I have two large Greyhounds I haul around occasionally. They normally jump directly into the back of the vehicle, however, the FJC's rear bumper (at least the top) is made of hard plastic and very slippery. Anybody have some suggestions about how to remedy this? I could use the anti-skid "sandpaper", but was wondering if anyone had a better solution. Thanks.
Maybe a place that does rhino linings could spray that section with some leftover material after bed lining a small pickup. Check with them to see if their product adheres to plastic.
I am having my Jeep Rhino lined now and they told me they don't do bumpers because the constant spray of rocks would make it eventually come off. But, I am picking up my Jeep today and I will ask him about the top of the bumper on the FJ. When mine FINALLY comes I will run into that problem too. I have 4 dogs and two are getting older and having difficulty getting in. I will post his reply/suggestion after I talk to him.
Yeah, I have one of those ramps but my old dogs seem to be too old to learn a new trick. I suppose I could train them, but at this point it'd be easier to de-slick the bumper.
I talked to the man who is Rhino lining my Jeep. He says that any flat surface can be Rhino lined. He would have to see the bumper of the FJ to be sure, but from my description he says that it is doable. So, unless there are any other great ideas, I may be doing that soon.
For future reference, I train my dogs to be lifted.
One arm under the rump & one under the chest, this avoids lifting them by the belly.
If you do it occasionaly all their life they are used to it when they get older and need help into and out of the truck. My last dog was around 90# when his hips started going and he couldn't jump in the truck anymore.
You could probably still get your dogs use to it.
I started this because my dads dog ruptured his spleen by trying to jump and landing on his belly across a fence. After seeing my first dog slip and take his full weight across the belly on the tailgate I trained him.
RE Rhino Liner, you can get a DIY kit for that small of an area.
My female doesn't mind being lifted and she's only about 55 lbs. My male is about 90 lbs and is quite a handful. Luckily he can still jump so it hasn't become an issue (yet). Greyhounds are quite delicate.
My female doesn't mind being lifted and she's only about 55 lbs. My male is about 90 lbs and is quite a handful. Luckily he can still jump so it hasn't become an issue (yet). Greyhounds are quite delicate.
No, they're ex-racers so they've been bred free of most maladies. On the track they're a prized commodity as long as they are fast. Greyhounds do tend to have back and neck problems in old age. They also forget how old they are and still try to run fast, which occasionally leads to some sprains.
Go to your local WestMarine or any boating supply storee and take a look at the Treadmaster non-skid pads (apply with adhesive backing) or 3M non-skid tapes. These probaly will both do the trick and can be removed when you sell the vehicle. Both products can be viewed at the West Marine website, do a search for "non-skid".
my dogs (catahoula/greyhound and shar pei) go in through the doors.
I had a greyhound (around 85lbs) and as he got older, lifting him in was the best option.
I found that if it was that close, the chance is still there that he can miss and stumble. You know that can mean some serious injuries on a grey.
best way, let him 'sit' on your forearm (so you are grabbing him close) and then the chest. He didn't mind too much.
The best solution was a big, sturdy "flap" of fabric that you flipped out w/ you open the door. Flip back in w/ he jumped in.
Griptape is a ok solution- but if you do, get the low-traction. The really rough stuff can tear you up.
*the 80 is nice b/c the tailgate is carpeted and it was easy to place him on it- tho the lift height is quite a bit more.
I had a greyhound (around 85lbs) and as he got older, lifting him in was the best option.
I found that if it was that close, the chance is still there that he can miss and stumble. You know that can mean some serious injuries on a grey.
There is a West Marine in Rockville on Randolph Road (I used to live in the area until 1989), not too far from Olney. If you go to the web site, search Treadmaster and it will show you rubber diamond plate, non-slip pads and strips with an adhesive backing. This is non-abrasive and is good stuff. I've used it on aluminum boats and in my FJ40 tub.
There is a West Marine in Rockville on Randolph Road (I used to live in the area until 1989), not too far from Olney. If you go to the web site, search Treadmaster and it will show you rubber diamond plate, non-slip pads and strips with an adhesive backing. This is non-abrasive and is good stuff. I've used it on aluminum boats and in my FJ40 tub.
For tape, go with the 3M tape they sell for ladder steps; not the sandpaper texture but the rough texture that is like Line-X. Most hardware stores carry the tape. I have also bought it in Pep Boys.
I also agree with Rusty_TLC that you should train your dogs to be lifted. I didn't do that with a Shar Pei and as he got older and more feeble it was a chore getting him in and out of the cruiser until I built a ramp.
For a long term solution you will want something like this. I bought one of these about a year ago and it is great. Fairly light at 20# and it shortens up enough that you can throw it in the back of the 80 to use at the destination. I leave it on the garage floor and straddle it when parking in the garage.
You can read more about the SolVit ramp here. Basically, it is made of plastic and telescopes. It will hold up to 300# so it is heavy duty. You can train your dog to walk up the ramp by using treats.