Start before you actually need them
Most dogs find paw boots strange the first time, the unfamiliar feeling underfoot changes how the ground feels, and many dogs freeze, high-step, or try to shake the boots off. Introducing boots well before winter, hot pavement season, or a hiking trip gives your dog time to adjust without the added stress of extreme conditions on the same day.
Short, positive sessions indoors first
Let your dog sniff and investigate the boots before putting any on. Start with just one boot on one paw for a minute or two indoors on carpet, paired with treats and calm praise, then remove it before your dog gets frustrated. Add one paw at a time over several short sessions rather than putting all four on at once on day one. Most dogs need multiple short sessions across several days before all four boots feel normal.
Working through the "frozen dog" stage
High-stepping, shaking a paw, or standing completely still is a normal early reaction to boots, not a sign something is wrong. Distraction helps more than reassurance, a favourite toy, a short walk around a familiar room, or treats scattered on the floor gives your dog a reason to move their feet instead of fixating on the boots. Avoid carrying or dragging your dog to force movement, as this tends to make the association more negative.
Moving to real walks
Once your dog will walk normally indoors in all four boots, try a short walk in a low-distraction area before a longer outing. Check the fit after a few minutes of movement, boots that slip, twist, or feel loose around the ankle will bother a dog far more than a snug, well-fitted pair. Some dogs never fully stop noticing their boots, but most settle into a normal gait within a few sessions once the boots are a familiar, unremarkable part of the walk.
If your dog still won't accept them
A small number of dogs remain resistant no matter how gradual the introduction. Trying a different style, some dogs tolerate a simple sock-style boot better than a stiff-soled one, or vice versa, can make a real difference. If your dog shows ongoing distress, limping, or won't bear weight once boots are on, stop and check the paws and boots for a poor fit or an irritant, and speak to your vet if the reaction seems out of proportion to a normal adjustment period.
Once your dog tolerates boots reliably, keep putting them on occasionally outside of the situations that actually need them, so the association stays positive rather than only appearing before something stressful like hot pavement or ice. A quick check of the fit and the sole wear every few months also means you'll catch a boot that's stretched, torn, or no longer sealing properly before it fails on a walk.