[News] Steps Put Pets on Top of the World - YorkieTalk.com Forums

fasteddie · 05-31-2006, 09:37 PM

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

Dan & Corinne · 05-31-2006, 09:41 PM

I've wanted steps for ever and have been asking (more like nagging/begging) Dan to build one for our home.

I'll show him how much they cost and threaten him I'm gonna buy one to see it it will motivate him to build one for us!

fasteddie · 05-31-2006, 09:56 PM

They also have cheap steps at Target for about $30 (at least they did a year or so ago). I think it's made for children. They are wooden. Building your own is the way to go though, if you are able to.

See this thread:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...t=target+steps

Dan & Corinne · 05-31-2006, 10:04 PM

Thank you for the "Inside Scoop"... I think I'm going to pester Dan a bit more since our bed is REALLY high and I want a "railing" so Jazzie doesn't accidently fall off the steps.

If he ever makes one, I'll post the picture.

Highlans · 06-01-2006, 04:27 AM

I think steps r a good idea I used to have two steps at different heights next to our bed Rob loved them.

chattiesmom · 06-01-2006, 07:20 AM

I bought a set of steps from Wal-Mart.... there were three steps.... AND a certificate so that I could BUY the optional "riser" that would make it a 5 step.

The three steps took ended about 1/2 way up the side of my bed. I'm pretty sure I paid $29.99 for the three stepper and the optional riser was another $9.99 plus a hefty S&H.

No where on the package that I bought did it tell you HOW HIGH the three steps were. They were counting on my sending in my certificate along with $9.99 + s&h for the additional two steps. I felt like this was FALSE ADVERTISING! I dismantled the whole darn thing and took it back to Walmart.

Lola LaRue · 06-01-2006, 07:25 AM

We have the three step for our couch and the four step for our bed. I like knowing that Lola can have access and that she does not need my help getting up. It is also a relief to know that she won't be jumping off my bed and breaking her leg again. I have heard of many small dogs that have sustained back injuries from jumping up and down from high places. I am thankful that Lola won't be one of these small dogs. Oh yeah, we have the doggy steps.

Bailey's Peeps · 06-01-2006, 08:54 AM

My wife picked up a set of the doggie steps at a garage sale the week after we brought Bailey home. They're great! We have them by the sofa, and she's up and down them all day. I think she enjoys the act of climbing up and down them as much as she enjoys reaching the goal of "her" spot on the sofa.

KellyV · 06-01-2006, 09:21 AM

I got mine from The Best Pet Ramp Company

They're absolutely gorgeous and sturdy enough that I could use 'em! I really like that they let you pick the carpeting the wood stain color... They're a bit more expensive than what you'd find at Target and such, but they're well worth it!

chattiesmom · 06-02-2006, 09:42 AM

I must clarify my negative response. I think steps are a great idea. I was so excited when I found them at Walmart. I read the entire box trying to find out how tall they were and no where on the box did it say. I bought the steps in good faith thinking that they would at least get the kids within jumping distance of the bed.

When I opened the package and found that they didn't, I was disappointed, the certificate to send off and buy what would make the product "workable" is what really irritated me. So we are back to using an old trunk with a pillow on top and covered with a blanket to keep it from sliding.

I think FastEddie is right on the money. The best option is to measure and make your own!

ncope · 06-02-2006, 04:03 PM

I got two sets of those cheaper doggy steps just to see if they would work. Now my yorkie is a little bigger than most - he weighs 18 lbs. But he does have short legs. It took him a couple of days to figure it out, but now he uses them all the time. I have one set in the bedroom and one by the couch.

They are a little cheaper looking than I expected, but what can you expect for under $20 I do like how portable they are though, I can just pick it up with one hand and move it for vacuuming and to move it somewhere else if I need to.

Most of the time my dog sleeps in his own bed on the floor, but he does come up to the big bed a couple of times a night. The steps are near the head of the bed, so some mornings he climbs up on the steps and tries to wake me up by licking my face.

