Hunting wild birds is never a walk in the park. Their habitats are covered with all manner of hazards, from Iowa cornstalks to West Texas cholla. I have yet to meet a serious bird hunter who hasn’t considered using dog boots to protect their dog’s feet. However, I also don’t see many dogs out in the field actually using dog boots. Clearly, many hunters are struggling with the same question I am: Should I put dog boots on my gun dog?
Proponents of dog boots love that their dog’s feet are protected from hazards that are otherwise difficult to mitigate. If you plan to hunt quail in Nebraska, you can count on sand burs and goat-heads in most covers. If you hunt chukar in Nevada’s basalt hills, your dog will certainly be exposed to the merciless abrasive rock. Western habitats are myre with possible hazards for a dog's paws.
To a large extent, ground hazards can be mitigated by simply toughening up your dog’s feet. If you only run your dog in grassy fields in the off-season, they are in for trouble if you suddenly throw them into rougher terrain. If your training spots don’t have rough and rocky terrain, consider roading them on gravel.
Dog boots can protect against sand burs, cactus, sharp rocks, and other hazards in the field. (Photo courtesy of Josh Tatman) Unfortunately, tough feet only go so far in protecting your dog. Dog boots are most popular in regions that have unavoidable prickly plants. They come in multiple varieties, but most fall into two categories: velcro boots and one-piece.
Velcro Dog Boots Velcro dog boots look rather like human water shoes. They typically have a breathable mesh or cordura upper and a textured rubber sole. The big advantage with this style of dog boot is that they are relatively quick to get on your dog before a hunt. Because they rely on an adjustable closure, it is important to double-check their circulation and range of motion after you put them on. Sizing is critical as well, as velcro dog boots can easily be thrown off by the dog if they are a little too large.
One Piece Dog Boots One-piece Dog boots are typically a sheath of molded rubber with a textured sole and splits up the sides. These can be more difficult to put on initially, but once mounted, they are also difficult for your dog to throw off. Rubber boots are used in conjunction with a layer of padding next to the skin to reduce chafing.
Duct tape is used to secure the dog boots in place during your hunt. (Photo courtesy of Josh Tatman) To mount one-piece boots, lay down a thin layer of vet wrap that extends well up your dog’s leg. Gently work the boot into place, being sure their pad rests above the rubber sole. A few wraps of duct tape secure the boot.
This process can take some ten minutes or more before a hunt, but it leaves your dog’s feet well-armored against any hazard. Again, always check their range of motion after mounting, and monitor throughout the hunt for signs of chafing. If you are concerned the boots are too tight, certainly remove them and check your dog’s toes for warmth, an indication of good circulation.
Getting Your Dog Used to Dog Boots It is critical to trim your dog’s nails before donning boots to reduce the possibility of nail injury. Really, regular nail trimming is also critical even if your dog hunts without boots. Their feet should be in good condition without existing cuts or sores. If you use dog boots as a band-aid for already sore pads, you might create additional chaffing and even infection that slows healing.
Padding is used with some dog boots to protect the dog from chaffing. (Photo courtesy of Josh Tatman) Considering these factors, the only right answer to whether you should use boots on your gun dog is, “It depends”. If you decide that you want to try them, be sure to spend plenty of time getting your dog accustomed to their new footwear. Start with short sessions and casual walks around the neighborhood. Use plenty of treats as you mount the boots and your dog takes their first steps. Expect lots of crow-hopping and other protests, but your dog should settle in after a few tries.
Gradually, work up to short runs or retrieving drills. Pay close attention to how tight the boots are. Once habituated, if you notice your dog has limited range of motion, the boots are likely too tight. This could cause circulation problems or even musculoskeletal injuries. If your dog constantly sheds the boots, they are clearly too large, and you might have to step down a size.
Keeping Your Dogs Feet Healthy Make a habit of inspecting your pup’s feet before and after boot wear, and you will be able to spot problems like blisters and rubbing before they become a big issue. Whether or not you choose to run your dog with boots this season, playing close attention to their feet pays off. A quick inspection on the tailgate after every run is prudent. You’ll catch cactus spines, pad abrasions, and split nails before they become bigger issues.
Dog boots can be a useful piece of kit for the prepared bird-dogger. Always put your dog’s health ahead of your hunting plans. Spend time conditioning them before you hunt, and when in doubt, give them a rest. That way you’ll both enjoy your time afield together.
