Thursday, March 4, 2010

A sweet letter from a customer

Hi,

I just wanted to say that we got our cattle dog some woof hoofs last month, and they're an awesome product! We took her on a 2 night snow camping trip with us in the Sierras and her feet were well protected. It took about 10 mins for her to stop walking like the ground was on fire, and then she was fine. Our friends had some other booties for their dog, and they repeatedly fell off her feet. They were impressed greatly with the woof hoofs as well.

Thanks for a great product.

Cheers.
Anne Johnson and
Ginger-Marie (super trooper cattle dog)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Search and Rescue Dogs from Around the World Go to Haiti : Discovery News

Search and Rescue Dogs from Around the World Go to Haiti : Discovery News

Posted using ShareThis

Free Boots for Rescue Dogs that Go to Haiti

Attention to all Rescue dog associations and handlers. Woof Hoofs is donating free dog boots to any handlers, who will be doing volunteer rescue work in Haiti. Please direct all inquiries to jim@woofhoofs.com or call us at (209) 588-1823.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Sizing Alert!!!

We've gotten a few customer complaints that the size of the boots was smaller than expected. It is enough to be more than just an isolated situation. We're looking into the accuracy of our sizing chart and will make any need adjustments ASAP!

Thanks for your patience!

-Jim

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

California Rescue Dog Association

Woof Hoofs is proud to offer a 50% discount on its boots to members of CARDA, The California Rescue Dog Association, check them out at http://search-dogs.carda.org/

Monday, January 4, 2010

DOG BOOTS FOR WINTER?




Why Woof Hoofs Make an Excellent Winter Bootie for your Dog

A number of people considering buying our dog boots have asked if Woof Hoofs are good for winter use. A simple “yes” won’t do, so here are a few helpful insights into the thinking behind the design of Woof Hoofs. I hope this will help illustrate why they are an exceptional choice for use in snowy, slushy and chilly conditions.

Neoprene, How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways.
When Woof Hoofs was in the initial design and testing phase, three primary characteristics were essential: Comfort, performance, and durability. With that in mind, it became clear that choosing a form-fitting material with a stretchable quality was critical. A loose fitting shoe would naturally increase friction between the material and the dog’s paws, especially the top of the paws where there is very little padding. Conversely, a tight shoe with no give would be very constricting and uncomfortable. It also had to be a durable material that would stand up to wear and tear. Neoprene addressed these issues very well. The aesthetic quality of a form-fitting shoe was also a nice bonus.

Another important advantage of neoprene, however, particularly in wet and cold conditions, is its unique insulating qualities. Before going on, let’s dispel the myth that there is such a thing as a truly “waterproof” dog bootie. The fact is, regardless of what the boot is made of water will eventually find its way in. And once the water is inside, unless the material is permeable, it isn’t coming out.

At Woof Hoofs, we took a page out of surfing technology. In wetsuit design the theory is, “If you can’t keep water completely out then make it work for you.” Wetsuits work on the principle that when you hit the ocean the suit immediately absorbs the cold water. Your body heat then quickly warms the water trapped in the neoprene. This then acts as a barrier, keeping the outside, colder water from getting in. This principle is what keeps surfers nice and cozy while sitting out on their boards waiting for the next set to come in.

Even dry, neoprene is a good insulating material. Ever use a koozie to keep your can of soda or beer cold? While Woof Hoofs are treated with a water-repellant solution to help keep water out, if you’ve ever spent a day on the ski-slopes, eventually that “waterproofed” gear is eventually going to get wet. Depending on how long your dog is outside; when the booties do get wet it’s nice to know that they have a second line of protection against the elements.

Strap in, It’s Going to be a Bumpy Ride.
Performance is an essential characteristic for a good set of dog boots. What I mean by performance is that once properly fitted on your dog, the boots will stay on and do what they are intended to do. There is nothing more frustrating than spending five or ten minutes putting your dog’s winter gear on, including booties, head out and not get 100 yards before one boot has fallen off and another has flipped upside down. Cold winter conditions take the frustration to an even higher level. Snow poses a major challenge for boot designers like me. Deep snow can easily suck them right off a poor pooch; and good luck finding them.

Therefore, it is critical that the fastening system have exceptional “stay-on” qualities. With a little common sense and a proper fitting, Woof Hoofs allow a dog to run and play in the snow with very little worry of losing a boot.

‘O Sole Mio
Traction is vital in wet and slippery winter conditions. The cold weather can also cause cheaper, plastic soles to become increasingly rigid and inflexible, making the boots more uncomfortable and harder for the dog to run free and easy.

Woof Hoofs uses a material for the sole of its winter booties called ToughTekTM. ToughTekTM is a durable, rubberized material that resists abrasion, stays soft and pliable in cold conditions, and provides exceptional traction.

It’s Snowtime!
I hope you find this information helpful in knowing what to look for in a good winter dog boot and that you’ll consider trying out Woof Hoofs. In fact, don’t take my word for it, check out the video posted on the website. See for yourself the company spokesdog, Baxter, plowing through deep powder and running and jumping to his heart’s content in the Winter Wonderland of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Now don’t let Baxter have all the winter fun, while your dog misses out! Make sure your dog is properly geared up to get in on the action!


- Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is the founder and owner of Woof Hoofs Co., “Boots Fit for a Dog.” The company began out of a desire to share his love of the outdoors with his dog, Baxter. You can ask Jim questions by writing him at jim@woofhoofs.com. Find out more by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.


Copyright 2010, Woof Hoofs Co.

*Reprints, excerpts or electronic posts are prohibited without the expressed written consent of Woof Hoofs Co.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Welcome Backcountry K9!

Just wanted to give a big welcome to Jason and the folks at Backcountry K-9. They're an online store that specializes in outdoor gear for dogs. They are carrying Woof Hoofs dog boots. Check them out at www.backcountryk9.com