Dogs don't like steps

ASchuler · 05-01-2015, 03:27 PM

We have a Chihuahua, Jasmine. We just got our Solitude a few weeks ago. (LOVE IT!) Jasmine was a little nervous on the steps at first, as I think they are just a smidge higher and farther apart than the rv we traded in. She is getting used to them now, but I can tell she stops and contemplates them a little before she heads up the steps. Now, the bed is a diffferent story! We put a 3" memory foam/gel topper on it. Our first camping trip, she jumped down in the middle of the night to go roam, when she came back, I heard her jump up and fall back on the floor. I am planning on getting one of the little fold up step stools and put it by my side of the bed, just to be safe!

**MImilt** · 06-11-2015, 06:13 PM

Try covering the steps with the carpet covers available at rv stores.
Our beagle always was hesitant to go up the steps until we covered them.
Apparently he didn't like the feel of the metal.
Milt

**sersteve01** · 06-11-2015, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by gr8daggett

We have two Corgis as well.
Only had them in the camper a couple times at home .....and ....yes there were stumbles going in and leaps from the second step going out.
We added step covers and an extra step platform under the bottom step. Helped a little.

We are finally leaving on our very first camping trip (shake down cruise) today.
We will try hanging some cloth behind the first two steps (like a riser) to see if that helps their perception.
I was told once that as they look at the steps they really don't see much from their angle so it is scary to take that leap.

We also had to put rugs everywhere in the 5th wheel to keep them from sliding, especially the steps inside up to the bedroom.

We will check back in when we get back.

Can you take pictures of your step covers, please take the picture of the steps opened and closed. How did you attach them to the steps.

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**Cate&Rob** · 06-11-2015, 08:08 PM

Hanging something behind the steps, so the dog can't see through them, could help. We had a dog a while back that would happily go down the stairs to the basement, but wouldn't come back up, because the risers were open.

Our current dogs are 2 1/2 year old Collie / Border Collie cross sisters from the same litter. They only use the center step going in either direction. Sometimes Molly doesn't use the steps at all . . . but that is easy for her.

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Rob

**JustinThyme** · 06-11-2015, 08:11 PM

The angle is just all wrong. I don't even like them and my wife refuses to use them (she blew her knees out rowing boats for an Ivy league school), too steep. Would have worked if there was one more step. If this was a residential application they wouldn't meet code. I cant imagine getting a smaller dog to go up them when my 130 lb Labrador wont. I'm at a seasonal site so my rig doesn't go anywhere and I built a set of steps with a 3x3 landing and 5 steps. I still don't like the steps inside either. should have had one more step there as well.

**WhittleBurner** · 06-12-2015, 07:05 AM

What we have also done in the past for the dogs before we had to use a ramp is place a runner of indoor/outdoor carpet going down the steps and secured it with bungees. None of our dogs like the steps if they can see through them.
We also place an extra step at the bottom if needed.
It's an aerobic work out step, it has an adjustable riser attached so no extra pieces to haul around.

**MitterMoe** · 06-16-2015, 03:49 PM

The poodle is a "carry on" the Springer Spaniel doesn't even know we have steps and the Great Pyrenees is a little slow and gettin on in years, so either up the toy ramp or I bought a ramp from Summit Racing to get her in and out of the back of the pick-up which works well too. Just like American Express used to say in their ads...don't leave home without them

**JustinThyme** · 06-16-2015, 04:56 PM

LOL@ "carry on".

I very seldom leave Murphy anywhere. With him being a certified service animal I can take him where I please but a few times it just wasn't fair to him so he stayed home. Note I said home and not a kennel. The few times he did stay he had a sitter stay with him. Very nice gal that works for the wifey just loves him silly and spoils him rotten. She stays in our home with him so he doesn't have to go anywhere.

**MonkeyMan** · 06-16-2015, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by MImilt

Try covering the steps with the carpet covers available at rv stores.
Our beagle always was hesitant to go up the steps until we covered them.
Apparently he didn't like the feel of the metal.
Milt

I think this was the case with our yellow lab as well. She had no issues in our last trailer (we'd put rugs on those steps) and after slipping one time on the new 355TH's maiden voyage she wasn't too happy about the steps.

Stopped into an RV store, picked up a set for the set of front steps and our girl had almost no issues since. Once in a while she looks at the stairs and thinks about it for a second or two, then up she goes.

**MImilt** · 06-17-2015, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by sersteve01

Can you take pictures of your step covers, please take the picture of the steps opened and closed. How did you attach them to the steps.

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I don't have any pictures, but can describe them for you. We purchased some ready made ones for our previous trailer. they have four grommets in the corners
and wrap around the step. Then you attach the supplied springs between the grommets. On this trailer I made some from a heavier carpet runner and put
in grommets, then fastened them in place using zip ties. I don't remove them and they fit just fine with steps folded for travel.
MImilt