Ryan,I'm confused a bit...the 196 is not that big of a boat and doesn't have a elevated cap like a CCP so the gunwales are pretty low. Can your dogs not just climb/jump over the gunwale into the sand or shallows when you beach the boat? Not trying to sound stoopid, but just having trouble grasping your specific situation/scenario.
Ry, took a look at that paws aboard and got to thinking.....how about an old kiddie sliding board, and put wooden treads on it??