ToeGrips® Dog Nail Grips Help Service Dogs Like Harry, a Great Dane

The ToeGrips team loves the work that service dogs do for people with disabilities, so when we heard that Harry the Great Dane was slipping and falling on slick floors when his owner had to go to a doctor’s appointment or visit the hospital, we were ready to lend a helping hand. Harry is a specially trained balance and mobility service dog. He’s one of 100 Great Danes in the USA who have been placed with individuals that have severe limitations with walking and balance.

Meet Harry, a service dog who needed help walking on smooth floors

Harry has lived with Beth in her home in Ipswich, MA, for the past two years. From the time the three-year-old dog was a puppy, he was trained by the Service Dog Project (SDP) for a life assisting people with disabilities. SDP only trains Great Danes for this job because their height and weight are perfect to help an individual who has trouble standing and walking on their own. Most Great Danes stand at 45% of a person’s height and are 65% of their weight. The combination is ideal to provide balance and stability.

The Great Danes placed by SDP aid children and adults with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, and other neurological conditions. They’ve even been placed with war veterans. Each dog is individually paired with the person they are going to assist.

Beth said Harry stands as tall as her hip so she doesn’t have to crouch or bend when she leans on him for support. She uses a harness to hold onto Harry. Having a mobility dog increases the amount of walking Beth does every day and works the muscles in her legs.

The Great Dane was afraid to walk on smooth surfaces and wood floors 

Beth and Harry have developed a strong relationship. His presence has given Beth the confidence to get out of the house more often. That’s why it was so important for her to help Harry when he became afraid to walk on slick surfaces.

“Harry has never been a fan of slippery floors, but lately, it’s gotten worse,” said Beth. He started falling when we’re in the supermarket or at the hospital. Even when we’re home he started to hop from rug to rug rather than walk on the floor. Service dogs have to be in so many situations that don’t affect typical dogs so I knew we had to find an answer.”

ToeGrips® dog nail grips help service dogs confidently walk on smooth floors without slipping

Beth turned to ToeGrips® dog nail grips for help, but she worried if they came in a size large enough to fit a Great Dane. She was very happy to learn there is an XXXL size that is made specifically for giant breeds. Click To Tweet

“The ToeGrips® dog nail grips came in the mail and I immediately put them on Harry. His back nails had just been trimmed and were too short for the ToeGrips® dog nail grips, but I put them on his front paws. They are working fantastic! He is walking without slipping.”

Beth promises to send an update when Harry is able to wear ToeGrips® dog nail grips on all four paws.

ToeGrips® dog nail grips: A happy ending for Harry and service dogs who count on paw traction in their jobs

Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby and the ToeGrips team tip our hats to the outstanding job Harry does every day. We are pleased to be part of a happy ending for Beth and her wonderful companion.

Check out The Service Dog Project to learn more about the organization. If you’d like to learn more about how ToeGrips® dog nail grips have helped other dogs regain confidence and mobility when walking on hardwood floors or slippery surfaces, check out our ToeGrips® Dog Nail Grips Reviews and ToeGrips® Dog Nail Grips Success Stories.

Does your dog struggle to walk on hardwood or smooth floors? Please comment below.