Anyone build their own sofa ramp for the dog?

[BestHorses]

My schipperke has been having back issues so I want to build a ramp so he won’t jump on and off the sofa. I investigated some of the ramps available for sale and they seem pretty pricey and not very stylish.

DH is very handy so I thought he could easily make one. Just not sure what slope or covering to use. Any tips or pics of ramps you’ve built for your dog would be greatly appreciated!

[Mara]

Not me but a neighbor built a ramp for their aging Golden to use to get in the back of the SUV.

Gentle slope to accommodate slightly arthritic hind end. He covered it with some of that indoor-outdoor carpeting stuff (and it DOES come in colors other than that blinding green). It’s cheap and grippy.

[horsetales]

I prefer the steps. We built a ramp for the vehicle and I found they still liked to jump down towards the bottom. The incline is sometimes harder on them to hold themselves if the back end is a problem. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4033064

[EponaRoan]

A few helpful links:

http://spuds.agron.ksu.edu/dogstep.htm

http://www.doggiestylish.com/store/Free-Patterns-For-Dog-Accessories/Free-Dog-Ramp-and-Dog-Steps-Building-Plans

[sid]

I find using one of the 2-step plastic mounting blocks to work perfectly…and I can move it from room to room and also use it for the car.

[PiaffePlease]

We built a ramp for my Basset. He is still young, but with a long back, I dont want him jumping down off the bed and hurting himself. We made it 18 inches wide with 3 steps (the fourth “step” is the bed"). My DH made it with logs and cedar boards to match our bed. I covered the boards with a quilted fabric to add traction.

We built a ramp for the back door for my older dog that passed away. Be sure to put some kind of traction on the ramp, wood is very slippery. We used a non slip drawer liner that I bought in a long roll. We also put small rails on the ramp to prevent my dog from jumping on or off the side.

[tallyho392]

i second the set of mounting blocks…been using them for years for dogs 10- 110 pounds for bed, sofa,car…tough to destroy, easily moved