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Older dog, New JKU

5K views 29 replies 21 participants last post by  SwiftFF5 
#1 ·
Now it's come time where my current dog is older and I have to help him out after a good day's walk.

With the new JKU he can't get in or out at all on his own. And the lift kit hasn't even been put on yet. Hopefully getting it done in the next couple of weeks.

Bought the beast for road trips to the hills and the beach. (Washington, Oregon) Lifting him in and out isn't much fun and I really want the jeep to be a good experience for all of us.

Bought these two pads to cover the rear seats, which I had actually considered removing, but stuffed an old blanket into the gap instead. Have considered making a two part plywood based insert, but this seems to work. It's only been a couple of days, but the dog is good with the improvement so far.

Also bought a Pet Loader 4 step. Am happy with it so far. The only gripe I have is pulling it in and out. Planning to make a hinge that attaches to the top step and lets it flip over to become the steps. Would be screwed to the jeep inside of the tailgate.
 

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#2 ·
Interesting. My old fat dog refuses to jump in... Unless she gets super excited when we are leaving the house. I bought a ramp, but she refuses to use it. Not a big deal boosting her in since she jumps the front half up, but she is still 150+ lbs. May have to check out the stair type fatso loader.
 
#3 ·
I know the feeling, mine did ok in the stock version, but lifted with 37 was a little stretch so I made some stairs that i keep in the garage - she can still get in with a little run at it but most of the time its in and out in the garage so it works perfect.... and it happens to be the perfect size to put the big a$$ 37 back on the tire carrier... lol
 

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#4 ·
#5 ·
I have a two door and I take the rear seat out to take my dog places. I bought a weathertech cargo mat for the rear of a JKU and it works really well.

I've had SUVs in the past where I can fold the rear seat down and he LOVES going for rides in those. He doesn't like the Jeep as much and it took me a while to figure out why. The Jeep is LOUD and he doesn't like that. Now I just avoid the highway if possible when I have him in the Jeep.

I'm still leery of bringing him with me when the top is off.
 
#6 ·
I have the same Pet Loader fro two GSDs and am interested in how you end up fixing it to the rear because, yes, it is a pain to pull in-out, but it does work well.

I also have the Dirty Dog seat gap covers shown in a another post in the thread plus the Dirty Dog rear cargo cover - both of which are very cool.
And use the USA K9 Survivor setup for harness restraint - cool as well.

Pete
 
#8 ·
God Bless ALL Pets.... I lost one of my best little buddies about a year ago and it about killed me.
I still have three(3) and am Not looking forward to that eventuality.

Love to see threads like these Jeepers going to great lengths to take great care of those furry loves of our lives.

Salute to the Op and ALL Jeepers who "Get it".... this "other part" of life that eludes some folks.
 
#9 ·
Vehicle Car Vehicle door Automotive exterior Family car

My two fools are 9 (Lady) and 3 (Triten). When I was looking at Jeeps several years ago, Lady hopped right into a 6" lifted JK on 37's.

Now, she puts her front paws up on the rear bumper and waits for me to lift her butt. Triten leaps into the rear from a sitting position- but he did used to be a police dog, and is much younger.

I have a ramp that I used for my last dog, Shadoe, but he hated it. Lady hates it too.
Dog Mammal Vertebrate Dog breed Canidae


Lady learned to throw her front feet up on things (and then look around at me to have her butt lifted) from Shadoe.

I've been trying to find a good alternative to the butt lifting and the ramp. Preferably something I can attach to the inside of the tailgate.
 
#11 ·
View attachment 3586418
My two fools are 9 (Lady) and 3 (Triten). When I was looking at Jeeps several years ago, Lady hopped right into a 6" lifted JK on 37's.

Now, she puts her front paws up on the rear bumper and waits for me to lift her butt. Triten leaps into the rear from a sitting position- but he did used to be a police dog, and is much younger.

I have a ramp that I used for my last dog, Shadoe, but he hated it. Lady hates it too.
View attachment 3586426

Lady learned to throw her front feet up on things (and then look around at me to have her butt lifted) from Shadoe.

I've been trying to find a good alternative to the butt lifting and the ramp. Preferably something I can attach to the inside of the tailgate.
Beautiful looking dogs! Look very happy.

Life is better with dogs around. Good boy, Good girl!
 
#10 ·
I almost bought the dirty dog trench cover but thought that it was best used for a jeep where the rear seats were used occasionally. Stuffing a blanket into the gap was expedient and cheap.

Didn't get to it today, but the plan is to make a couple of brackets that will let the pet loader flip over to rest inside. Here is a quick concept drawing.
 

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#12 ·
Thank you OP for starting this thread. I have 3 puppers at 11, 10, and 2. The two old ladies have difficulty jumping into the back after a long walk. I've looked at the step that hooks into the hitch and the ramp, but not sure if they'd use that. I really like the step idea, but not sure if that's quick and easy to get in and out. But it definitely have me some ideas. Let's keep them coming too!

For the gap in the back seat of a JKU when the seats are down - I ended up getting a full canvas wrap from Canvas Back (
http://www.canvasback.com/index.php/products/jeep-wrangler-cargo-liners-br-2011-2015-4-door.html). It attaches to the floor and the back of the seats. It's fantastic when they are covered in dirt/mud/water/sand. Plus, it completely covers that gap. The Velcro is strong enough that it hasn't budged with all 3 of the pups standing on it at once (45, 55, and 120 pounds). Its a bit pricey, but I have absolutely zero regrets about upgrading to this. Hope that that helps anyone who's also looking at some sort of "dog proof" cover for the back.
 
