The thing to remember is this: comparative anatomy. Dogs walk on their fingers and toes. Their heels and palms are further up on the leg — with the heels better defined than the palms. That said, there are — definitely five fingers and in essence a thumb. Proof is here:

Note the website name: furries are less common on the Web than they used to be but (aside from being NICE people) they tend to have websites with LOTS of great information about comparative and animal anatomy.

Also remember that dogs are domesticated wolves: wolf paws will DEFINITELY work.

Also check out here:

1) draw a big perfect circle

2) draw another besides it on each side(a little bit smaller then the first)

3) draw 2 other circles besides the one you drew(smaller then all the ones you drew)

4)add some texture inside each one of the circles

5) add fur(short) around the edges of each circle.

6)Then in the middle draw a wave by the first circle you drew(under it) and draw a round shape under it!

HOPEFULLY YOU HAVE A PAW!!!!

Through observation. Study the structure of the paw itself. Look at the tendons, bones and muscle through the fur and flesh. If you can, go to a zoo and check it out there. Look at the big cats as well as a domestic dog paw. You just have to study what you want to draw and train you hand to follow your eye (your eye should hardly look at what you’re drawing). It’s tough but it can be done.

Trace it.