Does your Dood wear boots?

[Amy & Bernie]

Hi all, we're thinking of getting some boots for Bernie and I'd like some feedback from anyone who's tried them or uses them. Recommendations, issues, tips, etc. We hike A LOT and next summer he'll be old enough to go with us. I've read they're good for longer hikes, on rougher terrain, to protect their paws and pads? Is this really a good idea or just a gimmick? We figured if we start soon not only will he be used to them by next summer but he'll also have a little protection from the ice and snow on our longer walks this winter. Thanks in advance!

[Laura, Joel, and Simba]

I am looking for boots for Simba to protect his feet from #1 our wet muddy back yard and tracking it inside and #2 protect from snow balls forming in between his pads and up his legs.  These boots look very tall and seem like they would protect his feet from getting wet and snowballs working up his legs.  What brand are these boots that Echo is wearing, and are they waterproof?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

The other DK members have already told you what products seem to work for their dogs :) I do not own a pair yet but it is on the wish list for my dogs.
After having paw pad problems I highly recommend boots for your situation. Certainly NOT a gimmick. Other links you may want to look up are discussions about Split Paw Pads or Torn Paw Pads. These injuries are painful and debilitating for the dog PLUS the vet bills and medications are MUCH more expensive than a pair of boots.

[Amy & Bernie]

Thanks so much everyone! I think we're going to go for it, and a special thanks to those of you who reminded me to check the retailer's return policy. Potential vet bills, Bern's discomfort (of course), and the thought of packing him back out of a 20 mile hike are enough to convince me! I'd like to think they'll work out no matter what because 'what momma says goes' but I think we all know that's sometimes a tough feat with Doodles! I'll take a pic once we get the suckers on =)

[Stella]

We have boots for our LD to wear in the winter. We got them from Ruffwear and they even came with socks for him! We began to use them as the snow balls up really badly in the hair between his toes. I am really pleased with them, they work well. The only thing is if he is running and changing direction (playing fetch) in deep snow they tend to slip around on his foot and sometimes end up with the sole on the top! But, for walks, hiking etc they are great. The first time we used them I put them on him, gave him a mouthful of treats and immediately went out to play fetch. That way he associated the boots with fun things, and we never had a problem putting them on him, or with him trying to get them off.

[Amy & Bernie]

Good tips, we were thinking we had to do something so boots = kick ass time! Glad to hear it worked for you, we'll give it a go. Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep, that's the way Muttluks recommends getting them used to them, too. Put them on and immediately go outside for a game of fetch (or whatever your dog loves). Every time Jack sees his boots, he knows it means he's going to play ball, so he's willing to let me put them on.

[Margaret & Pebbles]

For two winters Pebbles has been wearing Paw Ponchos.  She doesn't mind them at all.  I like them because they come up high on her leg, she doesn't get the million snowballs stuck to her fur.  I agree with the above replys, take your doodle outside immediately, throw a ball or toy, get her distracted from the boots. 

[Laura, Joel, and Simba]

Thanks! I have a feeling he won't like them, but the tennis ball and playtime might trumph that feeling.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

I really wanted to get boots for Snicks but DH is adamantly opposed
To all doggie clothes so I compromised and got the pad cream that supposedly huskies in Alaska use. The pad cream works well especially in regard to any salt or cold irritation in the winter. But those boots are just too cute maybe I will have Santa sneak a pair into Snicks stocking this Xmas!

[Christine & Camus]

I bought boots for Camus after he fractured a bone in his paw.  We live in San Diego, so I wanted a boot that was good for our climate, also the vet told be to get a flexible boot, not one with a formed sole.  After researching the various boots and prices I ordered his from All Dog Boots:  http://www.alldogboots.com/Ultra-Paws-Durable-Dog-Boots-p/ultradur.htm

 

They fit well and I think the double velcro straps are a real benefit.  They stay put on his paw, no slipping, sliding or falling off. This is not a great photo of my "chunky monkey," but it was his first day wearing the boots and you can see he had no problem running in them. (I started him off with the boots only on his rear paws and graduated to all 4 within a few days.)