The assembled Whisker Bark Bailey chair in dark walnut, with the feeding tray and bowl at the front

Bailey Chair Assembly Instructions

Eight solid wood panels, one screwdriver, nine simple steps, and most people finish in under an hour. This is the same guide that comes printed in the box, with every diagram, so you can follow along on your phone.

30 To 60 MinAssembly
9 StepsAdults only
1 ToolPhillips screwdriver
See The Bailey Chair

What You're Building

An upright seat that keeps your dog vertical through every meal and the time after it.

A spaniel walking into the Bailey chair through the open front door
Walk In, Not Lifted InThe front door swings open so your dog steps inside.
A red setter sitting upright in the Bailey chair with a bowl in the feeding tray
Upright At The BowlThe tray holds the bowl right where your dog can reach it.
Close up of the Bailey chair hinge and wide base plate
Built To Stay PutSolid hinges and a wide base keep it steady at every meal.

Check The Size Before You Open The Hardware

The chair is sized to your dog, and once assembly begins it cannot be returned unless there is a manufacturing defect. Confirm the fit first with the Bailey chair sizing guide.

Not sure? Email contact@whiskerbark.com with your dog's measurements and we will confirm the size before you start.

What's In The Box

Count every part before you begin. If anything is missing, contact us instead of using screws or bolts from somewhere else.

Exploded diagram of the eight numbered Bailey chair panels above the hardware A to G

Panels

1 Front panel, the door
2 Left side panel
3 Right side panel
4 Back panel
5 And 8 Side support blocks
6 Base panel
7 Feeding tray with bowl opening

Hardware

A Cam bolts 16
B Cam locks 16
C Wooden dowels 16
D Small screws, 3 x 12 mm 14
E Long screws, 4 x 35 mm 4
F Hinges 2
G Latch 1

Step By Step

Body first, then the door with its tray, then hang the door. Work in a closed room with no pets around, since loose hardware is easy to swallow.

1

Cam Bolts Into The Side Panels

  1. 1Lay side panels 2 and 3 flat on a protected surface.
  2. 2Screw 6 cam bolts (A) into the holes along the inside edges, split between both panels.
  3. 3Tighten by hand, then snug with the screwdriver.
Side panels 2 and 3 lying flat with cam bolt positions marked A
2

Assemble The Upper Frame

  1. 1Lay back panel 4 flat and press 6 cam locks (B) into its large round holes.
  2. 2Push 6 wooden dowels (C) into the edge holes of panels 2 and 3.
  3. 3Stand panels 2 and 3 on either side of panel 4, lining the bolts up with the locks.
  4. 4Push together and turn the cam locks clockwise until they lock.

You now have a U-shaped frame.

Side panels 2 and 3 joining back panel 4 with cam locks B and dowels C
3

Prepare The Base

  1. 1Place base panel 6 upside down.
  2. 2Screw 6 cam bolts (A) into the pre-drilled holes.
Base panel 6 upside down with six cam bolt positions marked A
4

Attach The Base

  1. 1Press 6 cam locks (B) into the lower holes of side panels 2 and 3.
  2. 2Push 6 wooden dowels (C) into the matching holes of the base.
  3. 3Lower the frame onto the base, lining up every dowel and bolt.
  4. 4Tighten the cam locks until secure.

The body now stands upright on its own.

Frame being joined to base panel 6 with cam locks B and dowels C
5

Hinges And Latch On The Door

  1. 1On front panel 1, fit the two hinges (F) with 4 small screws (D).
  2. 2Fit the latch (G) on the side edge shown and secure it with the supplied screws.

Panel 1 becomes the door your dog walks through.

