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Advice for Trimming Dog Nails

Friday, February 11, 2005

If you're having difficulty trimming your dog's nails, the Culpeper Star-Exponent has some advice from Michael J. Watts, D.V.M.

I always knew that dogs didn't like having their paws handled. But I didn't realize it was because it was an act of dominance. Maybe that's why I can train Max to shake hands, but I can't get Mia to do it. She still wants to be the boss.

8 Comments:

  • ~*~ I have a 95 lb Chocolate Lab- I use Cereal to keep him occupied when doing his nails,I tell him "down" when he lays down I put some cereal on the floor,as he eats it,I clipp away!LOL
    Any other time he always wants to play, or have his belly rubbed, and does not lay still long enough for me to do what I have to do-

    But when I bring a dog in that is a rescue my vet does it automatically when they are being Spayed/Neutered.Which is an added bonus, cause some dogs are off the walls!

    By Blogger Jodi, at 6:22 AM, February 12, 2005  

  • This article was a big help. My dogs always win when it comes to nail cutting time. Now, I can use cereal or. . . .
    Thank you

    By Anonymous Jimmy Porter, at 9:34 AM, February 12, 2005  

  • In addition to retraining your dog to think that nail triming is a wonderful thing you could change the technique. Use of a dremel tool alliviates the pressure and sensation that is caused by cutting the nail. Once the dog is use to the noise it is a none advasive procedure. I have 3 dogs that I use this on. The all line up, lay down, roll over on their backs and allow me to "trim" their nails. This is all part of the weekly grooming routine. Then we all go for a treat. Make it fun, remember, they are just kids emotionally.

    By Blogger Ginnie, at 9:30 AM, February 14, 2005  

  • i'm glad to see someone else who uses a dremel hand tool. alot of people think i'm crazy when i tell them. i've used both battery and plug in. it allows you to stop when you notice when the "quick" is getting soft and sensitive so you won't get a bloody mess cutting too short from bad judgement or if they move suddenly the wrong way. the battery type is also less aggressive, more controlable. make sure the battery is fully charged.

    By Anonymous dog lover, at 12:06 PM, February 14, 2005  

  • i guess i forgot to mention you need to use the "sanding barrel" tip

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:08 PM, February 14, 2005  

  • I have a 4-year-old pit bull-boxer mix named Reilly Chuck. He is the most wonderful, even-tempered dog I've ever known..except for when it comes time to trim his nails. It literally frightens him silly! The only way we've been able to get them trimmed is to have this poor 70# dog sedated. I don't want to have to do it this way, we've tried everything, Help!!! Sheila

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:49 PM, February 14, 2005  

  • For Reilly-

    Try placing the nail clippers where he can see them, then gradually moving them closer to his bowl/water dish/crate etc.After a while maybe a week of moving them closer, when he is laying down, just put them next to him, and leave.

    When he finally realizes there are worse things in life- then he'll behave.

    Then you can move on to clip one nail give a treat ( or really high pitched praise GOOD DOG!!) and so forth.If he behaves go to the next one if not, not a problem, wait till the next day.Gradually over time being he'll trust you more-and you'll see a big difference in him.

    Try a treat that he never ever gets and ONLY bring it out during nail clipping time.Even a favorite toy.

    Try to keep his mind occupied on another person works sometimes.

    Good Luck let me know how everything goes:)

    By Blogger Jodi, at 5:22 PM, February 15, 2005  

  • I HAVE A 50LB GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER, LILY. SHE IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED OF HAVING HER NAILS TRIMMED. TO THE POINT THE VET HAD TO SEDATE HER IN ORDER TO TRIM THEM. HIS COMMENT WAS, HE WAS AFRAID SHE WAS GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACH IF HE CONTINUED. THAT IS THE BEST DESCRIPTION I CAN COME UP WITH. I HAVE TRIED THE "GET TO KNOW THE PAW" MASSAGE...TREAT TEMPTATION COURSE...BUT NOTHING MAKES HER FEEL LIKE SHE IS NOT GOING TO BE LINCHED! SHE IS A SWEET LOVING DOG WHO WOULD NOT HURT ANOTHER PERSON OR ANIMAL. SHE IS CURRENTLY INVOLVE IN AN AFFAIR WITH OUR CAT, WHO KNEW? WHAT CAN I USE TO SEDATE HER AT HOME IN ORDER TO TRIM HER NAILS? OR IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I CAN DO?THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! KAREN AND LILY

    By Blogger AKIVY, at 1:12 PM, May 20, 2008  

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