Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

So after several years without a dog the wifey has decided we are getting a new puppy. We are getting a mini Golden Doodle...quite a change from the German Shepherd we lost a couple of years ago. I reluctantly agreed, and we both decided to get a smaller dog.

So...I know they sell dog ramps that attach to the back ladder of your boat. Problem is I don't want to put it there because thats the ladder we use. I do have a front ladder that stores underneath the deck so that might be an option. In any event the new little guy will be trained to go boating with us and I need ideas on how he can get on and off the boat in the cove while we are swimming. In other words...at his discretion and so I don't have to do anything. My Harris sits pretty low in the back so any ideas would be welcome. Thanks!!

Thoughts?

BP just came out with this...

http://www.basspro.com/Drifter-Marine-D ... ct/166162/

There are some very cool ideas you can find on-line for do it yourself ladder builds. If it's a mini golden however, my suggestion would be to just get a good swim vest for the dog that has a handle. I'm able to easily lift our golden into the boat using the handle on the vest.

The swim vests are a very good idea for dogs that swim out in the open water off of boats. It really pays to buy a better quality one however... something made well. You get what you pay for with these things.

Have you Googled "dog ladder for pontoon"? Quite a few pop up.

I have been looking for an option as well. I have found a few that I like online, but they are crazy expensive. I believe I'm going to try to build something myself. I will be following though to see if anyone else has ideas that won't break the bank.

[quote="JNorris79"]I have been looking for an option as well. I have found a few that I like online, but they are crazy expensive. I believe I'm going to try to build something myself. I will be following though to see if anyone else has ideas that won't break the bank.[/quote]

The best DIY model I found involved making it out of foam swim floats and rubber kitchen matts. (like the commercial kind) Just need to adjust the floats to the dogs weight. For larger dogs a person could add a boat bumper or something in the middle.

interesting. I haven't seen that one I don't believe. Do you have link or pictures?

[quote="REPETE"][quote="JNorris79"]I have been looking for an option as well. I have found a few that I like online, but they are crazy expensive. I believe I'm going to try to build something myself. I will be following though to see if anyone else has ideas that won't break the bank.[/quote]

The best DIY model I found involved making it out of foam swim floats and rubber kitchen matts. (like the commercial kind) Just need to adjust the floats to the dogs weight. For larger dogs a person could add a boat bumper or something in the middle.[/quote]

We need a link! I have a 100lb lab and would love to find something that works on the cheap.

Still looking for advice on this. I like the doggy docks design, but really think there has to be a cheaper option. Also I don't want to tie up my ladder for people to use like some of the options use.

I was wondering if a person could modify these to make one? They are plastic and around $30.

Thoughts?

https://www.chewy.com/solvit-pupstep-pl ... lsrc=aw.ds

https://www.chewy.com/solvit-pupstep-pl ... lsrc=aw.ds

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2h4jkp1.jpg[/IMG]

[quote="Mosnowman"]I was wondering if a person could modify these to make one? They are plastic and around $30.

Thoughts?

https://www.chewy.com/solvit-pupstep-pl ... lsrc=aw.ds

https://www.chewy.com/solvit-pupstep-pl ... lsrc=aw.ds

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2h4jkp1.jpg[/IMG][/quote]


I've seen these before with some added floatation under it and clipped to the toon. Dog swims up to it and climbs right on up.