Can a lab get on an extended swim platform from the water with no help?  If not, is there a good product out there that will enable our dog to come and go from the boat while we're anchored in the middle of the lake?  Would prefer something that didn't take up alot of room in the boat while driving around. Thanks! - Gina

This is a problem with us as well.  We've got a 90 pound yellow lab that loves to go boating with us.  We are lucky that we back into the beach so we're usually waist deep in water and it's just a matter of lifting his front paws onto the platform and then pushing him from the rear!

There are some dog ramps online but they do take up a fair amount of room.  There was a couple we met at Norris Lake last year.  I can't remember thier names but they had two dogs with them.  The dogs had life jackets with handles on the top.  When they wanted to get into the boat the folks would just lean over from the swim platform and pull up on the handles.  Worked really well.  And those would take up less room than a bulky ramp.

We'll probably go the life jacket route eventually. 

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John and Kathie C have a big dog and a floating ladder that makes it possible for her to climb in pretty easily.  Much easier than heaving her in.

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2006 235 CCR, "Mommy's Diamond" Fairwinds Marina, Magothy River

Gina, our boat came with a device called "The Happy Troller." When down, is used to cover the prop to slow you down at idle for fishing. But when in the up position, it is a dandy step for the dogs hind legs.While standing on the ladder, I'll grab the dogs collar and help him get his front paws on the swim grid so he is standing on the Happy Troller, let him catch his breath for a bit, then lift his hind portion up the rest of the way. You could raise it up via the trim also. I don't use for fishing as I have a small kicker for that but left it on for that reason.

To update on this subject. Yesterday I was out with our Lab and he was doing his swim about, I went into the cuddy for a minute and when I came out, he was standing on the Happy Troller wanting to come in. ( thinking I was eating something :) This time I trimmed the leg up for him and as it was coming up, he jumped in the rest of the way! It was so cool to see. No more help from me I guess. I'll have to get it on tape and post if I can.

Sounds like he figured it out and enjoyed it too... Would be great to see a video of that. It would really help others with dogs who haven't decided on what to try next (like myself).

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Stefan

2008 275CCR 496MAG B3
"Arosa"

Hi Gina We Have 4 Dogs in ours. I recently bought A dog ladder from Costco  its called  Paws Aboard doggy boat ladder.I looked all over. costco had the best price 159.00 and that included shipping .good luck Jerry