How to Put on Dog Shoes | Paw-Inside Fit Steps

Dog shoes protect paws from hot pavement, ice, and rough trails. The challenge is getting them on without a fight or a poor fit. A shoe that’s too loose slips off mid-walk; one that’s too tight rubs or restricts circulation. Fortunately, the process is straightforward once you learn the position and fastening sequence. The steps below work for most styles—from simple boots to closure-style protectors.

Position Your Dog Standing Before You Start

Place your dog on a non-slip surface so they stand naturally with their full weight on all four paws. A dog lying down won’t bear weight, which makes it hard to tell if the shoe fits properly. Standing also lets the paw spread to its true size, matching the measurement you probably took when your dog was in this same position. Many brand charts—Dog Booties, for example—instruct measuring the paw width at its widest point while the dog is standing. That dimension only makes sense if you fit the shoe in the same posture.

The Step-by-Step: Insert, Slide, Fasten

Open the shoe fully and hold it at the opening. With the other hand, gently guide your dog’s paw into the shoe, starting with the toes. If your dog has a dewclaw, place your finger over it to hold it down and tuck it into the shoe first so it never gets pinched between the paw and the fabric. Slide the paw forward until you feel it reach the toe box. Many owners use a finger inside the shoe as a “shoe horn” to help the paw slide all the way to the front.

Check that the paw sits flat on the floor inside the shoe, not curled or bunched at the rear. Give a light squeeze at the front of the shoe to confirm the toes are positioned correctly against the end—not jammed and not floating back. Then fasten the strap or snug the closure. Pull it just enough to hold firm when your dog walks; you should be able to slide a finger between the strap and the leg. If the shoe feels tight around the ankle or wrist, loosen it—constriction around circulation can cause discomfort quickly.

Fit Checks: Dewclaws, Front vs. Back Paws, and Sizing

After fastening all four, watch your dog stand and take a few steps. If they lift a paw or walk awkwardly, check that no fur is bunched, the dewclaw is free, and the closure isn’t too tight. Front and back paws may differ in size—back paws are often smaller—so measure each paw individually. Canada Pooch’s sizing instructions separate paw length and width from leg length, and Traveltails advises rounding up when between sizes. Never assume your dog wears the same size across brands; width and height both matter. Dog Booties, for instance, lists widths from 1 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches with corresponding heights from 3 1/2 inches to 7 inches. If your dog is between sizes or has wide paws, size charts matter more than the label.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to Wearing Shoes

Some dogs accept all four shoes right away; most need a gradual introduction. Start with one shoe on a front paw and let your dog walk around for a few minutes. Reward with treats and praise, then add the second shoe, and so on. Furry Footwear’s guide recommends treats, repetition, and routine for training acceptance. Keep the first sessions short—five minutes is plenty. If your dog keeps shaking a paw or trying to chew the shoe off, it may not fit well. Chewy’s guidance notes that a dog that walks awkwardly or seems uncomfortable may simply need a different size or a slower approach.

When your dog is comfortable walking indoors, test the shoes on a short outdoor walk before committing to a long hike. You can also compare the fit against our roundup of top-rated dog shoes for hiking to see which styles hold up best on trails and how their sizing runs in practice.

FAQs

How do I measure my dog’s paw for shoes?

Measure the widest part of the paw while your dog is standing, using a ruler or by tracing the paw on paper. Measure both front and back paws, since back paws may be smaller. Use the width to compare against the brand’s size chart, and check the height, too, for boot styles. Round up if you’re between sizes so the toes have room.

Why do my dog’s shoes keep falling off?

The shoes are either the wrong size or not tightened enough. The paw should reach the front of the shoe with the foot flat, and the strap should be snug enough that you can’t easily spin the shoe. If the shoe spins, the paw is sliding inside, which causes the shoe to twist off. Try a smaller size or a snugger closure, confirming the dewclaw stays tucked inside.

Should my dog walk on hot pavement with shoes?

Yes, shoes protect paws from hot asphalt and cold ice. Look for boots with a thick rubber sole that insulates against heat. Even with shoes, keep walks moderate on extreme temperature days and check the paw pads after longer outings. Wipe the inside of the shoes to remove grit that could rub against the paw.