How to Get Your Dog to Wear Boots: 7-Day Training Plan

How to Get Your Dog to Wear Boots for the First Time: A 7-Day Plan

September 26, 2026

You buy a pair of dog boots to protect your pet’s paws, carefully choose the right size, put them on... and suddenly your confident dog forgets how to use their legs.

One paw lifts.

Then another.

They look at you, confused, as if asking:

"Why are my feet covered?"

If your dog shows signs of uncertainty at first about wearing boots, be assured that your dog’s reaction is perfectly normal since most dogs do not know anything about boots due to the unfamiliar sensation of something covering their paws.

The idea here is not to place boots on your dog straight away and go for a long walk.

Rather, you need to introduce boots slowly and teach your dog that they are safe and positive.

In just 7 days, your dog will get used to wearing boots with the help of this easy method.

Before You Start: Choosing the Right Size

Before training your dog to wear boots, you should make sure you have chosen the right size.

While most dogs avoid boots because the whole process is unfamiliar, sometimes it happens because the fit is uncomfortable.

A boot that is too tight can restrict natural paw movement, while a loose boot may twist, slip or create discomfort during walking.

Before choosing a size, measure your dog’s paws correctly using this guide:

How To Measure Your Dog’s Paws For Shoes

A well-fitting pair of dog shoes should:

Allow your dog’s paw to sit naturally inside
Keep their toes comfortable
Stay secure without feeling tight
Allow normal walking movement
Avoid rubbing around the ankle and dewclaw areas

Boots are also important.

In the case of a wet walk, waterproof dog boots may be used to prevent the paws from getting wet.

In the case of a hot summer walk, protective dog shoes may be useful to create a barrier between hot surfaces and the paws.

Are you confused about what kind of boots will suit your dog?

Read the following article:

How to Choose the Right Dog Boots for Every Walk

Now that you've ensured the perfect fit for your dog, you can start training.

Day 1: Introduction to Boots for Dogs

The first day is not about putting the boots on.

It is about helping your dog become familiar with them.

Place the boots somewhere your dog can see them and allow them to:

Sniff them
Inspect them
Walk around them
Ignore them

Do not immediately try to put them on.

Your dog needs to understand that boots are simply another normal object around them.

Whenever your dog approaches the boots calmly, reward them with:

A treat
Praise
Their favourite toy
A short play session

The idea is simple:

Boots appear → good things happen

Day 1 goal:
Your dog feels comfortable being around the boots.

Day 2: Teach Your Dog to Accept Paw Handling

Before wearing dog boots, your dog needs to feel comfortable with having their paws touched.

Many dogs are sensitive about their paws, so introduce this slowly.

Start by gently touching one paw.

Reward your dog.

Repeat this over multiple short sessions.

Gradually help your dog become comfortable with touching:

Paw pads
Toes
The top of the paw
Around the ankle area

Keep every session relaxed.

If your dog pulls their paw away, do not force them. Pause and try again later.

The goal is not to finish quickly. The goal is to build trust.

Day 2 goal:
Your dog allows you to touch and lift their paws comfortably.

Day 3: Let Your Dog Try Wearing One Boot

Now it is time for your dog’s first boot experience.

Start with only one boot.

Place it gently on your dog’s paw and secure it properly.

Reward immediately.

Let your dog stand for a few seconds, then remove it.

Repeat:

Boot on → Reward → Boot off → Break

Your dog may:

Lift their paw
Shake their leg
Look confused
Try to remove it

This is normal while they adjust.

If your dog tries to remove the boot, stay calm. Do not turn it into a struggle.

Remove it and try again later for a shorter period.

You are teaching your dog that wearing boots is normal.

Day 3 goal:
Your dog accepts one boot for a short period.

Day 4: Practise Walking Indoors With Two Boots

Once your dog is comfortable with one boot, introduce two boots.

Put on two boots and encourage your dog to move around indoors.

You can try:

Walking around together
Calling your dog towards you
Giving treats while walking
Playing with their favourite toy

Many dogs walk differently in boots at first.

They may lift their legs higher or move more slowly because the sensation under their paws has changed.

However, if your dog refuses to put weight on a paw, constantly bites the boot or appears uncomfortable, check the fit.

Day 4 goal:
Your dog becomes comfortable moving indoors with boots.

Day 5: Try All Four Boots

Now your dog can try wearing all four boots.

Start indoors and avoid making the first full boot experience a long outdoor walk.

Let your dog:

Walk around the house
Follow you from room to room
Play gently

Begin with a few minutes and slowly increase the duration.

After removing the boots, check your dog’s paws for:

Redness
Rubbing
Moisture
Pressure marks
Dirt

A quick paw inspection helps identify discomfort early.

Day 5 goal:
Your dog adapts to wearing the complete set.

Day 6: Take a Short Outdoor Walk

Now that your dog is comfortable indoors, it is time for the first outdoor walk.

Keep it short.

Do not expect a long walk immediately.

Try:

A short walk near your home
A familiar pathway
A quick toilet break

Carry treats and allow your dog to sniff and explore.

Outdoor environments have more distractions, so your dog may notice the boots again.

That is completely normal.

Day 6 goal:
Your dog completes a short outdoor walk without constantly trying to remove the boots.

Day 7: Turn Boots Into a Walking Routine

By now, your dog should feel much more comfortable wearing boots.

Start adding boots into your regular walking routine.

The order should become familiar:

Boots on → Leash on → Walk begins

Over time, your dog will understand that boots mean something exciting is about to happen.

Continue checking the fit regularly and make sure your dog’s paws remain comfortable.

Day 7 goal:
Your dog sees boots as normal walking gear.

What If Your Dog Still Won't Put on Boots?

It might take some time for certain dogs to get used to wearing boots. Here's how to proceed:

Check the size

Wrong size will spoil even the most comfy boots.

Start at the previous step

When a dog cannot wear all four boots, start with just one and build up confidence.
Keep training sessions short

Five minutes of positive experience is better than one long frustrating session.

Select appropriate footwear

Activities require different shoes.

An everyday lightweight boot feels completely differently compared to a rugged outdoor boot.

Reasons to use Dog Boots

Dogs do not need to wear boots all the time, but they can be beneficial under certain conditions.

Dog boots for paw protection can be helpful when:

Walking on hot asphalt
Rainy and muddy weather
Rough outdoor surfaces
Travels and adventures

For pet parents living in India, boots can be especially convenient for summertime and monsoons when conditions can change drastically in the outdoor environment.

To understand which footwear is the most suitable for dog's activity levels, consider this article:

How to Choose the Right Dog Boots for Every Walk

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a dog to get used to boots?

Every dog is different. Some dogs adjust within a few days, while others may need a few weeks. Gradual introduction, rewards and the correct fit can make the process easier.

Why does my dog walk strangely in boots?

Dogs may lift their legs higher or walk differently because boots change the sensation under their paws. This usually improves as they become familiar with wearing them.

Should dogs wear boots all day?

No. Dog boots are designed for specific situations like walks, outdoor activities or challenging surfaces. Give your dog regular breaks and check their paws after use.