FEATURES, ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF

Doggy Dock™ 

While several products are out there for dogs to regain entry onto a boat, few offer connectivity to every boat gunwale thickness (metal, wood or fiberglass). 

Others:     Most all other dog platforms are metal and are designed to fit over the top edge of a single thickness boat gunwale.

Doggy Dock:

• To use, simply place the assembled ramp into the water and lash the platform (with two rope ties) to a cleat, rail, ladder or any convenient tie-down spot. Attaches easily to all types of boats, fixed or floating docks, swimming pools, and other structures.
   
• It floats.  You won’t see your investment sink out of sight if mishandled!

Others:     Most all other products have a ramp or single stand that is constructed of metal and have some sort of expanded metal hardware cloth.  This isn’t good for a dog’s paw as there is the possibility for injury.

Doggy Dock:

• The ramp is a flexible fabric called “superman mesh”.  The deck is a molded plastic resin with ridges for added traction and through-holes for water drainage. There is nothing that can catch a claw or cause a paw to become entangled or carpet that can become waterlogged and rot or mildew.

Others:     Some platforms may or may not have a ramp and simply hang out over the side of the boat.  This is a cantilever situation that can cause the boat to tilt under the dog’s weight and exertion of jumping into and climbing out of the water.  Attachment is generally via tubing and clamps that may be prone to coming loose.  These often require height adjustments to allow for various boats having taller gunwales above the waterline.

Doggy Dock:

• The unit floats and is independent from the boat. It remains a consistent height and is always in relation to its mounting device.
   
•  While on the platform the dog’s weight and exertion are supported by the flotation and little energy is transferred to the boat.

Others:     Some platforms have steps that are like ladders and the distance between risers is fixed.  You’d have to first teach your dog to climb a ladder and then there is no allowance for different size dogs.  Some have the steps mounted to “poles” leading to the platform and may not be very stable.  Others have the steps mounted between two sides.  Either requires the dog to uncomfortably find the steps “in the blind” since they are under water.

Doggy Dock:

• The dog is guided to the deck between the flotation tubes and simply swims forward until feeling the gentle slope of the ramp underfoot.  Getting out of the water is as simple as walking up a bank at the waters edge.  Training is fun sport for your dog.

Others:     Some metal platforms offer optional “tree stand mountings” that require the deck to be rigidly secured to the tree with hardware in order to keep it stable.

Doggy Dock:

• Doggy Dock remains stable on its own flotation platform.  No special hardware is required.  Simply attach with rope via the provided opening in the deck’s leading edge.

Others:     Most ladders are made from metal and can be noisy when the boat moves or the dog is on the ladder.

Doggy Dock:

• Doggy Dock’s materials are non-metallic and there is less noise created from movement. Being quieter is desirable, especially when a flight of ducks is on approach!

Others:     Some ladders have to have different floatation bags purchased and attached to the bottom of the device depending on the weight of the dog.  If the support doesn’t match the weight, the dog has a hard time using it.  You’d need different floats for different size dogs.

Doggy Dock:

• Doggy Dock’s float tubes are extremely buoyant.  Large to small retrievers have no problem.  It evens supports the weight of two dogs coming up the ramp at the same time! 

For dogs trained and experienced in using Doggy Dock, it provides an excellent escape route when the owner is absent or not aware that the dog is in the water and may not have any other way to reach safe footing and shore.