Trailer steps and Dog

I tested the carpet runner idea using two separate throw rugs and our lab got up with a little assistance from me. Whe was more willing to attempt the steps with them covered. Thanks for the idea! I'll now go and purchase a runner.

Our dog did not like the standard steps that were on our previous trailer; she'd jump right over them. However, she does much better with the solid steps we have now on our new trailer.

lucy6194 wrote:
6ft carpet runner. Velcro to top step then bungie between at each existing step. Holds carpet snug,dogs don't see thru,helps cut down on dirt in camper and is removable to either sweep shake or vacuum. Have been doing this for years as we're afraid dogs would slip a leg between steps and get hurt.

This is what I did, too. My Cattle Dog had cataracts and was clumsy on the steps - the runner kept him from falling through the gaps.

In my case, it was a strip of astroturf clamped to the top and bottom steps; and pieces of threaded rod laid between the scissors joint on each side kept the dropped back in place.

Our elderly Border Collie mix has arthritis in her back and one hip, so nowadays she can't handle the steps into the trailer. Last year we got a ramp to make it easier, but immediately had issues with her feet slipping on the ramp, which had a surface like sandpaper. After checking her feet though I realized the hair had grown long on the bottom of her feet, as I hadn't checked it in a couple of months. I trimmed the hair and she handled the ramp with ease. Fortunately the ramp stores easily and handles well over her weight. I recommend it for all elderly dogs, and it saves my elderly back too.

We went with a Pet Gear 6 foot tri folding ramp. It is long enough to keep the incline from being too steep and wide enough for Lucky and Lucie and we still have plenty of room to use the other side. The surface is non slip and both our dogs really like it. We were concerned that out big dog who will be 12 this year would get his leg caught since the back of the steps are open. We did not want to take that chance.

Definitely a ramp is better for older/unsure dogs. Also, landing with all that weight on even a medium sized younger dog is hard on their shoulders.

For those of you that cant pick up your dogs, or that wont be able to when they are old, START NOW training them to use a ramp. Makes life SO much easier when they cant walk/see/etc as well.

Johno02 wrote:
t is not so much the gaps between the steps, but the fact that the dogs are seeing just the edge of the step from their angle of vision. Our big dogs never had a problem, but the small one we have now does have a problem, so a carpet runner is the best solution. I also added reflective tape to the edges of the steps to make them easier to see, and that seem to help also.

I've thought of the carpet runner idea and now with your supporting testimony, I'll have to try it. Even with out Lab's back leg arthritis problems, she still manages to get up the back door house steps and upstairs to bed every night, so you'd think the RV steps would be ok. We do have them carpeted, but a runner may just do the trick. Thanks!

t is not so much the gaps between the steps, but the fact that the dogs are seeing just the edge of the step from their angle of vision. Our big dogs never had a problem, but the small one we have now does have a problem, so a carpet runner is the best solution. I also added reflective tape to the edges of the steps to make them easier to see, and that seem to help also.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I don't know Cruiser's mix...he has the head of a pittie, a long body, but very short legs (picture an oversized Corgi!) so I don't see him jumping up into the trailer without the help of steps or a ramp.
The steps have that outdoor carpet on them, so he's not slipping.

I like the idea of the carpet runner or a ramp...that would keep him from seeing the gap between the steps.

Thanks again...

Lots of good advice above on things to try.

It also just may be that Cruiser is nervous about different "grounds". So, no matter what you do, you may have to include a lot of positive reinforcement.

If he likes toys, have some special toys in the trailer and use them to encourage him up. Put a leash on him, you go inside and encourage, and keep a consistently firm grip on the leash - this can help him "decide" to climb the steps without any fear. If toys won't work, try treats.

My Moose-dog hated the outside step on the clipper. It was just not comfortable. When it got bent during the Great GPS Adventure, I started using a seperate single step stepstool. I set it at just the right spot and he can come at it at the right angle and it fits his long body.

For our dog step (5 steps) to the cabover bed, he jumps and uses them more as a bouncing point. Bat-dog has had a couple trips where she didn't want to climb those steps to go to bed. A treat on each step convinces her otherwise.