Front panel 1 with hinges F and latch G fitted with screws D
6

Side Support Blocks

  1. 1Push 1 wooden dowel (C) into each support block, 5 and 8.
  2. 2Set the blocks on panel 1 over the pre-drilled holes.
  3. 3Fix each block with 2 long screws (E) from underneath panel 1.
Support blocks 5 and 8 fixed to panel 1 with dowels C and long screws E
7

Prepare The Feeding Tray

  1. 1Place feeding tray panel 7 upside down.
  2. 2Screw the remaining 4 cam bolts (A) into the pre-drilled holes.
Feeding tray panel 7 upside down with four cam bolt positions marked A
8

Attach The Feeding Tray

  1. 1Push 2 wooden dowels (C) into the support blocks.
  2. 2Set tray panel 7 between the blocks and line up the holes.
  3. 3Press 4 cam locks (B) into blocks 5 and 8 and turn them to lock the tray.

The tray stays fixed to the door from here on. The bowl lifts out for cleaning.

Feeding tray 7 fitted between support blocks 5 and 8 with cam locks B
9

Hang The Door

  1. 1Set the finished door, panel 1, in the chair opening.
  2. 2Line the hinges up with side panel 3 and fix them with the remaining 8 small screws (D).
  3. 3Fit the latch so it meets the strike plate on side panel 2.
  4. 4Test it. The door should swing smoothly and the latch should close securely.
Door panel 1 hinged to side panel 3 with screws D, latch G meeting side panel 2

Check The Build

  • Nothing moves when you press on the panels.
  • The chair sits flat without rocking.
  • The door swings smoothly and the latch closes.
  • The bowl drops in and lifts out easily.
  • No hardware is left over.
  • Recheck every joint after the first week as the wood settles.

Before The First Meal

  • Confirm with your vet that a Bailey chair suits your dog.
  • Ask how long your dog should stay upright after eating. It is often 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer.
  • Agree on food consistency, meal size and how often to feed.
  • Start with short sessions in the chair and no food.

Our guide to the first two weeks with a Bailey chair walks through it day by day.

Every Meal

Before

Quick Check

Look for loose hardware, wipe the tray, set the chair on a flat non-slip floor.

During

Stay Close

Stay with your dog the whole meal. They should reach the bowl without straining.

After

Hold Upright

Keep your dog in the chair as long as your vet recommends. Lying down too soon is the main risk.

Clean Up

Wipe Down

Lift the bowl out and wipe the chair once the hold time is over.

Not sure how long to hold? Read how long a dog should stay upright after eating.

Call Your Vet Right Away If You See

  • Coughing or gagging during or after meals.
  • Wheezing, rapid or labored breathing.
  • Blue or purple gums or tongue.
  • Lethargy, fever or loss of appetite.
  • Nasal discharge or repeated regurgitation.
  • Panic or extreme distress in the chair.

These can be signs of aspiration pneumonia, which is an emergency.

Do Not Use The Chair

  • Before your vet has evaluated your dog.
  • If it does not fit your dog properly.
  • Without someone supervising the meal and hold time.
  • On an uneven, slippery or unstable floor.
  • If any panel, hinge or latch is damaged or loose.
  • As a replacement for veterinary care.

Care And Warranty

Cleaning

Damp cloth and mild soap after each meal. Do not submerge, and skip bleach or abrasive cleaners.

Monthly Check

Inspect every cam bolt, screw and hinge, and tighten anything loose.

Storage

Indoors and dry. Long exposure to moisture warps the wood.

Replacement Parts

Email us and we will send what you need.

One Year Warranty

Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original buyer. Email proof of purchase and photos to claim.

Not Covered

Normal wear, incorrect assembly, moisture, harsh cleaners, outdoor storage, cosmetic marks, or choosing the wrong size.

The Bailey chair is a feeding aid, not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent megaesophagus or any other condition. By assembling and using it you accept that sizing is your responsibility, that it cannot be returned once assembly has begun, and that your dog must be supervised during every meal and hold time.

Need A Hand?

Send your order number, your dog's measurements and a photo of where you are stuck. We will help with missing parts, sizing or assembly.

Email contact@whiskerbark.com