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Crowe's avatar
Crowe
Explorer
Oct 12, 2021

Help-can't get Tully into the car due to size-RESOLVED

Need some suggestions. Tully grew much faster than we anticipated and is already over 50 lbs. Both of us drive Jeeps-hubby has a Wrangler and I have a Grand Cherokee. Both sit high off the ground. We have a set of collapsible steps but they are proving to be logistically problematic. We taught our springers to put their feet on the bumper so we could just lift their butts in but Tully is very resistant to that. It may just take more time, which I don't have-we just started a 7 week training class two weeks ago and I may have to drop out because I can't get him in the vehicle. At this point I can still get him out-at his current growth rate my ability to do so will end soon. We've thought about a ramp but I'm afraid I'll just run into the same logistical issues. Short of buying a new car like a minivan I'm not sure what to do.

Any suggestions will be welcome, including ramps (or steps) that are lighter weight and easily packable.
  • rdhetrick's avatar
    rdhetrick
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    Is there some reason the dog can't jump in on it's own?

    My 60 lb dog took a few times for him to understand what he needed to do, but now I just have to open the door, give him the command, and he jumps in.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    Is there some reason the dog can't jump in on it's own?

    Yes. He's not quite 5 months old yet and over 50 lbs already. Recommendation is he should be a minimum of 12-18 months before he should be allowed to jump in order to prevent damage.
  • BCSnob's avatar
    BCSnob
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    How food motivated is he?

    FYI, it’s the jumping down (landing) that is the issue, not up.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    How food motivated is he?

    Extremely. Training isn't the issue.

    FYI, it’s the jumping down (landing) that is the issue, not up

    Well aware but what goes up must come down! Getting him out again is rapidly becoming problematic because of his size. He's not able to jump in yet-doesn't quite have the coordination. Both vehicles are fairly high off the ground.
  • BCSnob's avatar
    BCSnob
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    You will be more physically able to guide him down the steps than lift him up the steps.

    Guide his nose with food, stopping at key locations coming out to have him slow his momentum.

    Place the food in the vehicle (without the steps) as a lure to go in with you helping him from behind. Another approach is to place the food in the vehicle with the steps in place and then let him figure out how to get the food; be patient and only encourage him to get the food.

    I’ve also seen bigger/longer dogs have a harder time placing their paws on closely spaced steps than smaller/shorter back dogs; our house stairs are steep with small treads and our bigger males have more issues than smaller females with the steps.

    Our border collies can climb the trailer steps; jasper the greyhound could not (he had to jump in and out).
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Oct 12, 2021
    Crowe wrote:
    Need some suggestions. Tully grew much faster than we anticipated and is already over 50 lbs. Both of us drive Jeeps-hubby has a Wrangler and I have a Grand Cherokee. Both sit high off the ground. We have a set of collapsible steps but they are proving to be logistically problematic. We taught our springers to put their feet on the bumper so we could just lift their butts in but Tully is very resistant to that. It may just take more time, which I don't have-we just started a 7 week training class two weeks ago and I may have to drop out because I can't get him in the vehicle. At this point I can still get him out-at his current growth rate my ability to do so will end soon. We've thought about a ramp but I'm afraid I'll just run into the same logistical issues. Short of buying a new car like a minivan I'm not sure what to do.

    Any suggestions will be welcome, including ramps (or steps) that are lighter weight and easily packable.
    I had the same issue with my Collies. I built a ramp out of plywood 3/8 with 1x2 inch boards around the edge for reinforcement. I have used this ramp for years. It's light weight and I carry it in the bed of the truck. You could carry it on the back seat floor of your Jeep. I put some traction tape like used on stairs from the hardware store. Works well and inexpensive. I guided Sawyer up it a few times and he goes in and out on his own. Sasha my little female Collie is more reluctant, I have to put my hand on her back to go up the ramp. Somehow my hand reassures her and she will go up the ramp.

    I absolutely will not let the Collies jump in or out of my truck! My prior Collie Mikko broke his ankle jumping out on to the concrete.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Oct 12, 2021
    Forgot to add I bought a expensive fiberglass reinforced ramp with carpet. I hated it way to heavy and cumbersome.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2021
    Mark (BC Snob) it's not a training issue. It's logistically trying to handle the current stairs we have along with a large, active puppy, hence why I'm looking for other ideas. Lighter steps that compress easier may help.

    Colliehauler, the other issue is I transport him in a Jeep Wrangler. Would need a ramp that's collapsible.

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