We made this a couple of weeks ago and were able to try it this wknd. We kept referring to your video to build and it worked a charm! Ours is 6'x32" which is perfect because we have a 90lb and 60lb lad and they climbed the ramp together. We adjusted a few things differently because we were expecting our dogs to climb together... but your instructions were a great starting point. Thanks so much for being so thorough! We saved $400 by making this. I wish I could corroborate my message with a video!
Good idea however, wood would rot pretty quickly. Suggestion, PVC cut in half. Here in Florida the noodles deteriorate quickly even when stored in the garage. Why purchase plastic gas containers when screw top milk gallons can be recycled. 🙂
All good points. He only used it for one weekend because he was a guide dog in training. He left us pretty soon after and our new dog doesn't like water.
After a two summers how is all the wood holding up to the wet/dry cycle? Have you had to do any maintenance? Also assuming you used marine grade plywood?
Unfortunately we only used it 3 times so it was only in the water for 8 days total. The big black lab was a guide dog in training and was only with us for 15 months. He is now a bomb detection dog. Our new dog doesn’t like the water. To be fair though I built the ramp in 90 minutes mostly of scrap so it wasn’t much work. Well worth it for the joy he had swimming from the dock.
Best DIY ramp I've seen. I'm trying to duplicate it, but having trouble finding the hardware (bracket with a ring) that you put the strap through. Any suggestions?
Yes he swims like a fish but it was a tidal area and at times he couldn’t beat the current. Also he was a guide dog puppy we were raising and I didn’t want to be responsible for loosing a $10,000 dog. He left us a few weeks after this video was shot. He flunked out of guide dog school because he enjoyed playing too much so he’s now a bomb dog in New York.
Awesome idea and helps to practice for dock diving at home and maybe of a boat with some adjustments. Thanks for sharing this cool idea💙🚣♀️
We made this a couple of weeks ago and were able to try it this wknd. We kept referring to your video to build and it worked a charm! Ours is 6'x32" which is perfect because we have a 90lb and 60lb lad and they climbed the ramp together. We adjusted a few things differently because we were expecting our dogs to climb together... but your instructions were a great starting point. Thanks so much for being so thorough! We saved $400 by making this. I wish I could corroborate my message with a video!
I hope your dogs enjoy it.
Great job 👏 thank you for sharing your work!
Well done!
great solution .. going to try to do this for my pool!
Thank you. Going to make one in the next few days!
Great design. I’m going to reconfigure mine more like yours. Thanks.
cool Thank you for sharing this idea!
Great idea ! Thanks!
Great idea and nice voice.
lol. dogs having so much fun
Brilliant
When you attached to 4ft 2x4 to the frame of the ramp did you cut 2x4s of the ramp on an angle?
Any ideas how this could be easier to transport since its long and kinda bulky. Love the idea and would like to replicate it if possible
Good idea however, wood would rot pretty quickly. Suggestion, PVC cut in half. Here in Florida the noodles deteriorate quickly even when stored in the garage. Why purchase plastic gas containers when screw top milk gallons can be recycled. 🙂
All good points. He only used it for one weekend because he was a guide dog in training. He left us pretty soon after and our new dog doesn't like water.
Milk jugs will have the same buoyancy as gas containers ?
Oh wow, I need this for my dog at the lake.
Can I ask what size vest your pup is wearing and how big he/she is?
What did you do to attach the ramp to the 2*4 with the pool noodle? It looks like there is a hinge to adjust for weight when the dog uses the ramp.
The 2x4 is just screwed into the top of the ramp with 3 or 4 four inch screws. It just sits on the dock.
After a two summers how is all the wood holding up to the wet/dry cycle? Have you had to do any maintenance? Also assuming you used marine grade plywood?
Unfortunately we only used it 3 times so it was only in the water for 8 days total. The big black lab was a guide dog in training and was only with us for 15 months. He is now a bomb detection dog. Our new dog doesn’t like the water. To be fair though I built the ramp in 90 minutes mostly of scrap so it wasn’t much work. Well worth it for the joy he had swimming from the dock.
Best DIY ramp I've seen. I'm trying to duplicate it, but having trouble finding the hardware (bracket with a ring) that you put the strap through. Any suggestions?
I bought those rings at Lowes but any D ring will do. I hope it works out. send me a picture or a video, I'd love to see it.
Maybe just use eye bolts and a carabiner?
I used your idea. But made the frame with 2 inch pvc pipe. And Canvas between. Much lighter thanks
That is fantastic! I’d love to see it. Send a link to a quick video if you get a chance.
Nice..now figure a way to mass produce it effectively and ...no more car payments!
Why does your dog need a life vest, he can swim
Yes he swims like a fish but it was a tidal area and at times he couldn’t beat the current. Also he was a guide dog puppy we were raising and I didn’t want to be responsible for loosing a $10,000 dog. He left us a few weeks after this video was shot. He flunked out of guide dog school because he enjoyed playing too much so he’s now a bomb dog in New York.
Oh ok, cute dog
Better patent it