making steps dog-friendly

Deb and Ed M wrote:
The 5er we bought has some spare astroturf, so I cut a 4' x 2' strip and clamped it to the top and bottom step, then draped it over the middle step. All the steps have that gritty traction tape, so the carpet doesn't slide much. Little Ben immediately walked fearlessly up the steps to check out the house. Jack went next, Ed had to sort of boost his back end a bit (he's our senior citizen). Jimmy is still pondering it after i told him no more giant jumps.

Ed wants to get a ramp for getting them into the truck. It has "Nerf Bar" steps and that looks like a good way for a dog to get hurt. So we'll have a ramp available for the 5er if we need it.

I made a ramp out of 3/8 plywood with 1 x 1 1/2 wood around the edge. I put the traction tape on top, works great. I had bought a high dollar ramp but the Collies did not like it and it was heavy. Mikko can jump in and out without any problem but Lassie is 13 and cannot. Bud (the youngest)wants the ramp as well.