I purchased a set of Ruffwear boots for my pup today, because where we live the salt they put on the sidewalks is terrible and also he gets absolutely filthy going to and from work every day as the snow melts and turns to mud. They fit great and they didn't seem to bother him in that when he was at rest, he never fussed with them or tried to bite them off or anything like that.

Like most dogs I imagine, he was a little unsure of himself at first and we walked around the store for a while getting used to them. He walked fine from the store to a few other errands, but on the last leg of our trip from the streetcar to home, he basically sat down and refused to go any further. It took us forever to get home and I admit it was starting to get pretty frustrating because he stopped being lured with treats, praise, etc and pretty much gave up trying to walk in them.

The salesperson said that the longer the walk with the boots the better, because he'll realise he can walk just fine in them and keep going. I'd like to hear about your experiences with boots though - do you build up to longer walks with them by just keeping them on for a few minutes at a time? Do you put them on and ignore his protests until he gives up and walks with you?

My instinct is to let him build up to them by putting them on just for a little bit at a time, but the person at the store said just to get it over with and encourage him to walk with them like he would normally.

How long did it take all of your dogs to get used to them? I certainly don't want to give up after the very first time, but I'm disappointed that he got worse rather than better with them as the walk went on. I'd really like it to work because the salt on the sidewalks is pretty bad and the mud on the not-sidewalks is even worse! We're looking at three-four more months of bad weather here and I'd like his feet to be protected!

Edit: Reading on the Ruffwear site, they recommend building up to it by wearing them in the house, going outside and coming back, etc, to get him used to it. What are your experiences?