Dogs on the boat

[plarkins]

Tried to enjoy the ride with our dogs and despite them being somewhat afraid to jump in the lake, we are finding once in there isn't any easy way to get them out of the water and onto the swim platform.

Anyone has some inventive ideas?

 

[MLauman]

There are several ramp products made for this purpose. Google 'Boat Dog Ladder'.

 

[jcoll]

The dog ramps work great but, I find them bulky to carry and somewhat a pain to hook up. We've always used a dog life vest with a handle in the middle that allows us to easily pull the dog out of the water and on to the swim platform. It lets the dog swim around easily too.

 

[HavnFunYet?]

My Lab always gets right back onto the swim platform and jumps right back in and repeats the process over and over again...I am not sure if he has more fun or if the kids do!

 

[tginz]

I have two Black & Tan Coonhounds. They hate the water and frankly can't swim without lifejackets. But when they do fall in, the handle on the back of the jacket makes lifting them out (75-lb) relatively easy. Check out the jackets at West Mainre or Overtons. If you ever hear howling on the water that would be be MY dogs.

tginz

 

[320Bob]

Petsmart also carries dog life vests also with handles in 3 different sizes.

 

[Alibuma]

I made a plywood ramp 18" x 48", cut down some 5/4 round decking to make some rungs, covered in carpet, and added some hooks so it hooks onto the ladder off the platform. I probably have about 5 hours into this pet project, pun intended. My chocolate lab is so dumb she just doesnt get it. The few times I did get her on the plank, it sank straight down. So then I tried to tie some bumpers to it to add floatation. Forget it. Wife and I decided it's easier to leave the dog home. I like the life jacket idea so I can just reach down and grab her, but my dog would probably drown herself in the water trying to get the life jacket off. She's naurotic.

 

[cpt. sundancer]

I have a 70 pound potbelly pig that we take on our boat,not a fun process to load and unload. We bought a ramp but still have to make some sort of clamp to attach to swim platform or ladder :thumbsup:

 

[Sundancer]

Our Golden Retriever could climb up the steps on our 250 DA. It had 3 rungs and the bottom rung was bent out just enough she could get on. The 300 DA has 2 rungs and they are straight down. She hang onto the ladder until we put our hands out to hold her head while she pushes herself up on the swim platform. It's pretty easy now that she knows how to do it.

 

[Four Suns]

I have a 70 pound potbelly pig that we take on our boat,not a fun process to load and unload. We bought a ramp but still have to make some sort of clamp to attach to swim platform or ladder :thumbsup:

umm... you take a pig boating with you? Or is it a unique way to bring dinner along?

 

[tawcat]

We have a 50# Boykin Spaniel that loves the water and can't wait for the boat to stop. We have the same problem of getting him back on board. Just bought a product from Bass Pro called "load-a-pup." It's a step/platform that hooks onto the boarding ladder.

Gonna try it this weekend, will post results, with pics if possible!

 

[jellyfish]

umm... You take a pig boating with you? Or is it a unique way to bring dinner along?

funny!!!!!