I'm LMAO, because on Friday night, I posted this to the thread about odd smells that you like: "I love the smell of dog feet. All the dogs we've ever had, their feet all smelled the same, and for some reason it's a smell I love. I like to lift my dog's paw and take a big whiff of the bottom of it, putting my nose right up to the pads. LOL! Almost hate to give her a bath, because I know it will take the smell away for awhile." But I just smelled them now, and they don't smell like Fritos!

This is a skin issue. I've had tons of experience with dog skin issues over the past 16 years. After much frustration and expense with mis-diagnosis, I have learned a few lessons. First. Ask tons of questions. Specifically, is the surgery going to cure this problem. If there is not a specific "yes" then ask why. If there is a "maybe" ask why. Second. Does the vet know beyond doubt what this problem is, you just mention a sore. When you find out, Google the problem and educate yourself. Find out what causes it, how it is dealt with. If your vet indicates that he/she does not know, consider a consulting with a dermatology vet. Third. If you do decide on surgery, ask if the sore is definitely going to stay away. If there is not a direct "yes" answer, ask why, and state that you are going to have to research the subject more before making a decision. I have stated before on this forum my frustration with the veterinary profession in general. I'm now on vet #7 in 16 years, and have spent tons of time, money and frustration because I didn't ask the right questions. My current vet who I love, love love, knows that when a health issues comes up, I am going to consult and research the subject and take the upper hand in dealing this things. SG

Dogprints outside are the decoration of a happy home. I can understand not wanting clay tracking inside though, maybe a big mat in front of the door. Most of my back yard is either garden or deck, and the part that the dogs romp on is covered with wood chips, so they don't get sand/dirt on their feet unless they dig in the one area they are allowed to dig. Can you either grow grass or cover the ground with wood chips so his paws stay cleaner? He is a cute dog, a poodle?

I just saw this post and wanted to add my two cents. I have a Pedipaw's and find that it works fine. I am glad I have it and took the time to learn to use it. If it takes too long, like earlier posters have said, you might need to change the sanding piece. It should not take long at all once you and the pet are used to doing this. First you and your pet have to get used to the noise, then the vibration. The sites tell you to do this slowly, over a few days or such. Then you can start really shortening the nails. I got my dog used to the machine itself in a few days. Then I got his nails much shorter, by carefully following the instructions from the manufacturer, it was only then that I found DoberDawn's site. Her instructions answered a ton of questions and I am much better at this now. Most importantly, my dogs nails look great, but more decisive to me is that he is much more comfortable (I really had no idea his nails had gotten so long, from much fewer winter walks, compared to his 2 - 4 daily walks in good weather). So I am embarrassed to state his nails were really long, and a few curved under when we started. Try it, practice it. You'll probably be quite good at it in short order, but not overnight. Good luck!