Dog platform

[LovenLifeGuy]

Anyone know a place where a guy can get a tripod or platform of somesort for the dog to sit on while duck hunting to keep them out of the water.. something you can fold up and take with easy, maybe even a ramp with it. I know they make the ones that you put on trees, but im looking for one that can sit in the water. Any help or ideas would be great. maybe I will have to make one.

Thanks, LovenLifeGuy

[311Hemi]

Check out the Avery Ruff Stand. They just came out with it and is exactly what you are looking for. No steps though.

FYI....it's not cheap!

[LovenLifeGuy]

Thx, hemi

[BLACKJACK]

I also had the same problem, I'd be in knee deep water in the cattails with my chest waders on, where to put pooch. I started using an old life raft, its about 5 foot long by about 3 foot wide, they crawl in there after their retrieve, they're high and dry. I've also contemplated using a small Otter sled, I just haven't found one on sale.

Let us know what you come up with.

[jbell1981]

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I've also contemplated using a small Otter sled, I just haven't found one on sale.

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Thats what we did last year. I am not sure what size, but its about 4 ft long and was about $45 at fleet farm. It worked great for the dog and also nice to use to set up decoys.

[311Hemi]

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I've also contemplated using a small Otter sled, I just haven't found one on sale.

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Thats what we did last year. I am not sure what size, but its about 4 ft long and was about $45 at fleet farm. It worked great for the dog and also nice to use to set up decoys.

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hmm....never thought of that but I have one of these sleds. How did you set it up for during the hunt?

[jbell1981]

Put the back of it at the edge of the reeds so the dog could see. (The front of the sled is less stabble so we used the back). Then bent some cattails over the top of it so its not visable from above. It work good in thick reeds that keep it stabalized more. If you have a huge dog and little reed cover it probably won't be very stable.

[jbell1981]

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Check out the Avery Ruff Stand. They just came out with it and is exactly what you are looking for. No steps though.

FYI....it's not cheap!

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Holy crap, not cheap is an understatment. $180. I don't think I would be getting one anytime soon. I had a hard time finding them too, so I emailed Avery.

Here are a couple pic's for any that might be interested in them.

[nine-tiner]

After looking at the pictures why not go to a local auction and buy a couple used chairs, (old school cafeteria) cut the backs off, and give a shot of dull paint. Maybe $20 per chair...wait I meant to say "dog platform".

[2 DA GILLS]

Does anyone actually own one of these Ruff stands? I am considering purchasing one, but I have not been able to find them in any stores. Since I have not been able to see one in person, I was looking for some actual owner feedback on the quality.

The price tag does seem steep, but if it last for several years - it is worth the money. It sounds like the Marsh stand telescopes from 22" to 36". That is what I really want to see is how sturdy is it extended to 36" with a 70 lb dog jumping off of it?

[LovenLifeGuy]

I just got the cabelas waterfowl catalog and it looks like they are carrying them. I was going to head out and look at them today but I have to much going on. It looks like it will hold up to 150 lbs. Price is steep but its exactly what I need. If anyone has seen one in person and can give an opinion that would be great.

LovenLifeGuy

[2 DA GILLS]

They do not have any at the Cabela's in Owatonna. From what I gathered they do not have any in Cabela's inventory period. The guy at the Owatonna store checked the computer for me and they are back ordered until early October. It looked like the first shipment will not come in until 10/7/07 (after opener) and this was only the warehouse not the retail stores.

If anyone knows of anyone that has them on hand could you share that information?

[LABS4ME]

Do what we used to do... Buy an Otter sled (or jet sled which is even cheaper) and have the dog sit in that. They float a dog no problem... you can load all your dekes and gear in it and pull it to the slough. We used the second form the smallest size and it would glide along effortlessly in the grass and held the dog no problem. You do need to help the dog in to it though. Works better if you can get some floating bog snugged up next to it and even under it. They would use the bog to pull themselves up out of the water.

If I still hunted that way, I'd maybe consider some boat pole locks to stabilize it so the dog could get in it by himself. It was a step ahead of them balancing themselves on a clump of bog along side of me while hunting....

Good luck!

Ken

[2 DA GILLS]

It is a possibility, but when in ND and walking way back in a section to get to a small wetland. I am not sure I want to drag a sled that far. I also think I may need to hunt some very low growing cover for the opener in MN. I would prefer to have him on a lower profile stand in the water.

If I can not find one or they are back ordered too long, I may have to consider the sled route. I have concerns about the space for hauling around the sled as well, but thanks for the alternative idea.

[nater]

This is an interesting topic because with waterfowl coming up I was thinking about this. I don't have a duck boat and have a 10 month old lab I will be taking out. I was wondering what most people do with their dogs if you are in waist high water.

I was thinking about a using the cattails, but wasn't sure how well that would work. I'm going to talk to my wife and see if I could use a chair from the old kitchen table set!

[311Hemi]

What worked well for my buddy was using an old metal patio chair that has the flat arm rests that are pretty level to the ground. He then cut off the back rest and attached a piece of plywood to the arm rests using a few bolts. It worked great this past weekend. It does take up a little space though.

[2 DA GILLS]

I did find a place that had some Avery Ruff Stands in stock if anyone is interested. I know they only had 5 or 6 remaining in stock. I had to phone order, but they said they will make sure I get it by Friday. If you want info let me know and give me an e-mail address to send the info to.

[LovenLifeGuy]

I would like the info please.

big fish billy @ yahoo.com

[2 DA GILLS]

LovenLifeGuy

You have mail.

[311Hemi]

Here is one my buddy made....it worked well last weekend when we were out training.

This was using a patio chair with the back cut off and the plywood screwed to the arm rests. Worked well and was light but it does take up some space. Might be able to add some hinges to the legs fairly easily to have a system that folds up. Could possibly use some non slip material on the top.

[2 DA GILLS]

311Hemi,

Looks like a great idea and very sturdy. The not folding up would be an issue for me in a lot of situations. We will see how the Ruff stand works and how well it holds up. I had tried making my own portable stands in the past and they did not hold up.

[fishingbuddy]

Hey

I have a fish and Ski boat with a swim platform. Do any of you guys know of a ramp that i can attach to it for my dogs? They can almost make it up but need something for thier back legs to grab

[JDM]

How deep is the water in that pic? I like the otter idea. I have never thought of that. I think I might have to try that this weekend.

I have always just made them stand in shallow water, or put them on shore and pick up birds with blind retrieves. In chest deep water it is always been tough. I seem to end up near a bog or muskrat or beaver huts, or I just avoid the situation.

[311Hemi]

Water was about knee high....probably two feet or so. It was right around the top of the dogs shoulders.

I think we might easily be able to make it into a fold up system.

[LovenLifeGuy]

ordered the avery stand from dixie dog supply. I got the last one and it will not be here until monday . I think it will work great. Thanks gills

LovenLifeGuy