Help - Dogs paws

Just wondering if it something to do with doggy sweat. I know they get sweaty paws when over excited - one of the things a dog trainer told us about. Perhaps when mixed with mud it becomes more staining.

Well, I never knew that.

Hi there nfk dumpling
Hope the stairgate idea helps!
and relieved that its not a tale of thoughtless folk after all,but just some happy mayhem
I was curious about the dog paw stains on your behalf,so googled a bit,and came up with...

"Natural dog odors are most prominent near the ears, and from the paw pads.
Dogs naturally produce secretions the function of which is to produce scents allowing for
species and individual animal recognition by other dogs and for use in scent-marking of
territory. This is a feature they share with other canids."
and
"Although thought by many to be a way of covering up their doings, it is actually a way of
further marking their territory after they pee or poop. Dogs have scent glands in their
paw pads and the act of kicking out their back legs helps to mark their territory.
This action is predominantly a trait of intact males, but neutered males, and occasionally
females, will be seen doing this too."

Havent so far found any ideas about getting rid of paw stains though
what about putting on dog paw bootees when they come in?!!
or
2 x old jumpers with the cuffs sewn up?!!!!
(worth a photo???!!
esp if you have polished floors!!

Well I never - thanks for that, I can't wait to find an opening to drop it into conversation! Now off to look for spare wool to knit doggy slippers.

Awwwwwwwww love the idea of doggy slippers.......will they have pom poms on them?