How to Build a DIY Dog Pool Ramp: Ensuring Safety and Fun for Your Furry Friend

Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our furry friends is a top priority for any pet owner. But if you have a pool, this blog is specifically for you. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs, offering a low-impact activity that is great for their joints, muscles, and overall health. However, there is also the potential for hazards.

Did you know that over 5,000 dogs are estimated to drown annually in the United States? In under 45 seconds of being underwater, tragedy can occur. So, if your dog loves to swim or spend time by the pool, adding a ramp can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide easy entry into the pool for those dogs that love to swim, but it also serves as an easy exit. Of course, not all dogs know how to swim, and if you have a puppy, teaching them safe entry and exit is critical to safety.

A pool ramp provides a secure and accessible way for your dog to enter and exit the water, reducing the risk of injury and making swimming a more enjoyable and stress-free activity for them. Knowing your pet has a safe exit route can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind. Additionally, a ramp can foster your dog's confidence in the water, making pool time a fun and positive experience.

In this DIY guide, we will show you how to build an easy, durable and reliable pool ramp for your dog. With a few materials and basic tools, you can create a ramp that ensures your pet's safety and enhances their swimming adventures. (*Dogs should never be allowed access to a pool without human supervision.)

We’ve partnered with Brian Benson, dog dad and dog trainer, on how to create a pool ramp and train your dog to use it!

What You’ll Need:

1. Rubber kitchen mat 3’x 3’ (with drain holes)
2. 3 Jumbo pool noodles
3. Zip ties
4. Wire cutters & hand saw
5. Rope and tie-down anchors (anchor type is dependent on the specific material the ramp will be attached)

Directions:

Step 1: Cut off a 1’x 3’ strip from rubber matting

Step 2: Remove 1’x 1’ square from the piece you just removed (this will leave you with a 1’x 2’ remnant)

Step 3: Attach the 1’ x 2’ section to the top of your 2’x 3’ panel using zip ties (we are making this into a 2’x 4’ size) and clip off the excess from the tightened zip ties

Step 4: Attach a jumbo pool noodle to the side of the mat using zip ties starting 1’ from the top (you want this clearance for anchoring purposes later.) Clip off excess zip tie material.

Step 5: Repeat on the other side and at the center (for a total of 3 supports.) Use a hand saw to remove any excess pool noodle material that goes past the end of the mat.

Step 6: Lay the top section (that we left without noodles on the pool deck.)

Step 7: Attach the ramp to the pool deck using anchors and rope (BEFORE completing this step, read below if you think your dog will need help getting used to the new ramp).

Step 8: Allow your dog to enter at their own pace, then praise and reward (see below if you need help “training your dog to use the first time.”

How to Desensitize Your Dog to Their New Pool Ramp:

The technique used is based on positive reinforcement. Always allow your dog to go at their own pace and never force them to use the ramp. This could end in an aversion to the ramp. Patience is key and will ensure a successful outcome. The worst thing you can do, especially when your dog is already anxious or afraid, is force or pressure them. 

Step 1: Before attaching the ramp and securing it to the pool deck, let your dog explore what you’ve made. Lay the ramp on flat ground and encourage your dog to sniff, step on and lay on it. Reward with a “YES” and a treat of high value to reinforce this behavior. Continue to mark and reward your dog for any interaction with the ramp.

Step 2: Now that your dog is comfortable with the ramp, it’s time to attach it to the pool deck with anchors and rope (per step 7 above) and lay it into the pool. Using the same technique as in step 1 (directly above) mark and reward anytime your pup makes contact with the ramp. We want your dog to know that the ramp equals goodies! At this point, you are just trying to get your dog comfortable with the new sensation under their paws. Don’t try to get them in the pool just yet. Remember to mark and reward this behavior. 

Step 3: Once your dog becomes more comfortable standing on the ramp and their paws are submerged in water on the topmost step, begin to lure your dog forward with a treat. You are asking your dog to move further in the pool (on the ramp) as you hold the high-value treat just out of reach. With each step forward, pay them with a treat and let them know they are doing a great job and are a “good boy” or “best girl.” Make this FUN for them!

Step 4: Once your dog is comfortable on the lowest and deepest part of the ramp, back up a few feet.  With treats in hand and lots of positive encouragement, ask your dog to step off the ramp and start swimming in the pool. This may take additional luring.

Step 5: Now that your pup has successfully “made friends” with the pool ramp and had fun in the pool. It’s time to teach them how to use the ramp to exit. This is the easy part. Just make sure your pup swims over to the ramp area—once there, they should easily be able to walk up the ramp. You may need to submerge the end a bit until they’ve successfully learned to exit.

That’s It!

This DIY guide shows you how to build a durable and reliable pool ramp for your dog with just a few materials and basic tools. This simple addition to your pool setup can significantly enhance your pet's swimming experience, ensuring they can safely enjoy the water while giving you peace of mind. *Remember, dogs should never be left unsupervised around a pool, even with a ramp.

About the Author:

Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs and canine wellness expert. 

About Brian and his dog @magnusthetherapydog:

Brian Benson has always loved dogs and has been training his dogs since he was a kid… turning a passion into a lifelong skill. After he adopted Magnus, he put in a lot of work building a solid foundation upon which everything is now built. He started with basic obedience and progressed into trick training, therapy dog work, service dog skills, and even nose work, winning multiple trials in scent detection. 

After creating a community of millions of dog lovers on social media, Brian realized that many people wanted to know how Magnus does some of the things he does. He receives constant DMs from people worldwide asking, “How do I get my dog to behave just like Magnus?”

Because of this, Brian created a FREE dog training community to help people train their dogs at home.  Learn more at:

https://magnusthetherapydoginc