How to Keep Your Dog From Having Muddy Paws

Muddy paws don't have to be the end result of every outing in bad weather conditions. Although a simple towel by the door is a way to keep wet or muddy paw prints from tracking through your house, you can prevent your dog from getting muddy paws to begin with by using waterproof dog shoes. Doggy shoes are readily available at many pet stores for the various seasons. They are also beneficial in protecting the skin and pads on the paws from other outdoor elements, allergens and harmful chemicals.

  1. Use Doggy Rain Boots

    • Buy appropriately sized dog shoes or rain boots to keep mud, salt and debris off your dog's feet. Dog sizing charts make it easy to determine what size doggy shoe best fits your dog, and most pet supply stores that carry doggy rain boots have shoe sizing charts, too. Regardless of breed, doggy shoes are fitted based on the length and width of the dog's paw pad. Boots that do not fit well make it difficult for your dog to move freely. Keeping your dog's shoes by the door along with his leash and collar makes it easy to remember to use them, and lets your dog know they are part of his belongings.

    Take Small Steps

    • Never expect your dog to wear a pair of boots as easily as you wear a pair of sneakers. It takes time to teach your dog to walk comfortably while wearing them. To achieve the best paw protection without incident, practice around the house in 10-minute training sessions, putting the shoes on and teaching your dog to wear them before they are needed for inclement weather. Once the boots are on, let your dog begin wearing them for longer and longer periods of time. Soon your dog will enjoy the protection they offer, too.

    Reward, Praise and Respect

    • Reward your dog with verbal praise and treats for allowing you to put clothes on him and take them off. This makes each shoe change easier and less time consuming. Praising your dog for making an effort in learning how to walk in the new rain boots increases the dog's confidence. Be encouraging. Don't chide or scold your dog in the process of getting boots on and off; dogs are sensitive to verbal ridicule, and may resent being made to wear the shoes or develop behavior problems because of it.

    Tips

    • Use command words like "boots" or "booties" to give the dog a clear understanding of what you are asking him to do to make training sessions more productive. Wipe or rinse off exterior debris from the boots, and check the insides of each boot for debris to reduce chances of paw injury. If you live in an area with lots of rain or snow, having several sets of doggy boots is a convenience.