Dog boots

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Moobli

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Can anyone (perhaps the mushers on here) recommend a good dog boot that is comfortable, durable and fit for use on rough ground and heather. We have a border collie who lost two toes at birth (his mum chewed them off). He is ten months old and unfortunately spends more time on three legs than four because it is obviously quite painful for him. I have tried the Trixie boots which are okay, but he hasn't started doing any serious work yet and I am not sure if it will be up to anything more demanding than normal exercise.
 
I got some pawz boots for my labrador who had a crack across one pad. They lasted about about one and a half drives, so not those, if that is any help.
 
Thanks for the recommendations. The Ruffwear ones look like the sort of boot I was thinking would be suitable but they are expensive (not a problem if they work really well, but a leap of faith if no-one has actually used them). I have heard good things elsewhere about the Manmat ones, but are they more of a sock than a boot - or would they cushion the sore area where his toes should be from rough stony tracks and heather? They are nice and cheap - so definitely worth a shot. The "solid socks" look good but sound more suitable for snowy conditions.
 
If I can find them in the kit box I'll take a photo of the lining of the Manmat ones. :) For our purposes they're padded enough for stony trails, they will wear through though and need periodic replacing in the manner of racing booties.

The problem with the Ruffwear type boots is that they're almost over-engineered, unless the fit is absolutely perfect they have a tendency to spin or sag and become a hindrance, whereas the sock types will adjust to fit almost anything.
 
With Playstation controller for scale. :D Standard cordura on left, Manmat comfort on right.

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Thank you Blackcob. The Manmat ones do look great - and are super cheap, so am going to buy a few and see how he goes.

You will have heard the dreadful news about the Manmat Scotland rep :( I never met Rebecca but she taught my friend how to mush and was apparently a really wonderful person who adored her dogs.
 
quagga said:
Have to say I didn't have much luck with these ruffwear ones http://www.ruffwear.co.uk/dog-gear/dog-boots/summit-trextm-new-pairs

They seem well made and would probably be great in dry conditions/ flat ground/ with a sensible dog but they only lasted about 10 mins on an offlead cocker in a wet forest. I have read more positive reviews of them so maybe my dog is just awkward!!
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Thanks quagga. I will avoid those then. I need them for a ridiculously energetic border collie who runs hell for leather over rough ground and heather - in the wet and dry, so they may not suit him either.
 
WorkingGSD said:
You will have heard the dreadful news about the Manmat Scotland rep :( I never met Rebecca but she taught my friend how to mush and was apparently a really wonderful person who adored her dogs.
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At least one set of those boots was purchased from Rebecca at a rally, and little spaniel's harness too. Desperately sad what happened to her. :(
 
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