Mobility ramp for large dog in multi-pet home

A giant breed like a Leonberger needs a substantial ramp — but you're right that most ramps built for dogs over 60kg are wide, long, and effectively immovable once placed. The right mobility aid really does depend on where your dog is struggling: back legs, front end, getting in and out of the car, or managing stairs all call for different approaches, and a ramp that's awkward to reposition will either block everything or stop being used. So — how old is your Leonberger, roughly how much does he or she weigh, and what's the specific problem you're trying to solve: is it getting in the car, managing a step inside the house, or something else?

That makes a lot of sense — a 10-year-old Leonberger refusing to jump down from the sofa is usually the early sign of hip or elbow discomfort, and repeated jumping down is genuinely hard on those joints. The challenge you've identified is real: most ramps rated for 65kg are 240cm long and 40cm wide, because you need a shallow enough incline that a heavy dog will actually use it. Leaving something that size propped against the sofa permanently isn't practical in a shared space. Can I ask — is the sofa against a wall, or is it freestanding in the room? And does she respond well to encouragement and treats, or is she a bit independent about that kind of thing?

Good — food motivation makes ramp training straightforward. Given her weight and the fact you need something genuinely storable, I'd go with the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Ramp in the large size, rated to 90kg. It folds in half to roughly 90cm long and stands upright against a wall when not in use — cats and smaller dogs walk straight past it. The surface is high-traction fabric rather than hard plastic, which matters for a heavy dog because it gives her grip and absorbs some impact on the joints. The incline at full extension is gentle enough for a dog with early mobility issues to build confidence on. It won't wobble under 65kg, which is the failure point of cheaper folding ramps. The only thing to be aware of is that because it folds in the middle, you'll want to check the hinge periodically — it's sturdy but it is the one mechanical point. Priced around £80–£100 on Amazon UK, it's in the right range for what it is.

With a food-motivated dog, most owners see confident independent use within a week to ten days. Start with the ramp flat on the floor so she can walk over it and get used to the texture — a day or two of rewarding that with high-value treats is enough. Then prop it at a very shallow angle against a low surface, not the sofa yet. Once she's walking up and down that without hesitation, move it to the sofa. The key is never rushing a step — if she stalls, you've moved too fast and just need to go back one stage. Leonbergers are generally cooperative and calm, so she'll likely surprise you. The bigger risk is you, not her — people tend to get impatient and skip the flat-on-floor stage.

Almost certainly yes, and no, it's not a problem at all. The surface is fine for cats and the weight limit is nowhere near at risk. If anything, cats using it first can actually help — some dogs are more willing to try something new once they've seen another animal use it calmly. Just make sure when you're in the early training stages that you're not trying to coax your Leonberger onto it while a cat is parked on it mid-groom. That's a battle you won't win.