Grooming Table Update

[Thule's Mom]

While I was out looking for the legs for my table today, I found a 24 x 48 table, metal folding - telescopic - legs for $54.00 at Home Hardware. I wanted a table like that anyway for the patio, so I bought it... maybe it could do double duty.

You all were SO right about the height of the table! The legs go down in increments from 29 - 27 - 25 inches. I set the table up to the lower level - 25 inches, and thought OMG how am I going to get Thule up there! BTW, with the legs down to 25 inches, the table is incredibly steady and strong. I put a rubber backed mat on the table for security and set it next to the couch - which Thule gets up on anyway, and thought it would be relativelyeasy to get her up on the table from there.... any normal dog - yes - but she knew what the table was for. Up she goes on top of the table and right over the other side, giving the momma a heart attack in the process... not one to give up, I put the table next to the couch, with the shorter end up next to it; but the collar and leash on my girl and she - reluctantly went up on the couch again. I used my body to block her escape and got her to sit on the table. I hugged her against me and told her what a good girl she was... PHEW! But now, how do I get her down! Just like Ginny said, she wasn't about to turn around! I quickly retreived her sling... from TPLO days. Using the leash in one hand the sling in the other, I guided her down onto her bed.

So here's the thing....If I don't use steps or a ramp, I'm going to have to groom in my living room!!

I have a grooming arm coming, so that will be some help, as for grooming in the living room, I do that anyway, on the floor. Will make me clean more often, which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

When I get my basement finished, I'm going to make something permanent for the basement, with a ramp and all, but for now, this table is going to do the trick, as long as I'm on my guard and have everything I need before I start and don't have to turn my back on her. The noose I bought for the grooming arm as a break-away thingy so she won't hang herself if she jumps off at least.

I won't try grooming her up there for now, I just get her used to getting up and getting down. A more stubborn pup you've never met!


Thanks all... I've written down all the suggestions and will make good use of them when I build the table. I'm thinking I'll make a plywood box, rather than use legs...

 

[SunnyD]

How about a box with cabinets or drawers or shelves! Wouldn't that be cool to have everything in one place? Kind of like a changing table for babies!

Have you thought about a ramp or stairs?

 

[Thule's Mom]

How about a box with cabinets or drawers or shelves! Wouldn't that be cool to have everything in one place? Kind of like a changing table for babies!

Have you thought about a ramp or stairs?

Wouldn't that be awesome! Yes, I've thought alot about a ramp, but seeing this table, I'm wondering something; if you attach a ramp to the end of the table, would you need something to counter-balance the weight on the end of the table while the dog is walking up the ramp?
Right now, I'm leaning towards steps.

 

[SheilaT]

I have steps for my guys made out of styrofoam sheets glued together. They work great!

 

[Thule's Mom]

I have steps for my guys made out of styrofoam sheets glued together. They work great!

I'm thinking about those; how thick is a sheet of styrofoam; 2 inches?

 

[Ginny]

Make sure your mat is a very heavy one. One of the yoga types can move around and can easily result in a freak out. In my tub, I use a stall mat that is about 1/4" thick. It is heavy, doesn't move, and they feel secure on it. I got it at Tractor Supply for about $35. I ended up cutting it in half and use the other half at the base of the tub for me to stand on.

Give her tons of treats when she's on there. Peanut butter stuck to the top of her mouth should preoccupy her somewhat, such that she's not fretting about where she is.

 

[JackandKelly]

How about a box with cabinets or drawers or shelves! Wouldn't that be cool to have everything in one place? Kind of like a changing table for babies!

Kind of like this?
The bottom cabinet is super low so Lola can use the stairs next to it to get on the table. It is also really deep so she can easily turn around. I think the bottom cabinet is a couple feet deep, but the uppers are only 8" deep so they don't get in the way. This was when it was first installed (in part of DH's attached woodshop. It is heated and Air conditioned and only used for doggy stuff. There is also a bath and wash area) Since this photo we have installed a very heavy thick rubber anti fatigue mat on the surface.

Obviously the photo was last year as Lola was in her young gawky stage LOL

 

[Thule's Mom]

Make sure your mat is a very heavy one. One of the yoga types can move around and can easily result in a freak out. In my tub, I use a stall mat that is about 1/4" thick. It is heavy, doesn't move, and they feel secure on it. I got it at Tractor Supply for about $35. I ended up cutting it in half and use the other half at the base of the tub for me to stand on.

Give her tons of treats when she's on there. Peanut butter stuck to the top of her mouth should preoccupy her somewhat, such that she's not fretting about where she is.

Thanks Ginny... the mat I have is actually a rubber backed floor mat (30 x 50); I have two alike, for now I use one under the table and one on top since she's used to these two mats and lies on them quite a bit. As for treats, well she's not fooled by that anymore! She's pretty much made up her mind that grooming is torture! Now that I can do it myself, properly, and not on my knees on the floor, I do little bits at a time and she'll - hopefully - get used to it that way. I'll still give her treats, but she's definitely not distracted by them! Too stubborn for her own good, this one!:banghead:

 

[Thule's Mom]

Kelly... AWESOME!!!

 

[Pipelineozzy]

I always start mine with the grooming table against a wall...it makes them feel more secure until they get used to it. I really think steps are a better way to go..in order for a ramp to go up to table height and be sloped enough to be comfy for the dog to use, it's going to have to be VERY long. Consider the length of vehicle ramps, and most of the vehicles are not as high as a grooming table. I usually teach mine to put front paws on, and then help the rear if they don't "self load" (most of mine do). I always put my arm under the chest and take the impact when they get down.

 

[dumainedogs]

We did much the same thing for Obie.. with a relatively inexpensive fold-up type table we found at Wal-Mart. We actually bought a length of rubber floor matting from home depot and cut and glued it to fit with "liquid nails." Worked like a charm. However, so far I'm finding it easiest to wrangle Obie for grooming when he's dozing on the floor But, it is nice to have the table as an option. At 103 lbs.. he's still manageable if you get his front paws up and lift his hind end.