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)

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

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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.

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

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/

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.

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

Holiday Dog Tips From 'The Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan!

Holiday Dog Tips From 'The Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan!

How to Get Your Dog to Wear Dog Booties for a Safe and Fun Winter Season

If you follow any of the pet-related blogs or news outlets recently, you’ve probably read a story about preparing your dog for winter. A staple of any dog’s winter gear is a set of dog booties, especially if you live in an extreme climate and expect to take your dog out in the elements on a regular basis. What I haven’t seen discussed yet is how to actually get your dog to wear them.

When my dog Baxter and I go for a walk and he’s wearing his boots, we always get a lot of smiles and positive comments, but occasionally I hear the remark, “I tried getting my dog to wear boots, but he hates them and won’t let me put them on.” Then they ask me, “Does your dog try to pull them off?” I can see the look of skepticism on their faces when I tell them that Baxter not only enjoys wearing them, he eagerly gives me his paws if he even thinks I’m going to put them on.

It got me thinking about writing down why I think Baxter likes wearing his dog boots and for that matter why some dogs don’t. He’s generally a cooperative dog, but I don’t think he has a predisposition to enjoy wearing boots that other dogs don’t have. He’s pretty much just an average dog.

A History Lesson:

The first thing to consider if your dog refuses to wear dog boots is that maybe at some time in the past they have had a bad experience. Maybe your dog was forced to wear one of those cheap, stiff boots designed to look like a set of Converse All-Stars with blinking lights? The first thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to dog boots, fashion must never come before function. Remember, you’re doing this primarily for your dog’s benefit, not your amusement.

If your dog has had a bad experience, that’s not a reason to give up. It may just mean an extra dose of patience is required. But there is absolutely no reason why any dog can’t be trained to wear boots and even enjoy them. That’s right I did say trained. There is some basic training involved. It’s not like simply putting a new collar on. However, it’s well worth the effort and your dog will thank you in the long run. You’ll be making outdoor trips a lot more enjoyable, comfortable and safer. It may even save you a visit to the vet to treat a cut, blistered or infected paw?

First Thing’s First: Not all Dog Booties are Created Equal:

No amount of proper training will compensate for an uncomfortable, ill-fitting boot. In fact if you’ve had problems in the past you’ll only be reinforcing the same negative feelings in your dog by using the wrong boot.

Here are a few basic characteristics to look for in a good dog boot:

• Flexibility: It should move with your dog’s natural paw movements and not force your dog to change its natural stride.
• Form fitting yet not tight. If the boot is too loose and the material is too rough it can cause friction and irritation. Foot powder helps too, by absorbing wetness and reducing friction.
• Well-designed boots that stay on without having to lash them down with vice grips. If you need to over-tighten them to ensure they stay on, you’re likely cutting off your dog’s circulation. At the same time don’t keep them too loose or even good boots may fall off. It just takes a little practice to find the right balance.
• Good traction. Hard plastic or smooth soles will only make your dog feel more unstable and insecure when wearing boots. A boot with a rubberized sole will provide traction and will help your dog’s confidence with having them on. Dogs get a lot of their sense of balance and control from their paw pads. It’s challenging enough to not have direct contact with the ground. Making them slip and slide on plastic or slick soles may cause your dog to resist wearing them even more.

Now that we’ve got the preliminary stuff out of the way let’s get down to the brass tax. The absolute most important technique to get your dog used to wearing dog boots is consistent, positive reinforcement and association. Is there a single dog in the world that doesn’t get excited when their owner reaches for the leash? For your dog it means there’s a 99.9 percent chance that a walk is coming. There’s no reason why your dog cannot make the same association of putting dog boots on with an exciting, fun, adventure-filled walk. It may be just a chore to us sometimes, but for them it is like a trip to Vegas!

If you put the boots on and then just let the dog wander around the house for a while, it may only add to your dog’s frustration and anxiety. Make sure, especially in the beginning, that as soon as the boots are on you head out for a walk. Not only is it a positive association, it’s a great way to take your dog’s mind off of the fact they have boots on. There are just too many other stimulating distractions to enjoy! Also it’s a great way to release any stress or anxiety your dog may have from having these strange contraptions on.

Dogs respond better to different forms of positive reinforcement than others. You know what works best for your dog. You can do any or all of the following:

• Praise your dog for letting you put the boots on as well as during and after the walk.
• Give theme their favorite treats throughout the experience.
• If you can’t go outside, engage in a fun activity while the dog has the boots on, like playing fetch or some other game. Dogs love attention and abhor boredom. Positive, fun attention is a great way to establish a positive association with the boots.

I’m confident that if you apply these suggestions and take a dedicated, consistent approach to getting your dog used to wearing dog boots, pretty soon your dog will beg you to put them on; just like Baxter.