#13 ·
Sandi is getting older and she has trouble getting in the Jeep without help. Since she goes everywhere with us this is a real problem. We bought a tri-fold ramp, but it takes up too much space, then I fastened a piece of carpet on the lid of our 50-quart ice chest and she has no trouble hopping up on the cooler and then hopping in the Jeep. We keep the back seats down, and I cut a piece of carpet for the cargo area which also covers the seat gap. We also have a Rugged Ridge neoprene console cover which she thinks is her pillow; and I just ordered a Rugged Ridge C3 cargo liner, mainly for the hair.
 

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#16 ·
Once I get my dogs in the Jeep they usually lay down, one is small enough to where she has a difficult time jumping over the tub anyways, the golden I just have a "hands free" lead clipped to one of the tie downs so it more or less holds him in the jeep with the ability to walk about, though when we are moving he will lay in place....I usually do this with the rear quarter panels off...next fur child I get will also be introduced to the Jeep and possibly a pet ramp from the start
 
#18 ·
I am thinking of getting a ramp for my dogs, as they are getting older and one is rather on the smaller end (as pictured) and I am limited on space (2 door) so I am definatly wanting a smaller ramp set up that can be extended to help the dogs in and out, however the back window not opening up may make it some what difficult....

 
#19 ·
#21 ·
Here are the two solutions we have: OttoStep, and Petlpoader. Petloader is sturdy enough for my Furries, yet light and easy enough to open or fold down. I have a tie-down on the rear pillar, and I pass it (it's an old collar, in fact) through the handle of the step so it tsays safe when we drive around.


You can also see how I store the OttoStep on the other side
 

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#22 ·
Pet Step For Side Door Entry

I had the dilemma last month with my recent 2 door JK purchase and my older dog. But I wanted something that would work for the side doors rather than the back so he could sit up front and not be stuck behind the back seat. Plus I like having my shotgun rider!

Ramps didn't seem compact enough. I was debating between the Snaggle Paw accordian style ($60) or the sturdier Petloader ($250), but the Wrangler doors are not wide and wouldn't fit, or if they did it was for a much smaller dog than my 80 pound guy. Then I found this....

RANGE KLEEN GRAY 2 STEP DOG ASSIST

www.amazon.com/Range-Kleen-Petstep-...60938&s=gateway&sprefix=range+kleen+pe&sr=8-1

Dog Canidae Transport Vehicle Automotive exterior

Product Step stool Table Plastic Aluminium

Product Auto part Metal


I LOVE THIS!! Quick and easy, one hand operation, weighs less than 6 pounds, folds 2" flat, holds up to 300 pounds, doesn't open 5 feet long like some others, and it fits the side door (or anywhere!). My dog took to it right away. He goes everywhere with me and we are constantly in and out of the vehicle, and this makes it a breeze. Double breeze.

You have to see their YouTube video.* After seeing that I was sold:
https://youtu.be/CnMTklf3gRk

Good luck, and just remember that whatever you choose you can always return it. 'Tis the American way!!
 
#24 ·
I'm glad this helped someone else. I now want one for the house!

I introduced it to my dog first on our deck, acting stupidly excited for HIS steps, and bringing him closer then finally onto it with treats until he ended up putting his paws on the second step. Worked for me. Let us know how you make out with it!
 
#25 ·
Hi @Dana_Bratt - just checking back in with an update. Bentley was pretty stubborn at first, and insisted on trying to jump over the steps, but after a couple of tries, he now gets it and uses the steps every time. I am very happy with them, and would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs a step like this. They fold up easily and are easy to carry in the Jeep. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
#29 ·
I'm so glad these worked for you/Bentley. People get a laugh every time they see Diesel go up them to get in my Jeep. GOTTA have my buddy with me! I made a separate thread for these for anyone searching specifically for side entry pet steps. Could you just give a quick post on it so others know it works? Man, I should be a rep for this company! I just know how much of a loss I was at trying to find ANYTHING that would fit the narrow side doors. Thanks!

Side Entry Pet Step For Dog / Older Dog
https://www.wranglerforum.com/f19/side-entry-pet-step-for-dog-older-dog-2377047.html
 
#26 ·
I have 2 Berners, one 15 months & 110 pounds and one 8 1/2 and 135 pounds. I use a Solvit ramp for the TT and they love it. For the JK I open the rear, front paws up on the bumper and then I lift their butt in. I lift them out and down OK. I don't let them ever jump in or out for their safety and control.

To get them used to the ramp I laid it on the ground in the patio where they would have to walk on it. Soon they were walking on it OK and to use it on the TT was no big deal. To fill the folded rear seat gap I cut a piece of 3/ 8 plywood to fit and it stays in place great. Covered the back with thick carpet and a sheet on top of it for easy wash. I try to get them up on the grooming table 2X a week for a good brushing then use the dog blower on them to get rid of the dead hair. The dog blower (Double K) will also blow hair and dust out of the JK. Much better than a vacuum.

Someday I'll loose my old boy, I'll cry for a few days and be a wreck for several more. Been there and done that before.
 
#27 ·
I have a tan/plaid CanvasBack setup from my 2013 Sahara Unlimited that is just sitting on a shelf if someone wants to buy it. I now have a 2016 Rubicon Unlimited and put in a BedTred kit everywhere, along with the Dirty Dog trench cover.

I also use an Otto hitch step for my Tibetan Mastiffs, but my current girl is young enough to jump still, not sure it would work well for an older pup.
 
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