Boots out of the question? I still recommend them, since some conditions -- chukar hunting and hunting where sand spurs and prickly-pear are present -- warrant their use. Don't think any dog really enjoys wearing them (you should see the look my dogs give me). My dogs -- who have granite-tough feet -- came up lame two weeks ago in an area (MI) that I have never had to boot them. One day of hunting in VERY dry conditions is all it took. Didn't even hunt my female the last two days. No amount of roading or miracle "juice" is 100% fool proof. Some terrain is just too rough for any dogs feet to bare.