Dogs getting into 4Runner

[JustSomeGuy]

We have two older collies (Seneca and Sugar, soon to be 9 and 11). They've both had some shoulder issues. We currently have an Audi wagon and a Crown Signia (crossover). The Audi load-in (total jump in) height is 26 inches. The Crown Signia is 28 inches. The 4Runner is 34 inches (non hybrid). The 4Runner will replace the Audi. It's enough of a difference that we are concerned, especially on road trips where there will be lots of in and outs. We bought a fold up ramp (which by the way fits nicely behind the driver's seat if you leave the driver's side rear seat only partially folded). Our dogs are naturally skiddish about stairs to begin with. We are in the process of trying to train them to use the ramp (laying it flat on the ground, slowly raising height), but it is not going well and our male (Seneca) may never be willing to use the ramp. We are considering buying a trailer hitch step. Any thoughts? How do you help your dogs get in and out of your 4Runners?

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[Steveg203]

This is my main problem with my 4 Runner. I have a golden and a lab 5 and 7, there isn’t enough space behind the front seat and my lab can jump up to the seat. He wont be able to do that when he gets older. When the dogs get out it’s a big jump down. I have been helping them. I tried a ramp and that’s not good, I like to have them in the back seat and restrained with a belt attached to their harness.

I think for me this has been a deal breaker. It might be time to part ways with my 4 Runner. I should have stayed with my Passport.

 

[get.outside.75]

I have the Otto Step hitch step. Works great. I have one dog I have to help onto the step but then hops in fine. No way I can lift his 70lb self into the hybrid cargo space with my bad back without it. Other dogs will hop right on it.

they make others that are 2 step versions but I wanted to keep it simple.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Another vote for Ottostep. We originally bought it for getting us into a popup camper, but it’s also great for the dogs.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

Do those of you with the Ottostep see it as a good enough solution to overcome the higher entry point of the 4Runner? Anything else you can tell me about how you were able to get them to use the step? I really like the 4Runner, but also need a vehicle that my dogs can get into and out of without injury. They are "family" and we take lots of road trips together.

We are currently re-thinking our training on the ramp. After doing some research, we realized we shouldn't have simply attached it to the 4Runner and tried to coax/force them to use it with treats. We now have it lying on the floor in the living room, and have raised it just a little to one step. Sugar, our female, has become more comfortable using it, so that's promising.

Edit: update, both dogs went down the ramp raised to one step three times, and sugar went up twice (with lots of little treats sprinkled on the ramp). It isn't much, but what it does tell me is that they are physically able to do it if they want (we had wondered if the 18" width wasn't wide enough for their rear legs, well it is wide enough).

 

[JustSomeGuy]

I think for me this has been a deal breaker. It might be time to part ways with my 4 Runner. I should have stayed with my Passport.

We'd considered a Passport, but honestly, the load in height of the Passport is only a hair shorter than the 4Runner. According to my measurements, verified by Perplexity AI, the load-in height for a 6th Gen 4Runner is 33-35 inches (depending on trim and tire size) (mine is 34). The load in height of the previous generation Passport is 31-33 inches, and the current version is 32-34 inches (so an inch or two lower than the stock 4Runner).

 

[Steveg203]

We'd considered a Passport, but honestly, the load in height of the Passport is only a hair shorter than the 4Runner. According to my measurements, verified by Perplexity AI, the load-in height for a 6th Gen 4Runner is 33-35 inches (depending on trim and tire size) (mine is 34). The load in height of the previous generation Passport is 31-33 inches, and the current version is 32-34 inches (so an inch or two lower than the stock 4Runner).

My 2020 Passport there was enough room for my dogs to jump in the back seat floor then get on the back seat. I secure them by a belt in case of an accident. My dogs are big and probably getting another dog. The back seat room isn’t good on the 4 runner.

 

[get.outside.75]

Do those of you with the Ottostep see it as a good enough solution to overcome the higher entry point of the 4Runner? Anything else you can tell me about how you were able to get them to use the step? I really like the 4Runner, but also need a vehicle that my dogs can get into and out of without injury. They are "family" and we take lots of road trips together.

Yes it works for me. I have 4 large dogs and they all use it (although my weims usually bypass it and hop right in).

As for training them to get in, high value treats on the step and in the cargo area. For my oldest (he is 10+), I make him get a "walking start" as he can't do it from a standstill position. I also stand right next and "assist" if need be. Don't want them missing and get scared to use it again. The Otto Step also fits easily behind the drivers seat (or in the back seat).

 

[Nodak]

for older dogs, 2-4 inch difference between a passport and 4runner is not really a deal breaker. at an older age, regardless of jump in height, you should be using a ramp (but thats my opinion).

i use to load both my GSP from the side door on my 14 4R but on my 25 (the older girl was put down last year, she went downhill in less than a year @ 8yrs old) i load my GSP from the rear only. the door opening is smaller on the 25 vs the 14.

as she gets older (she is at 7 yrs old but still very high strung) i will eventually make her use a ramp

 

[Steveg203]

for older dogs, 2-4 inch difference between a passport and 4runner is not really a deal breaker. at an older age, regardless of jump in height, you should be using a ramp (but thats my opinion).

i use to load both my GSP from the side door on my 14 4R but on my 25 (the older girl was put down last year, she went downhill in less than a year @ 8yrs old) i load my GSP from the rear only. the door opening is smaller on the 25 vs the 14.

as she gets older (she is at 7 yrs old but still very high strung) i will eventually make her use a ramp

If I use a ramp then I need to have them go through hatch. Then I will need to get them in the back seat. I knew it was going to be a problem but my spouse insisted we get the 4 Runner. The extra inches in the Passport make a huge difference For me. Also, nobody enjoys sitting in the cramped back seat of the 4 Runner. Never got any complaints on the Passport.

 

[Nodak]

i personally stow the 2nd row seats up so "lindy" doesnt try to get into the front seats. works as a great barrier so she stays in the back.

plus she doesnt ruin the seats since they are tumbled forward and stowed, since i only have a 2nd row

but thats just me, each person has a different method of how they transport pets. what works for you doesnt always work for others and vice versa

 

[mtk_rob]

THIS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1CP1Y16

connects at the exact height of my Trailhunter's rear bumper and my old 100lb labrador, once he learned he could trust it, gets in and out of the back easily. i even have another 7" raised platform in the back. and it folds up just by dropping the top onto the bast and goes right under the platform with my other gear.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

I watched the video for that set of stairs you mention, and it looks like each tread angles downward. Does it do that on your 4Runner? Not sure that would work for my dogs. I do like that this version of the stairs folds up smaller than some of the others. I'd like to find something small enough to fit behind the driver's seat with the rear seat partially fold down.

 

[Blackie1]

I have an 8 year old border collie and I just pick him up to put him in the back end. Sometimes he's hesitent when I open the lift gate so I'll just grab him and set him down.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

I wish our dogs were as small as a border collie. My male (full collie) is 80 pounds (not overweight, just large). Female collie is 60 pounds. At 63 y.o. and a bad back, this is a no-go.

Good news, though, they are both now running up and down the ramp to get in and out of my Audi Allroad wagon, so it is looking more promising that they may be willing to go up the ramp into the 4Runner eventually.

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