Duke learned to wear his boots. After putting his boots on, he played hide and seek with a ball to get used to wearing them. The back ones are a little big and fall off when he gets excited and runs around. Doesn’t he look handsome?!?!
It’s important that Duke learns to wear his boots because they are a safety item so he doesn’t burn or injure his feet from stepping on something or burning his feet on hot pavement, or getting ice melt/salt in between his paw pads.
Why Service Dogs Wear Boots
Service dogs face a variety of environmental challenges while accompanying their handlers. Boots are essential for protecting their paws, maintaining paw cleanliness and reducing exposure to chemicals on surfaces that may be toxic if licked.
The Adjustment Period: Boots Aren’t Instinctive
For many service dogs, wearing boots doesn’t come naturally. Imagine trying to walk in shoes for the first time—it takes practice. That’s why sometimes you may see a dog that just put boots on and walks crazy trying to get used to them. Handlers often introduce boots gradually, letting their dogs wear them indoors at first before venturing outside. Positive reinforcement—like treats and praise—turns this new experience into a confidence boost for the pup.
Let's Train Duke 
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