Dog platforms

[TylerS]

Let me start out by saying that my dog loves water. This didn't come immediately, however, as he had quite an aversion a year ago. But over the summer he learned to love it and now he retrieves anything that falls in the wet stuff.

On that note, he doesn't actually like to SIT in water for extended periods of time. I have to admit, I'd never considered this as a first-time dog owner. I just figured he would sit in the water and watch for birds like I do. Then again, I have cozy, dry waders on and he doesn't. Once I realized that, I sort of felt bad for the guy. Plus, he's obviously uncomfortable, and his shaking is not just from being excited.

So I've decided to get him a portable platform that I can plop down in the water. I figure they make marsh seats for us that run about $50, so one for Fido shouldn't be all that expensive. HA! Boy was I wrong. Avery makes one that looks perfect, but it's $170.

Since there are a lot of enterprising folks on HSO, I thought I'd ask here first. Anyone go about making a dog stand for duck hunting? Or have you come up with alternative solutions? My uncle used to go out of his way to find muskrat homes just for his lab to sit on, even if they weren't in the best spot for hunting.

I had the idea of bringing out a small tub I use for ice fishing as a sort of mini dog kayak, but I'm not sure if it would float. Plus, it would need to be painted.

Any other ideas? I'm planning on going out Saturday, so I have to think of something quick.

[dan z]

use the platform of the marsh seat and customize it for FIDO

[TylerS]

use the platform of the marsh seat and customize it for FIDO

I'd actually considered that. Especially since Remy is on the smaller size, he might fit on the seat as-is.

[Gordie]

TYler Here a few out of the box ideas

PVC will make a good platform

an old aluminum walker , take the wheels off and screw a platform on it shove it down and your set

Another would be to modify a old hanging style deer stand but it would hang on PVC that you push down in the mud.

I may have to research this one more and come up with something

Hope this helps

[Cheetah]

TylerS, I have been considering the same thing this year since the water level is different in the lake I am hunting. One idea I had is to buy some 2" styrofoam from Menards that I can cut and attach a couple layers to some plywood. I am not sure how well it would float or if the dog will even sit still on it, but thought it might be worth a shot for only a few dollars.

[TylerS]

Good ideas! Actually just found out that the Big C has the marsh seats on sale for $40. Scheels in Fargo price matches, so I'm going to pick one up today. I'm hoping the seat is just bolted to the post, because then I could cut a bigger seat of of plywood and staple some camo fabric over it before bolting it to the housing. Don't know how stable it will be, but if I jam it down in the cattails it should stay put, I would think...

[jparrucci]

I ran into the same dilemma last year. Cheap and easy solution is a standard camo quad chair. Used one many times last fall with the high water. My Brittany did just fine sitting in it. The one I bought even has a camo bag for carrying. Cheaper, easier, and lighter than anything else mentioned. My friend did the same for his big lab. Unless u are in water deeper than your waist, the dog should stay dry.

[TylerS]

Well, I picked up the marsh seat last night. As expected, the seat was merely bolted to the bracket. I had Remy sit on a piece of plywood so I knew how big it needed to be. Then a quick cut, some spray paint, and voila! Looks like it will work just fine. I'll give it the test run Saturday morning and see how it goes. If that fails, I'll swap it out and then at least have a seat for myself. That quad chair is a good idea, too...