Dog hunting boots?

[39rivers]

Has anyone use the hunting boots by Ruff Wear? I just picked up a set from REI, but was wondering if anyone had any “real” experience with them. I bought some “deluxe hunting dog boots” last year and the seams inside the boots did more damage to the top of my dogs feet.

1st pic. Deluxe hunting dog boots
2nd pic. Ruffwear boots

[RODACTION]

I just can't get my dog to keep them on, and no real feild testing to speak of.

This summer the inside of her pads got pretty red and sore from pumice (sp) and small coarse gravel over east.

[ehunter]

I have the same problem on my weims we have put them on when hiking the PCT near sisters to protect their feet it was a hassel to keep a eye on them to make sure they stayed on. We also have lost a few pair snowshoeing. The only way to keep them on would to be duck tape them

Originally Posted by RODACTION

I just can't get my dog to keep them on, and no real feild testing to speak of.

This summer the inside of her pads got pretty red and sore from pumice (sp) and small coarse gravel over east.

[Monkey]

I can't speak to the "Deluxe Hunting Dog Boots" but I use the Ruffwear Bark n' Boots for my lab when we backpack in rocky country (e.g., Centeral Oregon PCT, NE side of Hood, etc.).

The boots you pictured are one design overhaul newer than the ones I have, but Ruffwear is a pretty good company. I've worked with them quite a bit over the years and found they really put a lot of thought and testing into their product. Another cool thing is they're from Bend. A lot of their testing is done in our backyard. Lots of Lava.

I really like the boots. They stay on my dog really well, and don't rub anywhere. After a handful of miles, one of them (always the front left) will twist so that the sole is on top of her foot but it hasn't done much damage to the cordura and I just fixe it every mile or two. I have a feeling it's not the boot, but more the shape of the dog's foot since it's always the same foot. A friend of mine has nothing but trouble keeping them on his dog's feet though. They'll stay on for a while, but she's constantly throwing one or two.

Outside of that, they've really protected my dogs feet on some long days on rough trail. I've never hunted her in them, but I would do it in a heartbeat if it was ugly enough. And yes, I do carry them in my upland vest. Although... busting heavy brush I have a feeling she would figure out a way lose them.

The best part is putting your dog in them for the fist time. High Steppin' at it's finest. Get some video. Either way, I'd give them a go. Since you bought them at REI if they don't stay on or they shred... REI will replace them or give you your money back.

Good luck.

m

[duckboy]

I've tried every boot and wrap I know of.

It is a drag to get a dog with a blown out pad,
then you can not hunt.

In my experience,They have not benefitted from any of the "Boots" or Wraps in that they also cause wear and tear on the dogs foot, the rubbing causes blisters on the shanks and on the tops of the foot too.

It is a 3 ring circus getting the things on, and one of them always gets lost somewhere up on a hillside or in the mud.

I must have 3 partial sets. You want some... let me know..


In my experience, I have been well served by conditioning my dogs by walking them each day on concrete and blacktop on their way to their normal daily walks... they best way to build up callouses and pad longevity is to subject them to as close an activity that they will experience in the field.

All year long....

I mean, It would be like trying to grow long hair overnight otherwise. It takes time.

Some folks have luck with their dogs wearing boots... I have not.


I have had outstanding results with Blopping on a ton of Bag Balm on tired foot pads at Bed time and seeing miraculous recoveries by morning.... The stuff is cheap and harmless...

Works great too.

[CombinationLicense]

I use Lewis dog boots and they are about as good as it gets. They're all rubber and and come with or without drain holes - I like 'em with so the dogs feet don't soak in water all day. There is a knack to keeping any dog boot on and these are no exception. Here's the process:

Using "pet wrap" that sticks to itself but not hair, wrap the area of the dogs legs above the paw but below the knee. This forms the "Sock".

Next slip the dog boot on and make sure that the paw is fully seated.

Now fold the front flap of the boot down out of the way and using black electrical tape (or similar waterproof tape), wrap the rear of the boot to the "Sock". After one or two full wraps flip up the front flap and tape around both halves to form a solid top.

Note: be careful not to wrap the dogs leg too tight and cut off circulation!

The boot is now solidly attached to the "sock" and the sock can't slip past the paw. The boots will not come off if you do it right so repeat three more times and your done.

"CL"