Once you’ve convinced yourself that dog shoes or boots are a good idea for your canine, you must know precisely what size to buy, the proper way to put them on your dog, and how to get him used to wearing them.

Selecting The Correct Size Dog Boot

If buying a durable set of winter dog boots online, do not simply presume you know exactly what size to buy. Just like people, pet’s feet tend to be all different shapes and should be properly measured to decide what that size is. Here is a fairly easy method to measure your dog’s foot:

1. Measure the length of the paw beginning with the back of the large base pad to the end of his toe nails.*
2. Measure the width from the outer edge of the two outside pads.
3. Pick the boot dimensions by evaluating the width and length you measured to that on the size chart for the shoes or boots you want to purchase. Typically every boot or shoe style will have a separate size chart.

*Here is a hint for an easy method to measure your dog’s paws. Have your dog stand (not sit) on a piece of paper and use a marker in order to mark the top, heel, and each side of the paw. Then use your ruler to measure between these markings.

Getting the Shoes on the Dog

Ok, you now have some awesome new hiking dog shoes for Boomer. Putting them on is the next step. Many shoes or boots are available with Velcro straps which wrap around to hold the shoe on. Here are a few pointers with regard to putting on that type of boot.

1. For the front shoes, stand over your dog with your legs straddling your pet just below the rib cage. Gently hold your pet there with your legs.
2. Pick up a paw and insert it into the shoe. You can use your thumb like a shoe horn by putting it down the back of the bootie, tucking the paw in while pulling up on the outside of the boot in order to secure it in place.
3. When the paw is inside the shoe, set the paw down so your dog is standing solidly on the shoe. Next tuck any extra fur inside the bootie, wrap one side of the strap over snugly and secure the Velcro. You can actually elevate the opposite leg in order to make sure complete weight is actually on the shoe.
4. If the boot has a longer Velcro strip, wrap it around and around the dogs paw right below the dewclaw and secure it.

For the back feet, stand perpendicularly to your canine and press your leg against his side. Place the boots on the same way as you did the front boots.

Getting Your Dog Used to to His Boots

The very first time you place shoes on your puppy they are bound to appear a little unusual to him. He will likely high step and do a amusing little dance because the ground probably feels funny to him. Take him outdoors right away and attempt to get him into a normal playing routine. In other words, draw attention away from the boots however examine them periodically in order to see if they are still good and snug on his paws. Attempt this a few times before you really take your pet out on their stroll, jog, or hike. This will not just break in the brand new booties, but break him into being dressed in them too.

For more information please visit alldogboots.com How To Measure page on the website.  Every product on our website will have a dedicated size chart.  Please always be sure to use the size chart on the product page of the product  you are interested in.  See sample below:

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Sample Dog Boot Size Chart