Can my pet make their shoe debut?

~The path to your beloved dog's shoe debut~

Are dog shoes necessary? Start with a check!

"Are dog shoes really necessary?" "Can my dog wear them?"
Many owners have these questions.
Dog shoes are very effective for protecting paw pads, preventing injuries, and countering hot asphalt or freezing conditions, but not all dogs get used to them right away.
First, let's try the checklist below to see if your beloved dog is suited for wearing shoes.

If you are unsure based on your dog's behavior, please feel free to consult a veterinarian.

Checklist before putting shoes on your dog

Getting used to paws and body (Physical aspects)

• Dislikes having paws or paw pads touched
• Dislikes having paws wiped or washed after walks
• Has a habit of chewing things
• Has long nails or has reasons making it hard to cut nails
• Has never worn clothes, or freezes up when wearing them

Personality aspects

• Takes time to get used to new things
• Very timid
• Sensitive and easily picks up on the owner's feelings

✔️ It's okay even if many of the above items apply to you!
Even dogs like this can easily get used to shoes if they practice.

How to get your dog used to shoes | Let's proceed step by step!

STEP 1 Start by practicing being touched on the paws

Incorporating play, get them used to having their paws and paw pads touched in daily life.
The trick is to praise them a lot and show exaggerated excitement when they let you touch them.

STEP 2 For dogs that chew or mind the shoes...

If they try to chew the shoes, try distracting them with toys or talking to them.
It is also effective to take breaks along the way without forcing it.

STEP 3 Cut nails as short as possible

If nails are long, they may rub inside the shoe and lead to injury.
If you are worried about dark nails or how far the quick has grown, consult a veterinarian.

STEP 4 Dry run with apparel or socks

It is recommended to start with loose-fitting apparel or dog socks.
It will be smoother to step up to full-fledged shoes after getting them used to items with less tight feeling.

Choosing the right dog shoe size is super important!

Recommended dog shoes vary depending on your dog's physique, skeletal structure, walking habits, and usage scenarios. No matter how good the shoes are, if the size does not fit, they may slip off or lead to injury.

If dog shoes do not fit properly...

• They slip off immediately
• They cause chafing and injuries
• They are hard to walk in and cause stress

No matter how good the shoes are, if the size doesn't fit, it will have the opposite effect.
Choose shoes that match your dog's physique, skeletal structure, and walking style.

Points for Choosing a Size

• Measure the sizes of both front and back paws separately and try them on!
• Have them actually walk around in a store where you can try them on
• Check recommended sizes by dog breed
• Consider the intended purpose for wearing them, such as the use case (summer heat protection / winter anti-slip)!

👉List of stores where you can try on dog shoes

Common reactions when a dog wears shoes for the first time | Introducing actual reactions

At first, they might walk in a slightly strange way (or a very strange way, depending on the dog!), but there is no need to worry. If they show any sign of trying to put even one paw on the ground, that is a smooth sign. Once they start walking a little bit, praise them and just watch over them for a little while first.

Many dogs trying shoes for the first time show reactions like these

• Walking cautiously, one step at a time
• Bouncing up and down
• Moving like they're doing dog dancing!
• Stretching their legs stiffly (especially the hind legs)
• Their wobbling walk is just too cute
• Nervous at first → Over 80% of dogs can walk normally after 10 minutes!

We also recommend taking a cute "first shoe-wearing commemoration video"!

The wobbly walk and strange movements before getting used to shoes are very adorable. Dogs have high adaptability and will get used to walking in no time, so please be sure to capture memories of your dog's very first shoe-wearing experience.

Points to note when putting shoes on your dog

Characteristics of dogs for whom shoes might not be recommended

• Freezing up and unable to move the moment they put on the shoes
• Not reacting even to their favorite treats or toys
• Sitting down flat on the ground

👉 At first, your dog will feel anxious, so please speak to them from the same eye level (by lowering your hips)!
👉 For such sensitive dogs, we recommend starting with practice to get used to socks first.

Let's start by trying them on!

"Can a dog like mine even wear shoes?"
Even if you think that, many people say that once they tried it, they got used to it surprisingly smoothly!

First, check the stores where trying them on is available and cheer on your beloved dog's first shoe-wearing experience!

👉 [Find a store where you can try on dog shoes]
👉 [See all PETs ADVANCE dog shoes and socks]