1. WORK ‘EM
When you first get the boots or shoes, work them in your hands so the sole becomes more pliable. Because of their weight, small dogs have a particularly hard time softening the outsole of their boots, so breaking them in with your hands can really help them become more comfortable, quickly.
2. TAKE IT SLOW
Start by putting the boots on in the house for a couple minutes. Then, try short adventures outside, gradually increasing the time spent in the boots. We recommend using treats or toys and keeping the activity fun and rewarding to take the focus away from the boots. Along with breaking in the boots, you’ll help your dog get accustomed to wearing them.
3. STOP AND CHECK
Each time you use the boots during the break-in period, stop and check for rubbing and hot spots. This is also a great time to check the strap tension and fit to make sure the boots stay secure.
4. TRY SOCKS
Just like socks help with the overall comfort of our shoes, Ruffwear Dog Socks can help with a dog’s overall comfort, providing a soft wicking layer between the paw and the boot. Dog socks can also help protect the dew claws and enhance fit.
5. GET THE RIGHT FIT
Getting the right size dog boot or shoe not only ensures the boot will stay on and upright, but it also helps with boot comfort. The boot strap should fit snugly above the metatarsal/metacarpal pad, but below the carpal pad. It should fit with little excess room from left to right, and front to back, and bend at a 45-degree angle where the dog’s paw naturally bends. For the best fit, download and print our Paw Measurement Chart to find the proper measurement of your dog’s paw — note that paws can vary in size, so be sure to measure all four. We've also got a video to help.
6. EMBRACE THE BOOT DANCE
Your dog will most likely “dance” their first time in boots or shoes, shaking their paws and high stepping. This is a natural reaction! Don’t be alarmed and try not to laugh — dogs are sensitive and laughing can cause anxiety for them. You might be surprised how quickly your dog will get used to the idea of boots if you follow the tips above, and perhaps most importantly, use lots of rewards to make it a fun and engaging experience.
