[Purple-Hops]

I feel it is best to train your little guy to get used to having his feet rubbed and touched. So many dogs I meet will not allow their owner to touch their feet, which is astounding to me! When he's sleeping rub his paws and pick at his toes until he doesn't mind it then move up to guillotine clippers and only clip off the very edge.
Coco hasn't has his nails clipped in years because they keep trim on the sidewalk and terrain. I took him in August to have his dew claws done (those are the only worrisome ones bc they are higher up on the paw) and the groomer was impressed that his nails were naturally trim!! ^^ As long as the dog gets tonnes of exercise and rough terrain to walk on the regular claws should be fine.
But in the meantime really have him get used to the paws massage! Let us know how it goes!

 

[Purple-Hops]

Ugh! I hate winter without sidewalks, unfortunately I, and thousands of residents here in my city, are walking on the streets bc the city's up its @$$ with the sidewalk plowing AND there's a 3 month long bus strike. Embarrassing.

A good practice too is when you harness up Blitzen for a walk apply that awesome cream to his pads to prevent road salt from irritating him and he will have to stand still for it if he wants to go for a walk! It acts as a moisterizer too so its just wonderful all 'round!

 

[Purple-Hops]

And let us know how it goes!

 

[Purple-Hops]

Oh, I would still use it as a way to keep paws moisterized. It's great that there is no salt used on the roads there- I hate it! It gets onto my pants then into my skin and its the worst! I can only imagine poor Coco's feet. It helps to prevent cracking of the skin if their running over frozen solid terrain and prevents frost bite along with benefits in the summer. But I guess it is personal opinion. Now that I have it I would recommend it