Skamper Ramp

[Steve #1]

I'm curious if anyone here has used (or heard anything about) the Skamper Ramp. http://www.skamper-ramp.com/topic.asp?pid=1

It is attached to the side of a swimming pool so dogs can see it an easily climb out. I've only had two instances with Shelby falling in to the pool. On one occasion she climbed out the steeps and on the other I looked out the back door and noticed her hanging on to the edge. When I pulled her out she was obviously tired. I consider us very lucky that it has only been twice and and that she has been OK both times.

The skamper ramp looks to be the best option other than a fence around the pool.

Any input is appreciated.

[Carrie]

I think it would be a good idea. But I'd go one step further. (I use to be a swimming instructor) I'd show the dog how to get to it. Get in the water with her in the middle of the pool, as well as from other areas in the pool and keep returning to the ramp and have her climb out. Do it over and over again. Do it from many different spots in the pool. Then try it with only her in the pool and you standing on the deck and call her. You could even attach a command....when she's getting out of the pool and on the ramp, say "ramp." Or something. Even when you think the dog knows where the ramp is, in a panic situation, (if the dog is extremely tired,) he may forget. That's why I suggest drilling.

I had a business associate who had an above ground pool and two Pekenese dogs.... and when she came home from work, discovered that one of the dogs had gotten into the pool and was unable to get out and drown.....so sad. If she had had a way for them to climb out and had trained them how and made certain they knew how, that little dog wouldn't have drown.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I have many friends who have ramps for their dogs but really when you think about it, the ramp is no different than stairs leading out, if the dog panics and doesn't look the right direction it still isn't going to help. Just like with Shelby, used the stairs once but the second time you found her hanging on the ledge and tired.

I don't think anything other than a contained area will fix the problem but agree that the ramps do help at times. I'd rather have one than not if I had a pool that wasn't fenced in and would probably try to do as much as I could to make sure the dog knew the way out. Taking her in the pool with you and making sure she always uses the ramp to exit might help her to remember where it is in case she ever falls in. Two people I know for sure have this exact ramp....I'll have to ask them how they like it and get back to you.

[Steve #1]

The time that she used the steeps was shortly after we stopped using the pool for the year so it wasn't long since I had had her in it to teach her where to get out. I guess if i get it I'll have to get out the wet suit and take her for a swim.

Crossfire, I would be interested in feedback from your friends that have it.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I've left messages with the two that have that exact ramp and a few others with ramps in their pools and will certainly get back with you as soon as I hear something. With it being the weekend most of them are at shows but I'm sure I'll hear back sometime this next week.