Dog can't get traction to jump on bed

[Jive]

We just changed the flooring in the bedroom from carpet to wood laminant and got a new bed. It mabye sits an inch higher then the old bed. We just setup the bed and moved back in from the guest room two days ago.

Pooch is a Shep/bloodhound mix and about 80 lbs (so he’s not tiny). He’s having trouble getting traction to jump onto the bed and jumping off the bed end with a scramble. This morning after my dad fed him he came back up to bed, got his front end up and looked at me like he needed help to get the rest up they way.

Any suggestions? I’m figureing an area rug might help.

[JanM]

When I bought laminate in my last house, my dog had the same problem, and wouldn’t walk on the floor without scrambling. I did two things, 5 x 8 area rugs, in the bedroom, middle of the living room, and matching runners by the short sides of the bed. The second was cheap remnants of sheet vinyl (sold at the back of the big box flooring departments, and really cheap-so were the ugly carpet remnants) to fill in the living room, and to the doggie door. I don’t know why he walked on vinyl, but not on laminate, but he did. I also bought too upholstered ottomans (about 2 x 3) and had one by the bed, and one next to the computer and window, so he could get on and off the bed easier, and keep me company. I put fleece throws (the cheaper acrylic fleece one from Walmart and Target), with spare throws for when one set is in the wash.

[witherbee]

I would agree - you probably need an area rug that you can put under the bottom half of the bed so that it will not slide. Another way to keep it from sliding is to get a good non-slip pad under it. Your dog will learn where he can jump up safely.

[wendy]

I put an upholstered trunk/ottoman at the end of the bed that acts as a “step” plus is handy for storage.