# How do i get my dogs in my new loft bed? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 7, 2022, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641 "2022-03-07T23:42:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![poppy1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ab992/32.png) [@poppy1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poppy1)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2022, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/1 "2022-03-07T23:42:16Z")
Hi i have a pit bull a jack Russel and a Boston terrier all 3 dogs sleep with me in bed i have recently bought a loft bed where i have realized after the fact of buying a new bed frame my dogs cannot get into the bed. any ideas to get all 3 in bed? they are ranging from 15-67 pounds i need to figure out a easy cheap way to make it so they can all easily and safely get in as they get in and out to get water in the night i need a way they can get up and down in the night without my help thanks 😀 🐕 [this is the bed i got](https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Shelves-Ladder-Teens-Adults/dp/B09RG4HZJD/ref=sr_1_53?crid=15BFCIMASVY63&keywords=twin%2Bloft%2Bwith%2Bdesk%2Band%2Bstorage&qid=1646696165&sprefix=twin%2Bloft%2Bwith%2Bdesk%2Band%2Bstorage%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-53&th=1) ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2022, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/2 "2022-03-07T23:55:17Z")
That’s uh, quite a realization after the fact. Unfortunately, I think you are looking at cheap, easy, compact situation. Pick 2 out of the 3. Cheap and easy would be a ramp with sides, but it would have to extend waaaay out. Cheap and compact would be a staircase next to the loft (built yourself). Easy and compact would be a purchased staircase, straight or spiral, but won’t be cheap. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/3 "2022-03-08T00:17:58Z")
Our dogs [use a ramp](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006OALW?tag=miauland-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true) to get on/off our pontoon boat. ---
**Author:** ![poppy1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ab992/32.png) [@poppy1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poppy1)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/4 "2022-03-08T00:39:36Z")
those are good ideas thanks for input it was quite the realization defiantly an impulse buy 🤣 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/5 "2022-03-08T01:11:00Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/inUEUIhoNSA/hqdefault.jpg "KATI'S DOG ELEVATOR") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inUEUIhoNSA) ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/6 "2022-03-08T01:16:12Z")
> [@poppy1](#): > > i need a way they can get up and down in the night **without my help** (Bolding mine). Elevator won’t work. The human was quite involved. ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/7 "2022-03-08T01:17:49Z")
I would be inclined to prototype a solution to find the limits of what works. Stacking boxes to make a staircase of differing step heights and depths would be a good start. Your solution does not need to be human rated, so there is a lot of freedom. Critters are pretty good at negotiating things so you may be surprised what might work. Because they are not very tall the structure does not need headroom internally. Some structures built for cat climbing would probably work. Something like this maybe > **[Kitty Climb Playground - Charcoal](https://www.kazoo.com.au/products/kitty-climb-playground-charcoal-plush-sisal)** > > See, I don’t just use the Kitty playground for snoozing. Although, I will admit the plush deep-sink hammock and sleeping den are hard to go past. Right now, I’m using it for sharpening my claws. And then I’ll have a bit of climb and maybe a swing on... ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/8 "2022-03-08T01:26:14Z")
> [@Francis\_Vaughan](#): > > Stacking boxes to make a staircase of differing step heights and depths would be a good start. You’d need an impressive box for a 67 lb dog, but this approach seems the right one otherwise. Some large platform steps, held up with either a large beam at the center (a 4x4, say) or at the corners, maybe 18" apart vertically, allowing the dogs to make their way up and down. To the OP: how handy are you with woodworking, etc.? And how much room do you have off the end of the bed? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/9 "2022-03-08T02:43:13Z")
How does three dogs and a human fit on that bed? Lol Anyway, I’d go for a zig zag ramp configuration. ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/10 "2022-03-08T02:48:12Z")
It might be possible to build a zigzag set of steps within a metal shelving system. Lots of places sell storage systems based on a metal frame and configurable shelves. Some use metal horizontals with wood inserts to make a shelf. If the insert is shorter than the full width of the frame you can make a zigzag. ---
**Author:** ![poppy1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ab992/32.png) [@poppy1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poppy1)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/11 "2022-03-08T14:47:13Z")
thankyou for all your ideas there are definitely some i will consider ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/12 "2022-03-08T14:55:31Z")
Huh, no mention of a small trebuchet. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/13 "2022-03-08T15:02:15Z")
You just need an elevator that can be operated by a paw. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/14 "2022-03-08T15:11:54Z")
You can get a set of above-ground pool steps. They are about the right height (from about 30" to 56") and relatively lightweight. Some are built to stand independently, while others hook over the edge of the pool. As a plus, the steps are usually textured. However, this is not a cheap solution. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/15 "2022-03-08T15:28:37Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Huh, no mention of a small trebuchet. Dogapult. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/16 "2022-03-08T15:34:39Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > You just need an elevator that can be operated by a paw. One with a ‘paws’ button? ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/17 "2022-03-08T15:34:51Z")
I guess I’d either get a different bed for yourself or get beds for the dogs. You can keep them in your bedroom but they’d have to learn to sleep in their own beds. I know, that’s a tough thing to do for both you and your dogs. I used to love having my dog sleep with me, but as he got older and bigger it just became too uncomfortable. He’d lay on my legs and get up and rearrange himself numerous times throughout the night. I finally put him in his crate. He was fine with it and we both slept much better. Good luck! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/18 "2022-03-08T20:38:25Z")
We’ve always had dachshunds, and we had to get a ramp…for them to get on the couch. I think they’d all freak being that high in the sky in your bed. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/19 "2022-03-08T21:09:52Z")
Okay, I just stumbled across a solution on Imgur. Scale this up: [https://i.imgur.com/8QngIVN.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/8QngIVN.mp4) ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641/20 "2022-03-08T21:39:33Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Okay, I just stumbled across a solution on Imgur. Scale this up: I was really expecting that wheel to start rising into the air. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-dogs-in-my-new-loft-bed/960641.md?page=2)