mat (stored in the tailgate storage area) to place on the gate before encouraging him to jump; (3) gluing non-slip strips to the gate (a lot of them). Buying him a tennies is not an option.

Have any other dog owners had this problem, or is our particularly klutzey?

We tried to get him in and out of the car by lowering the passenger seat to the flat position, but he's having none of that...

Again, all suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Apply a good quality Burber carpet to the tailgate. STick it on with contact cement or carpet tape.....quick and easy.

[Woody14619]

A rubber mat would probably do. But I'd agree with jetfuel: in the long run a folding ramp or steps would be best. In fact, you could probably do it with a just two sturdy segments of plywood and a couple of piano hinges.

You'd want to cut the two segments to about the height and width of the gate, and attach the hinges the right way. The one between the two wood pieces should be on the bottom (when the ramp is out) and placed so that the boards press together to support the dog's weight. One side can then be hinged to the top of the inside flap so it can fold out and decline, or fold in and flatten against the back panel. (So it looks Z shaped when half way though folding in for storage.)

If you're VERY precise with the measurements (and not using the space already) you could probably even design it to fold into the storage compartment inside the gate. Though to do that you may need to make it 3 segments, which would complicate the design/hinging.

Alternatively, if you're going to and from the same locations regularly, (eg home to the cottage, the kid's place, etc) it may make more sense to have a lightweight set of plastic stairs at each location to throw behind the car so he can climb in and out. You can find cheep 3-stair sets at most places that sell storage sheds, mobile homes, or lawn furnature.

[mvaldes]

I used one of the folding ramps (actually the type where the halves slide under eachother is less likely to result in pinched fingers -yes, experience) and it works quite well. For a big dog,you do have to store it in the passenger seat for unloading unless you're returning to the same place. For a small dog you can stand it on its side and bungee it upright and there's still room in the back for the dog.

[smartHHO]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

..very good call HHO...very good...

..I was thinking more on the lines of a home build...but for 79$....you can't go wrong

jetfuel

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