CLAWGS V3 ALTERATIONS & BEAUTIFICATIONS:
FOLD & BAND EXCESS STRAPS:
HEEL STRAPS
After Clawgs heel straps are locked into the buckles' cinch slots at the proper length, fold the excess heel straps in half with the rubber (not fabric) facing outward.
Then, slide an included excess strap band over the folded excess heel straps. Repeat on other side.
The bands are difficult to put on, but once they're on, they stay on. If the bands are too difficult for you to put on, try stretching them before putting them on.
SIDE STRAPS
You can also fold and band the excess side straps. While the side straps are fastened as they would be dogs' paws, fold the excess strap in half with the rubber (not fabric) facing outward.
Then, slide the excess strap band over the folded excess side straps.
CUT SLITS IN EXCESS SOLE BETWEEN FRONT TOES AND SIDE CLAWS:
All Clawgs shipped after September 8, 2025 were shipped with slits already cut in the sole, so you can disregard this section.
If your Clawgs were shipped before September 8, 2024, we recommend cutting slits in the excess sole between front toes' location and side claws' location, as shown above.
There's lots of variation in dogs' side toes'/claws' location with respect to dogs' front toes'/claws' locations from dog to dog and paw to paw.
Therefore, dog Sap extended the sole under side toes/claws out of an abundance of caution. In most situations, side claws touching the sole is better than toe pads touching the ground.
However, cutting a slit in the excess sole between front toes and side claws frees up Clawgs' front straps to hug dogs' front (middle) toes' fronts (below claws) better, which reduces the risk of front toes sliding through Clawgs' front claws' openings.
MARK & TRIM EXCESS SOLE UNDER SIDE CLAWS:
Only trim soles when you're confident your Clawgs are the correct size(s) with properly adjusted straps. Clawgs returned with trimmed soles (aside from straight back slits, as shown in the previous section) are not accepted.
It is normal for one or both side claws to touch the sole rather than the ground when you receive Clawgs.
However, there are huge benefits to trimming the excess sole to fit each dogs' unique paws.
Aside from the obvious improved grip from claw use, cutting the excess sole frees the front straps to hold front toes better, including letting the front edge curve up in front of front pads under front claws, which prevents front toes from sliding through Clawgs' front claws' opening.
Another benefit is that Clawgs stay centered better when the excess sole is trimmed because side claws snag the newly cut edge on both sides, which prevents Clawgs from spinning.
Mark a spot on the excess sole between side toe pads and side claws.
Then, remove the Clawgs and trim from the marked spot to the sole / side strap corner.
LABEL RIGHT AND LEFT CLAWGS
(OR FRONT AND BACK CLAWGS)
After marking and trimming the excess sole, the right Clawg and left Clawg may be different. Label the black fabric with a white paint pen to easily distinguish between Clawgs.
If your dog wears the same size on front and back Clawgs, we recommend labeling front and back Clawgs as well.
