Duck Dogs and Ladders Part 3: Perhaps the Perfect Ladder

I received my two rung extension for my WAG Boarding Steps™ just a few days ago. I could not wait until I could get to the lake. I read the instructions and located my Allen wrench set and a small adjustable crescent wrench. It was very simple to install. I was able to attach the extensions in less than five minutes. I pulled my 18' Alumacraft duck and bass boat from the garage intending to hang the ladder. Gunner was very curious about the boat coming out. His tail started to wag a mile a minute until his entire back end shook! He seemed to be saying, "Boat ride! Boat ride! Yeah let's go!"
I was anxious to see exactly how much difference two rungs would make! It did not take long. I hung the ladder and Gunner instantly took that as an invitation.

 As you can see from the pictures, my 105 pound lab climbed straight into the boat without assistance! He and the ladder did not have the advantage of the buoyancy of the water to take his body weight off of the rungs either. This was a good test!
The next day we were on the water! As I suspected, Gunner was able to enter the deeper boat without assistance. We were in six feet of water against Cranberry Bog on Buckeye Lake. He could not touch the bottom.

 Thank you Jim Perkins, of owner of Waterdog Adventure Gear! This is the ladder that I have been hoping for, and I believe all us waterfowl enthusiasts need! It is light weight, it floats, and it is easy to attach and remove from the side of my boat! Let us not overlook the best part, my dog likes it! Finding the ladder that meets my needs and Gunner's needs was no easy task! Another important feature is that since it is made of durable plastic, it does not scratch the paint on my aluminum duck boat! This is the best product that I have seen on the market, and I have seen MANY!

To all my duck hunting friends out there, as good as this product is, you still need to take your dog out on the water and practice. Some dogs need a little more than others, some hardly any at all, but don't blame your dog if you do not spend a little time with him (or her) retrieving from the boat. As a duck hunter on his 39th season, take it from me: practice calling birds, practice a little shooting, and spend some time training your dog and your hunts will be much more enjoyable!