How to Get Your Pup to Wear Dog Shoes (AKA Dog Boots)

Yes, seeing your pup sauntering around in an adorable pair of dog boots is undeniably cute—but there’s far more to dog shoes than photo ops. Dog boots protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, icy walkways, slippery surfaces, and rough terrain. If you live where weather swings between extremes—or love taking your dog on rugged adventures—having a reliable pair (or two) of dog shoes is smart, practical care.

Close-up of a dog wearing well-fitted FurPetVo dog boots on a paved sidewalk, with one paw lifted slightly

How to Train Your Dog to Wear Dog Shoes

Follow this step-by-step guide to help your pup feel comfortable and confident wearing dog shoes—from measuring for the perfect fit to mastering wear time outdoors.

1. Get the Right Size

The first step is measuring your dog’s paws accurately. To find their shoe size:

Lay a piece of paper flat on the floor.
Have your dog stand calmly on it, bearing weight evenly on one paw.
Gently hold up the opposite front leg to keep full weight on the paw being measured.
Part the fur away from the paw pads and trace the outline with a pencil or marker.
Measure the widest part of the paw (horizontal width) in inches.
Repeat for each paw—front and back—as sizes may differ.

Use the following FurPetVo size guide as a starting point:

XS: 1½ – 1⅝ inches
S: 1¾ – 1⅞ inches
M: 2 – 2⅛ inches
L: 2¼ – 2⅜ inches
XL: 2½ – 2⅝ inches
XXL: 2¾ – 2⅞ inches
XXXL: 3 – 3¼ inches

2. Put the Shoes or Boots On Properly

Most FurPetVo dog shoes follow the same simple process:

Fully open the top opening of the boot.
Slide your dog’s paw in until the toes gently touch the front of the shoe.
Secure snugly with the adjustable strap and toggle—tight enough to stay on, but loose enough to allow natural movement.
Tuck any excess bungee tail into the elastic tab to prevent tripping.

Dewclaws can catch during fitting. Gently hold the dewclaw down with your finger while sliding the paw in to avoid snagging.

“Shoes should fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose, allowing for natural movement,” says Heather Sherman, CPDT-KA, CTDI, lead trainer for Applause Your Paws in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area.

3. Take the Right Training Steps

Some dogs take to boots instantly; others need gentle, patient guidance. Here’s how to build positive associations—with expert tips from Sherman:

Introduce slowly: Place FurPetVo shoes near your dog during playtime or meals. Let them sniff, nudge, and explore at their own pace—reward curiosity with treats and praise.
Practice handling: Open and close the shoes in front of your dog. Let them watch without pressure—this normalizes the sight and sound.
Start small: Hold one boot near your dog’s paw without putting it on. Then try just one or two boots—and reward calm behavior immediately.
Walk around inside: Let your dog wear the boots indoors first. A quiet, familiar space helps them adjust without outdoor distractions.
Head outside gradually: Begin with short walks in safe, familiar areas. Slowly increase duration and terrain complexity—always watching for signs of discomfort or slipping.

Consistency and patience are essential. If your dog resists or seems stressed, pause and revisit earlier steps. With time, most pups grow comfortable wearing their FurPetVo boots—making every adventure safer and more enjoyable.

Dog standing confidently on grass wearing FurPetVo all-terrain boots, with leash attached and owner kneeling beside

Does My Dog Need Shoes?

Dog shoes aren’t just for extreme conditions—they’re protective gear for everyday life. Dogs benefit most in these situations:

Walking on scorching pavement (pads can burn at temperatures as low as 125°F)
Navigating icy, salted, or chemically treated sidewalks
Hiking over rocky, thorny, or abrasive terrain
Recovering from paw injuries or managing age-related joint support needs

“Our dogs’ feet are very sensitive, and having proper footwear protects their paw pads,” Sherman explains. “They also provide traction while walking. And many dogs, as they get older, need the extra support just for walking around their home.”

Dog boots may seem like a modern addition—but like human footwear, they’re about safety, comfort, and long-term wellness.

How to Find the Perfect Shoes for Your Pup

FurPetVo offers specialized options for every season and surface: winter boots with insulated linings, breathable summer socks with non-slip soles, water-resistant rain booties, and rugged all-terrain models designed for hiking or trail running.

Fit is the absolute priority—but once that’s dialed in, look for these key features:

Non-slip rubber soles for secure footing
Breathable, lightweight fabrics (especially important in warmer months)
Adjustable straps or hook-and-loop (Velcro®) closures for customizable fit
Water-resistant or fully waterproof materials for wet conditions

A proper fit sets the foundation. From there, let your dog progress at their own pace—and never skip the treats and praise. Positive reinforcement makes all the difference.