RAMP OR STEPS RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE FOR GOLDEN RETR TO GET INTO BOOT

[DeafinitelyDaisy2]

Could anyone recommend whether to use a ramp or steps for my two year old golden retriever to get in the boot. I've scoured Amazon and online pet stores and there are so many to choose from. He's 32kg and will put his front paws up on the boot (after a lot of persuasion just to get him close to the car) but I have to lift his back and body up which is proving really difficult for me. Once in the car he's absolutely fine but the process of getting him in upsets both of us . Some of the steps on line look like they are quite narrow - and the ramps look very steep. Any advice would be extremely welcome.

[merlynsam]

The steps are too narrow/not deep enough for a large breed dog.

My elderly Collie (30kg) could jump up 3 steps on our decking, but, the portable steps I found were not suitable for him when he finally couldn't leap into the car in one jump.

I bought a quite a LONG 3-fold ramp that worked a treat. He had to get used to the feel of it on his pads though (lying flat, then up the porch steps, then finally into the car). My ramp has the non-slip grip stuff on it which feels a little 'abrasive' - hence the getting him used to it first.

However, I wasn't using the ramp on an estate car. The back door of the Peurgeot Partner is much lower down than your average estate/hatchback.

[merlynsam]

This is the tri-fold pet ramp that I bought.

[Blodplod]

I have a lightweight nonslip ramp for my large (32kg) bassett to get in and out of the car. I've just looked on Amazon and the first one I saw from Doghealth looks similar to mine. It's £37.49 plus postage and holds upto 90kg.. my girlie goes up and down no problem and in fact now waits until it's in position until she's gets in the car.. it's not too steep and I've noticed my friends dog who's now getting a bit arthritic just used it on his own accord..

The important bit is non slip, and ease for you to carry when you've loaded the dog, this one (like mine) just folds in half and you can maneavour with one hand whilst closing the boot etc..

Have a look on Amazon - I seem to remember there being two 'heights' when I bought mine (to make sure it's not too steep) so you may have to measure the distance from floor to boot, but from memorry the websites explained which ramp you needed for your car boot height

[DeafinitelyDaisy2]

Thank you so much everyone; I'm really glad I asked . Great tip about putting a towel over if the grip on the ramp isn't too good. I'm going to order one tonight from Amazon . I had a 40kg lab before I had Brodie, my GR and I had to literally avoid saying the word 'car' or he'd be standing by the boot or door waiting to jump in. I, foolishly, assumed all dogs loved getting in the car. Thank you again for all your help and advice. Fingers crossed!!

[Blodplod]

By the way, I meant to say earlier I started using mine when my girl was 3. Big dog, tiny short legs and whilst she's well able to jump in and out of the car, vets and I decided it was not good for her joints etc.. she's very fit for a large breed but all that weight jumping down from a height is never going to prolong her longevity.. so, just go with the flow on the ramp. Most owners are envious/amazed at ours and the adorable sight of a large bassett going up and down her 'slide' causes much conversation rather than disdain. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Training them to go up and down is easy.. place loads of treats up and down.