I had a similar thought this week! 

Loki, like all tripawds, struggles with certain floor types.  She was doing so good with boots last spring, but something has changed and they really trigger her anxiety.  I've tried a variety of products to help with her traction and she hates all of them.  There are some floors that she seemingly should struggle with, but handles beautifully.  It occurred to me recently that this happens when she has a doggie buddy.  If I have her on tile or laminate by herself, she panics.  With a buddy, she's distracted and does well.  

I've arranged to get her on a floor where she usually has a buddy by herself later this week.  I might also be able to get her on a floor she panicked on last weekend again, but this time I'll bring both dogs (or have my friend bring hers) so Loki has a buddy.

I'm going to have to step way back with the boot training.  I can coach others on taking things slow with their dogs, but struggle to follow my own advice.  She's such a smart little dog, it's hard watching her struggle with something that seems so simple.

carolina said

mischief said

I had a similar thought this week! 

Loki, like all tripawds, struggles with certain floor types.  She was doing so good with boots last spring, but something has changed and they really trigger her anxiety.  I've tried a variety of products to help with her traction and she hates all of them.  There are some floors that she seemingly should struggle with, but handles beautifully.  It occurred to me recently that this happens when she has a doggie buddy.  If I have her on tile or laminate by herself, she panics.  With a buddy, she's distracted and does well.  

I've arranged to get her on a floor where she usually has a buddy by herself later this week.  I might also be able to get her on a floor she panicked on last weekend again, but this time I'll bring both dogs (or have my friend bring hers) so Loki has a buddy.

I'm going to have to step way back with the boot training.  I can coach others on taking things slow with their dogs, but struggle to follow my own advice.  She's such a smart little dog, it's hard watching her struggle with something that seems so simple.

  

Mischief, would trying only one boot also help?

It's interesting how she responds differently when another dog is present. I know with Trixie and her pack she doesn't want to be left behind or left out. I'm hoping when I start wheelchair training this will help motivate her to use it.

  

I think I need to go back further to just having positive experiences in the presence of a boot, without wearing it.  Then work on one paw at a time.  Currently, if she has her boots on and I so much as turn my back on her, she starts panting and shaking.  She's okay-ish until that point.  I've also tried socks with a rubberized bottom thinking they might feel better on her paws than boots - softer, less structured.  Nope, same kind of reaction.  She tried to eat Toe Grips.  I haven't tried the Paw Friction stuff that Jerry mentioned recently, but it's on my list.  

I've also wondered if she might be more receptive to a wheelchair vs wearing boots.  I know someone who has one, but I suspect it might be too big for Loki to try out.  I should ask her about it, though.  I live within driving distance of Eddie's Wheels - it'd be a full day trip, but potentially worth it.

admin said

mischief said

I've also wondered if she might be more receptive to a wheelchair ...

You'll find many helpful interviews, videos, and articles about wheelchairs in the Tripawds News blog .

For best results consult with a certified canine rehab therapist for proper evaluation, and measurement if wheels are recommended. Visit a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit! See tri.pet/findrehab for details.

  

I'm actually friends with a rehab vet - she will be my go to resource if/when we decide to pursue a wheelchair .