Rubber Dog Boots

[jsc11700]

I am considereing ordering some rubber dog boots for my pointer. His pads are constantly getting cut up, even after using pad toughener and running him on concrete pre-season. I hunt extremely steep and rocky terrain for chukar in Oregon and my concern is that the rubber boots will hinder his balance and footing, but I have no other solution to keep the poor guy from being miserable after a hunt. Does anybody have any expereince using rubber dog boots? Also how can I get him used to wearing them without him thinking it is the end of the world? (He is a big Baby about stuff like this)

[bobbaganoosh]

Have you considered using nylon dog shoes? They're pretty tuff and the dog will have better grip with his feet (better balance) than with the rubber boots.

[bmacinok]

They work well, they walk kind of funny when you put them on, but they get used to them. We like them as the sand, etc. will fall out of them when they pick up their feet, instead of it staying in the bottom of a normal boot and rubbing their pads. Here is how we make our boots:

http://www.oknavhda.com/boots.htm

And a pic of the finished product:



bm

[ACooper]

In my opinion the nylon boots are a waste of money as they do not seem to hold up to much punishment at all. Rubber boots are the way to go. I prefer Owens boots.

[mcbosco]

In my opinion the nylon boots are a waste of money as they do not seem to hold up to much punishment at all. Rubber boots are the way to go. I prefer Owens boots.

The nylon fabric type that are constructed like a sock? If so those do wear fast but they are good for rehabilitation. The really good kind are made by a company callled Ruffwear, but I don't know how much JSC wants to spend. There are others that are similar to the Ruffwear boots. They are worth a try. I saw an agility dog using those and they looked like they would fall off but they worked great.

[gonehuntin']

They work well, they walk kind of funny when you put them on, but they get used to them. We like them as the sand, etc. will fall out of them when they pick up their feet, instead of it staying in the bottom of a normal boot and rubbing their pads. Here is how we make our boots:

http://www.oknavhda.com/boots.htm

And a pic of the finished product:



bm

Problem I have with the tube boots is that they wear off all the hair on top of the dogs toes. A guy told me to put a baby sock on the dogs foot first and it would protect the toes. I'd personally just order the lewis boots.

I agree with AC, those cordura boots don't last. I went through a set every two days in the Dakotas and that was only pheasant in the Dakotas, not chukar.

Another thing, I wouldn't be conditioning my dog on concrete. Run him on gravel roads and you'll end up with tougher pads.

[Shadow]

just double over the motorcycle tube- duct tape- never have any trouble- except maybe moisture/sweat

I've also got two sets of Scott's Nylon Dog Boots - starting to show some wear but happy with their lasting this long

plus- made a set for the pups out of old hunting pant legs