It’s December. If it snows where you are – your dog needs Pawz boots.

In our decade-plus of experience, Pawz are the only dog boots that stay on, dogs don’t mind wearing, and don’t make you crazy if your dog loses one.

We can hear the resistance:

• My dog won’t wear boots
• I can’t get them on
• They look like balloons
• Pawz aren’t warm
• The boots don’t fit

If that sounds like you – you’re doing it wrong. Perfectly understandable – because no one ever told you how to do it right.

We’re here to help

Using Pawz is a bit of a process, but it’s one you only have to do once. We’ll take you through step-by-step so we get it right the first time and you and your dog can live happily ever after.

What are Pawz?

Pawz are semi-disposable, natural rubber dog boots that come in packages of 12. They can be re-used as long as they stay intact. Keeping them clean (rinsing after use) and keeping the dog’s nails short, extends the life of the boot. On city sidewalks, a single boot may be good for 10 or so outings, depending on the surface and the dog.

Warmth isn’t really an issue for dogs. As long as their feet are dry, with no snowballs between their toes, no melting ice on their nails, most dogs don’t care. If you’re still uncomfortable, you can get socks to put on underneath the Pawz. For the smallest dogs, you may have to go to the toy department and get doll socks, otherwise baby or toddler socks would be fine.

First: Fitting Pawz right

Most dog owners haven’t noticed that their dogs’ front feet are wider than the hind feet. Or they may have noticed, but the implication didn’t sink in. Your dog may need two different sizes of Pawz. Which is another reason these are the best boots – you don’t have to spend a fortune for two different sizes.

The best way to get a proper fit is to bring your dog into Golly Gear and let us do it.

Unfortunately, that’s probably not possible for most of you.

The second best way is to get: a piece of paper, a pencil, some kind of measure, a couple of dog treats, and your dog. Go into a room with a hard floor (wood, tile, laminate). Have your dog stand on the paper and mark each side of the dog’s paw. You don’t need to trace the paw, you don’t need the front or back – just the sides. Do it for a front paw and a back paw. Give your dog a cookie and let him/her go play.

Measure twice

Measure the distance between your marks and compare it to the “Paw Width” column on the Pawz page on our website here. If both your dog’s paws fall into the same size – terrific! If not, plan on getting two different sizes for your dog. Probably the larger size for the front, especially if your dog has dew claws. The smaller size will generally be for the back paws.

Getting your dog to love his/her Pawz

Most dog boots don’t bend. And the smallest sizes bend even less. It’s one of the reasons most dogs hate boots. And why they resist wearing them and can fling them off.

Another reason they hate boots is because they can’t feel the ground under their feet. Most people don’t care about feeling the ground, but dogs do. It’s what they’re used to and they rely on it to connect to the world around them. When they see they’re outside, they don’t expect a smooth surface under their feet. It creates a disconnect that can result in an unhappy dog.

Get used to it

When you first get Pawz for your dog it will be very new for both of you. You have to figure out how to get them on the dog. And the dog has to figure out how to navigate wearing them. We’re going to make it easy. Watch the video on our Pawz page on how to get them on. It’s easier to show than describe.

Do it one at a time

The dog’s hind paws are less flexible than the front, so they’re easier to maneuver the Pawz onto. The very first time you’re trying Pawz, or, if your dog has resisted in the past and you’re trying to re-introduce them, here’s what you do: put one Pawz on a rear dog paw. Do it in the house, with your dog on leash. Put on the boot, then just walk around the house, talking calmly to your dog. Let him get used to the boot for a few minutes. If he/she is adjusting fine, put another boot on the opposite front foot. And again, just walk around, letting him/her get used to it.

Generally speaking, introduced this way, most dogs adjust easily to wearing Pawz in just a few minutes. If your dog is extremely resistant, leave one boot on for 10 minutes or so, then take it off and try again later.

Don’t make a fuss

Please resist the temptation to laugh at your dog while he/she gets used to Pawz. Some dogs are pretty sensitive and don’t like being laughed at, regardless of how funny they look. Dogs trying to walk without putting their feet on the floor is pretty funny, but be strong! You can do it!

You can also get your dog used to wearing Pawz. Get the right fit, take your time, go at your dog’s pace. It’ll be worth it. Your dog will walk comfortably outside through snow, ice, and salt. And stay out long enough to finish his/her business!