While many people struggle mightily to keep dogs off couches and beds, other people are producing and promoting products that make it easier for dogs to gain access to furniture designed for humans.
Have you seen the television commercials for Doggy Steps?
A tiny Yorkshire terrier trots up three little steps and flops onto a couch. A fluffy white pup ascends a set of mini-stairs to join his mistress in bed. The lady and all of the dogs in the commercials seem positively jubilant about this product.
In the commercials and on the Internet video, multiple dogs travel up and down the Doggy Steps. There are clips of little dogs using steps to get into the back of an SUV. Medium-size dogs, which could make the leaps up and down on their own, cheerfully use the steps.
TELEBrands Corp. suggests this product will be a boost for dogs that are elderly, overweight or suffering from hip or back problems.
I would suggest that younger dogs might be encouraged to use Doggy Steps to possibly avert back and joint problems later in life. A lifetime of jumping off furniture could put stress on hips, knees and shoulders. This suggestion is aimed at pet owners who reject the notion that dogs shouldn't be on furniture.
This product has a 70-pound weight limit, ruling out many of the big breeds that are prone to joint problems.
This product is available on the Web site
www.doggysteps.com and in some stores for $39.99. On the Web site last week, you could get a second set of steps at no additional cost and free shipping was offered for a limited time. Telephone orders are taken at 800-693-8415.
The product arrives in pieces but the "no tools required" assembly was as easy as promised. The plastic frame is covered with a washable beige-colored fleecy material.
Other companies sell sturdier, fancier, pricier steps, including Puppy Stairs,
www.puppystairs.com, available in a choice of four colors. This company offers stairs, ramps and cubes which can be mixed and matched to suit the needs of pets, including very large dogs. The three-piece stair package is $181.90. A three-piece "wide/tall ramp" is $440. A smaller one-piece ramp is $71.90. Call 866-767-4551 for further information.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06152/694580-338.stm