I'm going to build a grooming table

[dannyra]

Just a thought. If you go with the removable ramp you were talking about, you could put mounting brackets on both sides. Once she's up there you could move the ramp to the other side so she doesn't have to turn around.

 

[Wayne A]

Hi Deb I like the idea of a ramp at both end you will need a good solid way to lock it in place and have it easily removable to switch ends.I would be thinking of 1 inch plywood and the more plies (layers of wood glued together) the stronger it is .Could get expensive though.But I'd hate to do all that work and have it sag also Thule would feel more at ease the more solid it is.

 

[Thule's Mom]

Excellent idea guys! Would certainly solve the turnaround problem!

What if I could figure out a way to secure the ramp to the long side, as well as at the short side.... would take away the space issue to... more figuring to do!

Also, I was talking to one of the guys at work, and he says he has a metal chop saw and can cut the legs down...so I may not need a ramp, if I can get Thule to co-operate and let me assist her up onto the table! I think I may make it a bit wider though, maybe 28 - 30 inches instead of 24.

 

[Capri]

Let us know how it turns out I'd be curious to see how you build & design "the Perfect Grooming table"

 

[Ginny]

If you go with the ramps just make sure they're removable. If you've got ramps coming out all sides of the table, you'll be hard put to maneuver yourself for grooming. You may want to see how Thule does with a ramp before you go to the expense and time involved in making one. Some Newfs are just not comfortable with them. Champagne makes a 24" high one. Setter Right does/did too. I'm not sure that company is still in existence.

 

[Thule's Mom]

Hit a snag.... can't find the legs!!! I'll keep looking!

 

[Pipelineozzy]

Home Hardware...check online and get them to order them. REally, any hardware can order them in for you, you just have to ask them.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

Don't make the table too wide...or the dog always moves to the other side and you are stretching your arms and it's tiring.
I have one wider than the other, and I think I may cut my wide one back a bit on the sides.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

Hi Deb I like the idea of a ramp at both end you will need a good solid way to lock it in place and have it easily removable to switch ends.I would be thinking of 1 inch plywood and the more plies (layers of wood glued together) the stronger it is .Could get expensive though.But I'd hate to do all that work and have it sag also Thule would feel more at ease the more solid it is.

3/4 won't sag over that distance. My old table (built in the late 80's) is stiff functioning, and it's 3/4, and has even spent a few years sitting out in the snow and rain...the rubber matting really protects it. That table also has castors mounted right on the bottom of the table (not the legs!) so that when folded up, it can be a crate dolly. I used to plunk the crate on it, stick all my tack inside, and just roll it into the show building. Always thought I should make the dog pull it in. I also used it often for moving stuff around in the house..filing cabinets and things like that.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

You could also just make a step that would fit UNDER the table when not in use...a platform half the height of the table would work well.

 

[Thule's Mom]

On line it says they are in stock at both local Canadian Tire stores; spent 45 minutes trying to get help at one store today..... I'm going to go in in the evening on a week night when hopefully it won't be so busy.... don't you just hate it when people look at you with that 'vacant' look in their eyes when you ask them something!!!

 

[Ginny]

This link will take you to a picture of the ramp designed for a Booster Bath. Maybe a design something like this???

http://www.petsnap.com/boosterbath.htm

Also wanted to add that in my experience, Newfs who have orthopedic issues are the least likely to be comfortable with newfangled things such as ramps and shiny floors. Others may have a different experience with this...

 

[Thule's Mom]

I saw a nice set of steps today,white metal frame, rubber on steps, two steps, looked like each step about 10 inches deep and about 14 inches wide; they also have the three step ones; from about $29 to $39 .... I have to get a look, but I think Thule could climb them. They were at Home Depot.

 

[Thule's Mom]

This link will take you to a picture of the ramp designed for a Booster Bath. Maybe a design something like this???

http://www.petsnap.com/boosterbath.htm

Also wanted to add that in my experience, Newfs who have orthopedic issues are the least likely to be comfortable with newfangled things such as ramps and shiny floors. Others may have a different experience with this...

That is very much like what I had in mind.... a step up and then the platform to cut down on the angle of the ramp! the ramp will have to be as wide as the table I think for Thule to get on it.