Wednesday 6 October 2010

a ramp for getting the dog in and out of the car

At our session on the underwater treadmill today I could feel my back aching from the effort of lifting Penny into the car at home and out at the therapy centre, so I was ready for anything that would make life easier.

And there it was on the shelf - the Trixie Pet Walk. The therapist let me take it out to the car to see if it was suitable.

I did a rather silly thing, at this stage. I had already lifted Penny into the car, so I had the bright idea of setting up the ramp at the door and asking her to walk down it to the ground.

Now, I ask you... would any self-respecting dog walk down a scary, steep black thing that suddenly sprouted from the side of the car?

Of course not! She would take a few steps, freeze in fright and back up into the car and cower in the far corner, refusing all blandishments and entreaties (or offers of treats) by her human.

I had forgotten that we need to introduce our dogs to new activities in a logical way. So, when we got home, I put the new ramp on the kitchen floor and we played with it. Tomorrow we'll try it out on a steeper slope, maybe even as an entry to the car.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Thos things are a life saver!!! I hope she enjoys it.

Molly the Airedale said...

Good job, Penny! We bet you won't have any problem getting in and out of the car tomorrow with your ramp!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

parlance said...

Hound Girl, she certainly loves the treats! I also think she's heartedly tired of being grabbed under the stomach and heaved up onto things.

parlance said...

Maggie and Mitch, it went amazingly well.