Soft feet.... how to toughen them up

Greyallaround

Ok, so my weim boy can and will go anywhere. It's actually my greyhound girl who has very soft, sensitive feet. I thought maybe you hunting folks might be able to tell me how I might toughen her up, for hiking and what-not, without causing her pain. As it is, she'll walk with us great on flat or soft surfaces, but doesn't like even a little pebble under her feet. There's nothing wrong with her feet - they're just soft. Greyhounds are trained on sand and dirt, after all, not on "normal" surfaces. I can't imagine taking the poor dear hiking with Hunter and I with her feet like this, but I don't want to leave her home alone, either!! Or should I just give in and get her some of those vibram soled doggy sneakers?

And to bring it back around to hunting Weims.... I was thinking of getting Hunter into tracking. He loves to have his nose to the ground. Thought he could make a decent S&R dog. Anyone know of any trainers around the Albany NY region? We'll be moving down around there soon. Thanks!

dhondt · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:09 am Post subject:

My Weimaraner has been fine, but my Vizsla has really soft pads and she really tears up the field and her pads when we go training.

I've heard at least for here walking them on the black asphalt can help toughen up there pads. I am trying a product I heard about, the verdict is still out for me whether it works or not. I don't like to plug a product I know nothing about but maybe someone else has used it. TUF-FOOT

peppernaei · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:43 am Post subject:

I don't know about toughing them up but my friend uses these on her whippet in the winter. She also uses the socks under them.

http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Grip-Trex?sc=2&category=11

Greyallaround · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:48 am Post subject:

Yeah, those are what I was thinking of. She does where boots in the winter, but not with a hard sole. These would give her more traction.

h20fwlkillr · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject:

The best way to toughen the pads is just getting out on various surfaces. Start slow and for short periods and work up to faster paces and longer time periods. I haven't seen any products that actually toughen pads, just condition.

iris · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:12 pm Post subject:

dhontd i could not help myself, you Vizsla is gorgeous and your weim has the most beautiful deep eyes i have ever seen. Great dogs!

dhondt · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: