TM
Made for the Urban Jungle and the Great Outdoors.
Got dog boots? Thinking about getting some?
Here are a few helpful tips if you have dog boots or are considering getting dog boots. If you have a question, please let us know. We'd be glad to help.
How to Get Your Dog to Wear Booties
There is no reason why a dog can’t be trained to wear boots and even enjoy them. That’s right I did say trained. There is some basic training involved. It’s not like simply putting a new collar on.
The first thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to dog boots, fashion must never come before function, so we'll assume you've got a good quality, well fitting set of dog boots to start with.
It is also important to remember that wearing boots is primarily for your dog’s benefit, not your amusement. Remember, you're in training mode and your dog is looking to you for assurance and leadership. Yes it's cute and funny to see a dog try boots on for the first time, but try to avoid your dog from becoming another YouTube, dog boot experiment statistic.
1. Positive association
The most important technique to get your dog used to wearing boots is consistent, positive reinforcement and association.
Is there a single dog in the world that doesn't get excited when their owner reaches for the leash? For your dog it means there’s a 99.9 percent chance that a walk is coming. There’s no reason why your dog cannot make the same association of putting dog boots on with an exciting, fun, adventure-filled walk.
If you put the boots on and then just let the dog wander around the house for a while, it may only add to your dog’s frustration and anxiety.
2. Distraction
Make sure, especially in the beginning, that as soon as the boots are on you head out for a quick walk of about five minutes. Not only is it a positive association, it’s a great way to take your dog’s mind off of the fact they have boots on. There are just too many other stimulating distractions to enjoy! Also it’s a great way to release any stress or anxiety your dog may have from having these strange contraptions on.
3. Build up tolerance
Gradually increase the walk time over the course of a week and your dog should adapt to them. It is also important to remove the boots right after the walk and don't give your dog permission to try and remove them on their own. If necessary, spray some bitter apple on the boots to discourage your dog from trying to remove the boots.
4. Praise and reward
Praise or give treats to your dog for letting you put the boots on. Follow up during and after the walk.
If you can’t go outside, engage in a fun activity while the dog has the boots on, like playing fetch or some other game. Dogs love attention and abhor boredom. Positive, fun attention is a great way to establish a positive association with the boots.
If you apply these suggestions and take a dedicated, consistent approach to getting your dog used to wearing dog boots, pretty soon your dog will be begging you to put them on.
- Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is the founder and owner of Woof Hoofs Co. You can ask Jim questions by writing him at jim@woofhoofs.com. Find out more by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.
Copyright 2015, Woof Hoofs Co.
What to look for in a set of boots
When my dog Baxter and I go for a walk and he’s wearing his boots, we always get a lot of smiles and positive comments, but occasionally I hear the remark, “I tried getting my dog to wear boots, but he hates them and won’t let me put them on.” Then they ask me, “Does your dog try to pull them off?” I can see the look of skepticism on their faces when I tell them that Baxter enjoys wearing them.
It got me thinking about writing down why Baxter, and now many other dogs like wearing Woof Hoofs.
in the product development stage there were many prototypes he didn't like and he let me know it. So I'm confident that the boots we produce are comfortable to wear.
Not all Dog Booties are Created Equal
Whether you try Woof Hoofs or some other brand, there are a few basic characteristics to look for in a good dog boot:
Flexibility: It should move with your dog’s natural paw movements and not force your dog to change its natural stride.
Form fitting yet not too tight. If the boot is too loose and the material is too rough it can cause friction and irritation.
Non-slipping or Flipping: Even good boots may require adjustment after vigorous activity, but the boots should generally stay in place.
Good traction. Hard plastic or smooth soles will only make your dog feel more unstable and insecure when wearing boots. A boot with a rubberized sole will provide traction and will help your dog’s confidence with having them on.
- Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is the founder and owner of Woof Hoofs Co. You can ask Jim questions by writing him at jim@woofhoofs.com. Find out more by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.
Copyright 2015, Woof Hoofs Co.
Care and maintenance
Unlike many other pet accessories, dog boots tend to get an unfair share of abuse. So routine care and maintenance will go a long way in extending the life of your boots.
Cleaning
Hand wash in warm soapy water and be sure to get any accumulation of hair and dirt that is lodged inside the boots. Gently squeeze any excess water out and air-dry..
Woof Hoofs come in a convenient mesh bag which makes a nice storage pouch. Or if that's too much trouble, try scrunching the straps together and hang the boots on a coat hook or hat rack by the door
Shoe Goo
Shoe Goo is a good investment for extending the life of dog boots. It is advisable to apply to high wear areas BEFORE wear occurs. Thread seams that may come in contact with the ground should get special attention, as well as wear spots on the soles. Even if a hole occurs, Shoe Goo does a remarkable repair job. Just make sure to clean and dry the area first and let dry at least 24 hours to let it fully cure.
Odor and moisture
Dogs sweat from their paw pads so it may be a good idea to sprinkle a little foot powder in the boots if they start to smell. Dogs can also suffer from yeast or fungal infections on their paws, so medicated powder would be a good idea. Consult your vet for medical advice.
-Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is the founder and owner of Woof Hoofs Co. You can ask Jim questions by writing him at jim@woofhoofs.com. Find out more by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.
Copyright 2015, Woof Hoofs Co.