Doberman doggy boots

[Rich S]

Does anyone have any experience with dog boots? Was considering buying some for Magnum (crazy cold Canadian winters), but wasn't sure if they are actually any good. Do they actually stay on, how well do they wear? Any brand recommendations?

[jelly8bean]

I have a doggie coat for my red.. Even though we have milder winters here (North Carolina) it does get cold and she has such a thin coat that I know she likes to have it.

[magtie]

i use a product called "invisible boots" for Tie's feet. It's like a Vaseline type product. really works well protecting his feet from the salt.

[SnuzerDog]

Hey Rich,
In my research as a worried new owner, I read in several places that because Dobes have such short, close to the body coats that they really need protection from the cold. Now, I've never been a fan of dressing up pets :rolleyes: but as it got colder here in Ohio in November I started to realize that going out for 50-75 minute walks was not enjoyable for Deano- he was coming in shaking and his ears were ice-cold.:eek:
So, the search was on for a suitable winter jacket. I was appalled at the amount of fancy-fussy-silly crap but hardly any serious outerwear at so many of the 'major' retailers both online and in-store. As an experienced backpacker, I know my fabrics and manufacturers, so was casting a leary eye at all- but, was happy to finally find this small company:

http://www.k9apparel.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=10

They make a very nice quality range of outerwear for a small range of breeds, and I bought their 'Cold Climate Special'. This consists of a fleece warmer for chilly temps, a fleece lined full-out jacket with a funky fleece hood that pulls up over the ears/head, and the four boots. Also, you can layer the fleece warmer under the jacket for really cold temps. Here's my appraisal of the group of items:
1. Good quality and value for the money.
2. Versatile in ways of combining pieces and how they are worn.
3. Wish the jacket was a waterproof/breathable shell (think Gore-Tex or similar) instead of just nylon, but it is sturdy, attractive and dries quickly.
4. Both warmer and jacket do a good job of keeping him warm and happy. Halfway through the first walk he was so much happier.
5. Getting the jacket on over the head is a bit of a challenge at first, but now it's a game and he's happy to have it on.
6. Specific measurements required for ordering- you are actually getting custom-tailoring!
7. Now, about the booties- they are a trip, both to put on and then watch him get used to.:p But, get used to them he did and seemed to forget about them halfway through the only walk we've used them for so far. They are a heavy cordura (soles) and soft fleece ('uppers') combination, held in place with attached velcro wrap-arounds- hard to visualize I know, and believe me a bit strange to put on the first time. After starting the walk and having to re-attach two of them (properly) 100 yards up the street, I think I've got that part down now. My wife and daughter about split a gut watching him high-step around until he got used to them so I'll warn you, be ready for some initial chuckles, but I'm glad they came with the set in case of serious weather- which means lots of snow, ice and salt here in the city. I also saw some boots at REI, but they look more like trail boots than light duty walking booties. I will probably check into those in the spring when hiking season comes, along with the dog-packs.

I really liked that they want specific measurements when you place an order, and they must've really used them because everything fits and works great, and I liken Deano's appearance in them to a race horse in it's warm-ups- very handsome. I also emailed them with a couple of questions and received prompt, helpful responses- can't ask for much more than this!!!

[magtie]

great review!!! Too bad they don't make any coats specific for boxers :(

[SnuzerDog]

Had the K9 Apparel booties on Deano again last night for our evening walk, just the second time. Seemed to go on a little easier- both from his perspective and mine :D - and did not need reattachment during the (75 min) walk this time. There is a bit of a learning curve to the process, I gotta say. He also seemed to warm to them and forget about them much more quickly. We are just getting the midwest snow/subzero blast today, so will probably put them on him again this evening. Really think they are doing a good job protecting his paws and pads, as well as keeping his legs warmer. With all the snow, ice, salt and cold I figure they've got to help.