High Sierra Topix

We couldn't keep the boots on our dog, they were a hassle.

Big Ed wrote:We couldn't keep the boots on our dog, they were a hassle.

Because you have to start with them when the dog is still a puppy. One of the things I was so thankful about when we got her (as a rehomed adult) from her breeder -- the breeder taught all the pups she bred to wear costumes, packs, booties and all manner of doggy gear. It takes a lot more work to train an adult dog to tolerate them. Ours tolerates the booties for about four hours before starting to tear at them as long as we keep her walking and mind her closely... it helps in those trails full of the sharper granite. But we only put them on if she's showing signs of hot spots.

She wasn't pulling them off. What type do you use?

I sprang for the Ruffwear Summit Trex - they have to fit the dog well. The cheap canvas kind just come right off while she's walking or roll around uncomfortably.

I also use the Ruff wear booties on both of my dogs. The ones with vibram soles work great. When I bring them out they get excited, they know they are going somewhere cool.

Dogs are like people- different paws. Our dog, a border collie, cannot keep on Ruff Wear booties. ANd they were fit by a dog specialist at a fancy dog store. Her feet are really small for her body size. Her dog booties are basically last resort for walking out, if her paws get injured. I carry dog wrap - like people first aid wrap but does not stick to fur. We can wrap the booties on her feet in an emergency. I have read on the internet that bird hunters who use dogs duct-tape the booties. Now that she is an older dog we have not had any paw problems without booties. She walks 5 miles a day, about half on natural terrain (river rocks, dirt and gravel). We are careful not to have her walk on hot rocks or pavement. I also found that she does better if we keep miles down to about 6 miles per day or less.

And just when you think you've see it all (dog bootie suspenders): http://caninecareproducts.com/product/s ... uspenders/

Our hiking dog.

Great discussion, folks, thanks for all the info. Especially the input about what works for everyone in the realm of dog booties. Our next step is to try and find some that our boy can work with.

@Harlen- Well, I'm certainly no expert on Jindo's, I actually wasn't familiar with the breed at all until the rescue organization told us about this guy. But, because everyone loves dog pics, here's my Jin!