Home > How do I get my dog to wear dog shoes

How do I get my dog to wear dog shoes

Ok, so your ready to try shoes on your little one for the first time. Don't worry! It's easier than you think, but there are a few easy tips that will have your little one tripping the light fantastic in no time!

The first thing we need to do is make sure we get the right size shoes. Generally most dog's back feet are going to be a little smaller than their front feet, so it's important to get shoes that have a good fit on the front feet. We have found that many dogs LOVE to run in their shoes, and for some younger very active dogs who like to sprint, you may need to get a pair of socks to help cushion and tighten the back shoes to keep them on.

Now, our next step is to make sure that we put the shoes on very carefully. Never try to force shoes on they should slide on easily and snugly. Always take your time, especially when you're first trying shoes on. The last thing we want to do is catch a nail or hurt your babies toes in any way which could make them scared of their shoes.

We have found it's sometimes easier to get shoes on your dog for the first couple times with two people until your dog gets used to them. If you stand your baby up on their back legs and hold them standing up, it makes it easy to put their back shoes on.

Now that we have the shoes on, it's important to remember if your dog has never worn shoes before they are going to feel a little strange in them, this is completely normal.

The best way to get your little one to learn how to walk in the shoes is through practice.

We recommend you AVOID trying the shoes on in your home for the first time. The trick is to distract your dog long enough for them to get used to walking in them. The best way to do this is to try shoes on for the first time in an indoor environment where your dog is going to want to see people, places, or other dogs.

If you try your new shoes on in your home where your dog is familiar, they will likely stand perfectly still, or sit down and start to chew on their front paws not knowing what is on their feet. The shoes will be the center of their attention.

We recommend you try your little ones shoes on for the first time at a friend's home, neighbor's house, relatives' house, or anywhere that your dog is going to want to see people, places, and things! :)

If you put your dog in one corner of the room with their new shoes on and everyone else goes to the other end, your dog will quickly learn to navigate the shoes.

Now comes the fun part. You may want to have a friend with a camcorder ready because you're going to want to remember the first couple steps your baby takes in their new shoes! Nearly every dog (including our own) that has tried shoes on for the first time in our store has had the same reaction when they first start walking. Their front feet will kick out and up like they are prancing as they try to get a feel for it. The back legs will kick out and up behind them high into the air almost to the point that you think they are going to flip over! As they move around the room you will start to notice that the front legs start coming down to normal and the back legs will kick out less and less. Before you know it (usually 2-5 minutes) your little one is walking just like normal, only now they will be able to romp through puddles, over hot asphalt, and salted sidewalks without worrying about hurting their little paws!