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Post by belladad on Mar 8, 2014 12:20:47 GMT
This is a 'sort of' problem, so my apologies if it's in the wrong place, but I'd really welcome your thoughts and opinions. In July last year, when Bella (our Golden mud monster) was 12 months old, we bought a new 'Bella Taxi'. This has a relatively high tailgate/floor at 29-30 inches and as I didn't want Bella to develop potential joint damage from jumping out, bought a tri-fold ramp. We still use this as she's out every day in the car to travel to her longer walks. On arriving at a walk yesterday, an 'old hand' witnessed Bella's dignified exit down the ramp, and on learning that she is only 19 months, we were derided for using a ramp. I explained that she, as a Goldie, could have a predisposition to joint problems later in life, and this seems a solution to mitigate this. Again we were made to feel that we were being 'soft', so politely had to agree to disagree. What do other experienced owners think?
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Post by caz2golden on Mar 8, 2014 12:46:16 GMT
I think (as a Goldie owner) that 100% you are doing the right thing. Keep it up  These people are just un-educated and being ignorant. You are right to disagree with them. The ramp is making Bellas life easier and though I am sure she is capable of jumping in and out I think it is a sensible to limit unnecessary jumping (especially after a long and tiring walk). Why make her jump when she dont need to! I have a Honda Jazz so my dogs can walk in and out of the car. If I had a vehicle that they had to jump in and out of I would do as you are doing. A friend has an ex racing greyhound who has lots of leg issues and she uses a ramp for him and I know that they are excellent to use and can save a lot of strain on a dog. |
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Post by smilesbetter on Mar 8, 2014 14:39:51 GMT
I think you should keep using the ramp and don't worry about what others think. At the end of the day it's not their dog, and hopefully she'll live a long and joint-problem-free life thanks to it!  I can sympathise with you, I carry my puppy around as she's not fully immunised yet, and people keep coming up and asking: "Is she sick?! You shouldn't be carrying her around, put her down!" Haha! As if it's any of their business. |
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Post by migsy on Mar 8, 2014 15:32:07 GMT
Exactly!smilesbetter.I would be saying to myself 'I don't remember asking for an opinion,mind your own business!' Far too polite...unless they press too far.
You are very wisely thinking ahead belladad,as larger dogs are more likely to get joint problems earlier than smaller breeds,so what's wrong in taking precautions now?
Plus using the ramp now rather than when it is absolutely essential, is the fact that using it now will become second nature to Bella,rather than an older dog having to get used to using one.
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Post by McCuddles on Mar 8, 2014 18:28:53 GMT
I think (as a non-Goldie owner and to quote a certain Caz!) that 100% you are doing the right thing and keep it up You are protecting your girls joints and looking ahead to the future especially as she is a breed that can be prone to joint problems. So don't take any notice of comments like that and be certain that you are doing everything you can to look after your special girl. |
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Post by belladad on Mar 10, 2014 13:52:51 GMT
Thank You caz2golden smilesbetter migsy and McCuddles It was just one of those moments when someone who seems to be years ahead of you in dog ownership, makes a comment that has you doubting yourself. My princess Bella says a big "Wuuuf" to you and has had a 'Goldie wiggle-wriggle' in happiness! |
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Dog Ramp
Mar 10, 2014 14:59:17 GMT
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Post by charlottte on Mar 10, 2014 14:59:17 GMT
Definitely keep the ramp Like you said joint stress is a potential issue And Bella isn't even two years yet so as a large breed she will still be developing. It's hard or to care what people think but at the end of the day, you know your dog best! A lot of dogs don't like jumping into cars, especially if the boot has a lip on as they can't see where they're landing (I know a couple of Goldie's that have to be lifted in). Do what you think is right for Bella |
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Post by BorderTerrier on Mar 12, 2014 9:09:29 GMT
Keep the ramp, in my opinion! It's a very good idea!
A ramp for Earl might even be a good idea… he's too small to be able to jump up himself, therefore we always end up heaving him up ourselves!
At the end of the day Bella is your dog and you know her best. Do what you think is right for her, not what someone else thinks is right, unless of course you agree.
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