My eight month old Berner refuses to jump up into the back of our Rav4. We have to lift his front legs up and then haul his backside up. At 66 pounds, he's getting too big for this. He has no trouble jumping out of the car. We've even tried luring him with treats, but he manages to get them by leaning into the car. Any words of wisdom here? Thanks in advance.

I have a Nissan Xterra and got this step for our puppy to get in and out of the back. I didn't want him jumping down from that big height and he's too big for me to lift anymore. It's very easy to use, but you need a hitch package on your car and I'm not sure if you have one or not. Here is the link: Dog Car Step / Otto Step -- Orvis

It's the Otto Step from Orvis. I usually throw a treat in the back of my car and he will jump right up, using the step. Hope this helps.

Our Berner is 10 months and 95 lbs, and she just started jumping into the back of our SUV about 2 weeks ago. When she got too big a couple of months ago for me to lift her into the back (say about 60 lbs), I had to just stop taking her. Then I thought I'd try again a couple of weeks ago and wonder of wonders, she jumped right in. Maybe she just needed longer legs - I'm not sure what it was. But she has no problem now. Perhaps the step mentioned in the previous reply is a good interim solution if you really need to get your pup into your SUV. Good luck!

A dog ramp is needed it is not good for your puppies joints to be jumping into or out of a vehicle at all let alone a higher than normal boot.

He should be limited or stopped from going up and down stairs till at least 18 months old too. Of course this may not be happening and apologies for mentioning it if that is the case. Exercise should be limited to 5 minute per month rule also if not already in place of course.

IE: 5 month old = 25 mins of exercise daily.

At your pups age exercise should not go beyond 40 mins in total daily.

I've had a ramp.....but honestly it would've been easier to lift my Berner than get the ramp out and set up each time. It took some convicing with food and a bit of practice but she jumps in now fine. We started by having me in the vehicle, her on her leash and me getting her really pumped up and hyper and calling her while holding her leash. You could try having someone hold her bum while you're in the back and almost not letting her go when you call her- I do this a lot in agility and it gets them less afraid of things- makes them want to do it more if they're held back. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the excellent suggestions.

hi. my 11 month/ 100 lb berner only goes up front legs in my truck and i pick his ass up to get in. and pick him up and carry him out,... dont let your babys jump out, impact is horrible for their joints. get a ramp if your not fit enough to help your child.. hit the gym and hike with your dog!

I had the same problem. My girl also refused to used the stupid $129 ramp I bought her

No easy job hoisting her in.... But even HARDER getting her out because she would dig in like a mule. We finally got her halfway there at about a year where she would HELP us do the work. Now at a year and a half she will do it herself but still is a tiny bit leary of jumping out.

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take it from me, jumping is not good. I've been doing research for storm because he will need a ladder soon. I use a stool for him and to get out I put my arm under his chest to try and take some of the weight off the elbows.

We got got the $179.00 ramp! Absolutely useless! lol I have an SUV so my husband HAS to be around if we are going for a ride so he can pick up the back end ! We originally got the car thinking it would be great for Riley. ha ha ha We used to have a Jetta, and he could walk right in! Oh well....