helpers wearing cleats?

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by Travel time on 29 September 2009 - 23:09

I've heard that cleats can injure or break toes on the back feet of dogs if they get stepped on. Has anyone seen this and if so how often does it happen. I have only worn my cleats a couple times, but really liked it when I did but on the other hand I do not want to injure any of the club members dogs.

If there are some that do not wear cleats, what type of shoes do you prefer when doing helper work?

by Mystere on 30 September 2009 - 00:09

Every helper wears some type of shoes to help with traction. Otherwise, they are risking injury to the dog and themselves from falling. The ones I knows wear various types of non-metal cleats on baseball, soccor, or football sthletic shoes. It may vary a lot, depending on the area of the country. In the Pacific Northwest, where there is lots of rain, damp and slippery grass, some type of traction is nearly mandatory. Both helpers and handlers wear footwear geared toward traction. Occasionally, a dog does get stepped on. It is "just one of those things"--it happens from time to time, and nobody's "fault." I have not heard or seen a dog seriously injured, or actually injured at all as a result. Not outting, YES! Almost guaranteed.

What area are you in? You could ask some of the experienced helpers in your area what type of shoes they wear for traction.

by Slamdunc on 30 September 2009 - 01:09

I always wear cleats. Naturally, you have to be careful not to step on the dogs feet regardless of the shoes you are wearing. Cleats make it safer when catching and driving dogs as Mystere mentioned. I have a couple of different pairs from soccer cleats to football cleats. If you are worried you can get cleats that have a lot of rubber / plastic studs, I think they may be for astro turf. I have those as well.

serious helper I know wears cleats. You take a big chance of slipping on grass and hurting yourself or the dog.

JMO,

Jim

by cledford on 30 September 2009 - 02:09

I always were cleats and the few times I haven't have sliped mutliple times. I've stepped on dogs and had my dog stepped on before - no broken toes yet, but I'm sure it can happen. Bottom line is that schutzhund is a full contact sport and injuries are goign to happen. Everone tries to ensure they don't but it is part of life.

-Calvin