Frequently
Asked Questions
The nautiDAWGS ladder comes completely assembled, and once the mounting bracket is secured, it is ready for use. There are moving parts you will need to engage, and we ask that you proceed carefully when releasing the steps. Make sure the steps are locked in place before allowing your dog to use the product. Be careful not to trap your fingers in an area that could cause bodily harm. USE WITH CAUTION AND USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
We designed nautiDAWGS to be the most versatile product on the market. The product will work on hunting boats, ski or pleasure boats, cruisers, pontoons and even boat docks. The ladder unfolded and installed is 48” long, as long you can mount the product and have two full steps completely beneath the water, your dog should be able to board safely. Please consider the type of dog and the total length you need, and if you have any questions, please contact us.
nautiDAWGS will fit basically anywhere you can secure the L-bracket. It is required to drill 3 holes and use the screws or bolts, depending on your situation. If you are mounting the product on a swim platform, it is important to assess the platform's integrity and strength. Pay close attention to the edge where the bracket will be mounted and make sure that you can mount it flat, properly secure it with the hardware provided, and there should not be a problem.
We used two different dogs during our testing and had them board successfully after about three attempts. The key is to try to direct them to come straight at the ladder. We trained them by using a water toy that they would retrieve. Start by throwing it out a short distance so their margin for error is minimized, and they can come straight back to you. Once they feel the ladder under their feet, they should have no problem. We were shocked at how quickly dogs instinctively learned to use nautiDAWGS just like the steps at home.
The dimensions for nautiDAWGS are 24” L x 17” W x 6” H when folded for storage, and 48” L x 17” W x 6” H when in use and extended. The Boarding ladder is very easy to handle and weighs under 15 pounds.
No, the nautiDAWGS Ladder is designed for dogs only under 100 lbs.
Yes but with all products used in salt water you must rinse thoroughly after use and allow to drain and dry properly.
If you choose to return the product because it does not fit properly or you do not like it, that is fine. We hope you contact us first to see if there is something we can do to assist you. If we cannot help you and you still want to return the product, we ask that you return it in its original packaging and with all hardware supplied with the initial purchase. We reserve the right to inspect the product, and if everything checks out fine, we will process the return. We need the return to occur within 60 days of the shipment date. We are a small business that stands behind our products.
Our products come with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. nautiDAWGS guarantees to replace or refund the original owner if the product breaks or a component fails during the 1-year term. This warranty does NOT include misuse damage, excessive weight placed on the stairs, normal wear and tear, or saltwater damage. nautiDAWGS was built to last and provided it is used as it was designed, it should give you years of use. nautiDAWGS reserves the right to inspect any product returned under warranty.