So, if you just want to test them out, I would just go ahead and get the cheaper ones to see if your dog will even use them. Then if he/she will use it you could get something really nice or build your own.

roxysmommy · 06-02-2006, 09:14 PM

I bought steps from Bed bath & beyond a couple of weeks ago.. i think that they were much like the plastic ones that are sold at walmart. They retail for around 30 dollars..... I have a king size bed...... When i opened them...they were tiny. I think like 12 - 14 inched high. These would be good for a couch or chair but not a bed (or my bed, i should say) ... then as some1 else had stated there is an orderfornm to buy an additional riser to make it a 4 stair ..... for 9.99 plus shipping 4.95..... when i was in BB&B there was a guy in there that had asked me y i was buying them... come to find out he will be selling some kind of pet steps on QVC in the middle of June.... I didnt get any specifics on them though.... also, I have seem some soft steps on Ebay that you can get in higher sizes... i think i might try one of those......

chuckandnan · 06-05-2006, 05:43 AM

My little yorkie "Dollie" has the 4 step set and just loves to use them. She is up on the couch in a flash and loves her independence! I highly recommend them. Doggie Steps is good enough. You don't have to spend a fortune for steps...these work wonderfully.

LittleBits Mom · 06-12-2006, 06:53 AM

Go to www.ltdcommodities.com or www.abcdistributing.com and type in dog steps in the seach box and they have them for as cheap as $20. I have them and they work great. Very easy to put together too.

YorkieHeaven · 06-12-2006, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fasteddie

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

I think I saw these at Bed Bath and Beyond this past weekend for $29.99.. You might try them if you like these steps.

05-31-2006, 09:37 PM	#1
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	[News] Steps Put Pets on Top of the World 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 __________________ YODA & WINKY R ::: RIP Winky ::: RIP Yoda!

05-31-2006, 09:41 PM	#2
Dan & Corinne Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 4,387	I've wanted steps for ever and have been asking (more like nagging/begging) Dan to build one for our home. I'll show him how much they cost and threaten him I'm gonna buy one to see it it will motivate him to build one for us! __________________ Jazzie Jolie Jen & I'm Corinne Loving Memory of Jewel 4/28/2003~4/18/2006

05-31-2006, 09:56 PM	#3
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	They also have cheap steps at Target for about $30 (at least they did a year or so ago). I think it's made for children. They are wooden. Building your own is the way to go though, if you are able to. See this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...t=target+steps __________________ YODA & WINKY R ::: RIP Winky ::: RIP Yoda!

05-31-2006, 10:04 PM	#4
Dan & Corinne Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 4,387	Thank you for the "Inside Scoop"... I think I'm going to pester Dan a bit more since our bed is REALLY high and I want a "railing" so Jazzie doesn't accidently fall off the steps. If he ever makes one, I'll post the picture. __________________ Jazzie Jolie Jen & I'm Corinne Loving Memory of Jewel 4/28/2003~4/18/2006

06-01-2006, 04:27 AM	#5
Highlans Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Berkshire England Posts: 191	I think steps r a good idea I used to have two steps at different heights next to our bed Rob loved them. __________________ Click for Robbie! Robbie exhausted on holiday

06-01-2006, 07:20 AM	#6
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I saw - I bought - I returned I bought a set of steps from Wal-Mart.... there were three steps.... AND a certificate so that I could BUY the optional "riser" that would make it a 5 step. The three steps took ended about 1/2 way up the side of my bed. I'm pretty sure I paid $29.99 for the three stepper and the optional riser was another $9.99 plus a hefty S&H. No where on the package that I bought did it tell you HOW HIGH the three steps were. They were counting on my sending in my certificate along with $9.99 + s&h for the additional two steps. I felt like this was FALSE ADVERTISING! I dismantled the whole darn thing and took it back to Walmart. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

