How to Build Doggie Steps

Dogs are said to be man's best friend, and with good reason. Friendly, loving and loyal, your best friend will stay by your side through thick and thin. In fact, he may literally want to be by your side: up on the couch, bed or chair with you. If your dog has trouble getting up onto places he would like to be, such as a couch or bed, help him out by building a soft, lightweight set of foam doggie steps. Then, place them by the couch so your dog can walk up the steps to be near you. The lightweight foam design allows the steps to be moved easily from one location to another. Follow the directions below to make your own set of steps.

Things You'll Need

• Sturdy foam Spray-on glue Fabric (optional) Large, sharp kitchen knife for cutting foam

Instructions

1. Visit your nearby upholstery or home improvement store and buy a large block of sturdy foam. You want it to be firm, so it will last longer. You can buy the form in one large piece, or you can ask someone at the store to cut it into three pieces for you. The pieces should be the following sizes (all in inches): 4H by 14D by 12W, 4H by 11D by 12W and 4H by 8D by 12W.

2. Next, cover each of the three pieces with fabric. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the foam piece--about 2 inches larger around. Then place the foam on the fabric and wrap the fabric around the foam as you would wrap a present. Secure the edges to the underside of the foam with the spray glue. You do not have to completely cover the bottom of each foam piece, as the bottom will not show in the final product.

3. Create the first steps. Place the largest piece of fabric on the floor or on a table. Spray the bottom of the second piece of foam (4H by 11D by 12W) with the spray glue and secure it on top of the first piece. Make sure the ends of the foam pieces are lined up so that a stair step is formed.

4. Spray glue on the final, smallest step and carefully place it on top of the middle step, lining it up with the others. Let dry. Once dry, you can cover the bottom of the stairs with more fabric if you wish. Simply cut out a piece to fit and attach it with the spray glue.

5. Use your steps. Place them by the bed and coax your dog up them! Once your dog figures out how to use them, you can move them around the house as you need them, or create another set to use in a different room.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog seems scared of the steps at first, give him time to get used to them. Don't force him to go up and down the steps. Try using a treat to coax him up them.

Resources

• Plans for building dog steps out of wood