DOES YOUR DOG WEAR BOOTS?

What pet owner likes to clean mud and dirt off their dog’s paws?  I remember back in the 70s, in an attempt to weather-proof our dog’s paws, my mom tried to put plastic sandwich bags on "Suds" our young German Short-haired Pointer. I found myself laughing while watching her straddle him, then pick up a paw and slide the bag on before securing it with tape. Unfortunately, his paw poked out of the end of the bag, and she had to start all over. When she finally secured the last foot, it was time to take him out into the soaked yard with umbrella in hand. This breed of dogs is known for its stubbornness, and he didn’t want to move an inch because of this funny-feeling material on his feet.  

Round 2 had my mom going to the refrigerator to get something the dog loved to eat. This didn’t go as planned either because my mother would wiggle it in front of Sud’s nose, and then pull it away to make him move towards the door, but he always seemed to grab the treat from her hand before she could get him to move an inch.  

My mother decided it was time to get out the big guns; not my dad as one would have thought, but a leash and me. She tugged from the front and I pushed from the back. What a sight that would have been if anyone could have seen us. Finally, success! Suds made it to just outside the door, and mom took off his leash to “let him go”. Only he didn't go; he stood there in the rain, all forlorn, with his plastic booties on all wrapped up with tape.  

Mom and I watched him through the open door until finally he moved. Not what you’re thinking I bet…he decided he would rather lift one foot and shake it and repeat. Yes, he was trying hard to get the booties off. When this didn't work, he decided to shake, rattle and roll. Mom and I were laughing so hard because it was funny to watch him try to figure out how to get them off his feet. Eventually he did his duty and came to the door and mom took off what was left of the booties; they didn't hold up as well as one would have expected with dog doing the jitterbug. Mom had thought "how hard can this be?" You put plastic bags on, secure with tape, let dog out and let dog back in. Not so much. And she never attempted this again. 

Seriously, there are products out now that do protect your dogs’ feet from cold, hot pavement or sand, cuts, etc. These products were not available to the consumer “back in the day”. People are becoming aware of the importance of protecting their pets’ paws. Believe it or not, dogs do not have indestructible paw pads. As pet owners, we should provide the same comfort and safety as we do for our children.  

If you think your dog will never let you put booties on his/her feet, please be aware that with minimal training this can be achieved, and isn't your furry friend worth it? 

Come back next week to find out how to successfully put on booties on your pets’ feet.