- Jim Leal, aka, The Dog Cobbler, is founder and owner of Woof Hoofs. 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 or by visiting the company website: www.woofhoofs.com.

I'm learning how to make WoofHoofs.com searchable

I'm on a steep learning curve to SEO the website. Linking from other sites is one way to do it. So here goes nothing. And if you are reading this, I would appreciate if you would link to Woof Hoofs on your site too. Thanks for the support! www.woofhoofs.com

The Woof Hoofs Story

Woof Hoofs began as a result of a backpacking trip cut short in California's Emigrant Wilderness, during the summer of 2009. After a nine mile hike into the heart of the backcountry, we set up camp. It was immediately clear that Baxter was not doing well.

On closer inspection he had a badly blistered front paw which made it extremely painful for him to walk. The question at that point was not whether to continue with the trip, but how to get him back home safely and quickly with minimal pain. Carrying both him and a 50 pound pack for nine miles over steep and rugged terrain was not an option.

I administered first-aid and fashioned a "boot" for him out of one of my socks, fastened with medical tape. It was enough to keep the wound clean and prevent infection. But it didn't do much to make it easier for Baxter to make the nine mile trek back to the truck.

Woof Hoofs began out of a desire to share my love of the outdoors with my dog. I was determined not to let this experience cause him to miss out on future adventures.

My quest for a set of boots that would be comfortable, durable and perform well led to a lot of research and some trial and error. But I think I have achieved my essential goal and will continue to strive for excellence. My hope is that when you purchase a set of Woof Hoofs, you and your dog will benefit from all of the thought and effort that went into making them.

- Jim, The Chief Cobbler

Major Breakthrough!!!

Well, all of the design work has finally paid off. Edison said invention is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. I wasn't inventing the lightbulb or the phonograph, but it isn't easy to design a dog boot that will stay on.

I've finally got something I think will work. This is a major milestone and puts the project a big step closer to production.

By the way, scratch what I said in my earlier post. Judging from my latest modification test. Maybe I can produce a shoe that stays on under any conditions?

SuperZoo 2009 and field testing

It's been a little while since my last post. There have been some positive developments to update. I found out that the SuperZoo trade show was happening was happening in Vegas this week. I had an unused ticket on Southwest and was able to book a flight out to the show so I went for it.

The show itself wasn't earthshattering, but it was a very good experience to learn how wholesalers and retailers get together. I was also encouraged that there didn't seem to be any significant competition represented at the show, so it appears there is still a window of opportunity to carve out some marketshare.

So far the testing has been encouraging. My goal is to market a shoe that is affordable, comfortable, durable and that will stay on.

What I am learning is that dogs are remarkably agile and can accelerate, stop and turn on a dime. Therefore it is difficult to design a shoe that can stay on under any circumstances. I'll keep trying, but the goal is quite a challenge.

Dealin with the Man

I spent most of the morning handling the unpleasantries of filing the necessary paperwork to get the business started. It was actually quite painless. My first stop was the County Clerk, where I filed my ficticious name. My friend Sean who works in the Tax Collectors office saw me and it was nice to know I was among friends.

Next I went to the city to inquire about a business license. The lady said it wasn't really necessary until I started making money, so I should wait until the new year. After that I visited my old pal Steve in the planning department for their approval.

Next stop was The Union Democrat. It cost $88.00 to run the public ad for the ficticious name. My last stop was the bank to open a business account.

That's the beauty of living in a small town. I know many of the people I'm doing business with and every thing I need is in a one block radius of downtown.

Tag line

What do you think of the tagline "Woof Hoofs: Shoes fit for a dog"?

Trademark Application submitted

Well, I did a trademark search. The closest to my logo and company name is "Hoof & Woof". The image is of two horseshoes. They sell shirts and some kind of pet apparel I guess. Could not be mistaken for the Woof Hoofs brand or product line.

So I filled out the trademark application and paid my $275 bucks! This is the first major step. It takes quite a few months to process, so we'll see how it goes.

Field test

I took Baxter out to Dragoon Gulch to test the latest prototype of the dog boot design. He seems pretty comfortable with them on and shows no signs of wanting to pull them off. So we parked and got ready to hit the trail (about two miles round trip). About five hundred yards on our way I noticed one of the boots coming loose. I snugged it up a little and we were on our way. Every thing seemed to go very smoothly.

On the way back, I noticed, however, that the boot that gave me trouble in the beginning had spun around bottoms up. The other boot stayed in the right position, but it slipped out a bit. Need to figure out why one performed better than the other. Also noticed the lycra material picks up burrs, which could cause premature wear and tear.

The boots wash and dry well and there were no signs of abrasion on the ToughTek soles. Mixed feelings, but not too worrisome.

Got a good book, Six Week Start-up from the library. Very helpful in mapping out the things I need to launch the company.