[nagdu] Pawz boots

[Steven Johnson]

Raven, do these go by a specific name, or is Pawz the actual brand name?  I
have used something similar called Paw-tectors which seem to fit exactly
what you are describing.  I only use them in the most severe of conditions
as our Wisconsin winters are probably similar to yours in Michigan.  Your
reasoning is exactly why I use them, and have actually used the same set on
all 4 of my guides.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven Tolliver
via nagdu
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2014 6:09 AM
To: Tracy Carcione; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide
Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Pawz boots

Coming a bit late to this one, but I've used Pawz boots through 2 length,
harsh West Michigan winters.
I refused to use the Ruff Ware boots that most programs issue. I used those
initially and they ended up rubbing against the pads of my dog's dew claws,
tearing them open and causing them to bleed. I had to keep his paws wrapped
up good so they wouldn't fall victim to the salty disasters of winter
sidewalks and roads. Aside from that, I don't like these boots for other
reasons.
1. they are unnatural for dogs. Dogs walk on their toes, whereas humans rely
on the entire foot for proper balance and support. These shoes are designed
like human shoes, not dogs shoes. Cute, but inconvenient. This is why dogs
initially act silly, fussy, or uncooperative in them. And when they get used
to it, they deal with them by speed walking or nearly running in them, and
end up relying on their tail to balance their bodies. This is why dogs
usually wag their tails while wearing these, not because they're excited to
wear the boots, but because they feel very off balance in them. My dog has
even slipped a couple times in them. Yes, they have traction, but that did
nothing for him when he was off balance already, walking on wet stairs.
2. Dogs can't feel the ground beneath their feet due to the thick soles.
This creates more uncertainty in the boots. My dog would not even lay down
with them on because he didn't feel like he could slide his paws forward
with them on.
These factors on top of the boots not being a totally snug fit, not
form-fitting, and very easy to lose or kick off.

Pawz boots to the rescue!
No, they don't tear easily.
It's very easy to put them on. Just spread the opening with 3 fingers, and
slide them over the dog's paw. Make sure that no claws are tucked under or
snagged when you put them on at first.
I rely on these more for protection against salt and brine than keeping the
paws dry. But they do a great job of both.
These boots are nice and thin, so dogs can feel the ground. They are
form-fitting like socks, so there's no worry about dog's feeling comfortable
and keeping on the toes. And lastly, they are a snug fit, so they don't slip
off.
They outshine the Ruff Ware boots by far!

On 9/18/14, Tracy Carcione via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I agree with Daryl's list of pros and cons.
> I prefer the Pawz boots to the Roughware.  The Pawz boots don't come 
> off as easily, and, even if one gets lost, it's not a big deal, 
> because they send extras, and, well, they're not expensive.
> I found them easy to rinse and reuse.
> Ben is not thrilled with them, but he will wear them for a couple 
> hours, if I insist, without complaining.
> Tracy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Amber M via nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> To: "the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 3:23 PM
> Subject: [nagdu] Pawz boots
>
>
>> Hi all,
>> I saw mention on the list of a boot called PAWZ. I went and looked at 
>> the website, and found that they are sold by Petco. I thought I would 
>> take the
>>
>> time to measure my dogs Paul, so I could order them. But before I did 
>> that, I read some reviews. I am looking to know if there are any 
>> people on
>>
>> this list who are using them now successfully. I have read in the 
>> reviews that they look essentially like balloons, are hard to get on, 
>> and Terry easily... Are not really all that reusable, since they end 
>> up being wet inside... So I'm just curious before I spend any money 
>> on them. It is a long
>>
>> time still before snow, but I would like to get my girl used to 
>> something protective before I have to force her to wear them.
>> Thanks,
>> Amber M
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
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--
Raven
"if God didn't make it, don't eat it." - John B. Symes, D.V.M.
http://dogtorj.com

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