06-01-2006, 07:25 AM	#7
Lola LaRue Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Ramon, CA Posts: 710	We have the three step for our couch and the four step for our bed. I like knowing that Lola can have access and that she does not need my help getting up. It is also a relief to know that she won't be jumping off my bed and breaking her leg again. I have heard of many small dogs that have sustained back injuries from jumping up and down from high places. I am thankful that Lola won't be one of these small dogs. Oh yeah, we have the doggy steps. __________________ Shannon, Lola Larue, Chewbacca Joseph(aka Chewy)

06-01-2006, 08:54 AM	#8
Bailey's Peeps Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2006 Location: OKLAHOMA Posts: 229	My wife picked up a set of the doggie steps at a garage sale the week after we brought Bailey home. They're great! We have them by the sofa, and she's up and down them all day. I think she enjoys the act of climbing up and down them as much as she enjoys reaching the goal of "her" spot on the sofa.

06-01-2006, 09:21 AM	#9
KellyV YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 776	I got mine from The Best Pet Ramp Company They're absolutely gorgeous and sturdy enough that I could use 'em! I really like that they let you pick the carpeting the wood stain color... They're a bit more expensive than what you'd find at Target and such, but they're well worth it!

06-02-2006, 09:42 AM	#10
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I must clarify my negative response. I think steps are a great idea. I was so excited when I found them at Walmart. I read the entire box trying to find out how tall they were and no where on the box did it say. I bought the steps in good faith thinking that they would at least get the kids within jumping distance of the bed. When I opened the package and found that they didn't, I was disappointed, the certificate to send off and buy what would make the product "workable" is what really irritated me. So we are back to using an old trunk with a pillow on top and covered with a blanket to keep it from sliding. I think FastEddie is right on the money. The best option is to measure and make your own! __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

06-02-2006, 04:03 PM	#11
ncope Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Burlington, NJ Posts: 10	I got two sets of those cheaper doggy steps just to see if they would work. Now my yorkie is a little bigger than most - he weighs 18 lbs. But he does have short legs. It took him a couple of days to figure it out, but now he uses them all the time. I have one set in the bedroom and one by the couch. They are a little cheaper looking than I expected, but what can you expect for under $20 I do like how portable they are though, I can just pick it up with one hand and move it for vacuuming and to move it somewhere else if I need to. Most of the time my dog sleeps in his own bed on the floor, but he does come up to the big bed a couple of times a night. The steps are near the head of the bed, so some mornings he climbs up on the steps and tries to wake me up by licking my face. So, if you just want to test them out, I would just go ahead and get the cheaper ones to see if your dog will even use them. Then if he/she will use it you could get something really nice or build your own.

06-02-2006, 09:14 PM	#12
roxysmommy Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boca Raton, Florida Posts: 13	I bought steps from Bed bath & beyond a couple of weeks ago.. i think that they were much like the plastic ones that are sold at walmart. They retail for around 30 dollars..... I have a king size bed...... When i opened them...they were tiny. I think like 12 - 14 inched high. These would be good for a couch or chair but not a bed (or my bed, i should say) ... then as some1 else had stated there is an orderfornm to buy an additional riser to make it a 4 stair ..... for 9.99 plus shipping 4.95..... when i was in BB&B there was a guy in there that had asked me y i was buying them... come to find out he will be selling some kind of pet steps on QVC in the middle of June.... I didnt get any specifics on them though.... also, I have seem some soft steps on Ebay that you can get in higher sizes... i think i might try one of those...... __________________ Roxy's Mommy..I luv my furbaby!

06-05-2006, 05:43 AM	#13
chuckandnan Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greeley CO Posts: 172	Love these steps My little yorkie "Dollie" has the 4 step set and just loves to use them. She is up on the couch in a flash and loves her independence! I highly recommend them. Doggie Steps is good enough. You don't have to spend a fortune for steps...these work wonderfully. __________________ Dollie's Mom

06-12-2006, 06:53 AM	#14
LittleBits Mom Donating YT Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 671	I found the same ones at a better cost Go to www.ltdcommodities.com or www.abcdistributing.com and type in dog steps in the seach box and they have them for as cheap as $20. I have them and they work great. Very easy to put together too. __________________ Have a great day!! Jill (LittleBits Mom)