Trimming your dog’s nails is an essential part of grooming – but can be the one that owners struggle with the most. Dogs are naturally averse to having their paws handled, and can range from fearful to downright aggressive when the clippers come out. Training a puppy to handle nail trimming can ensure a lifetime of stress-free grooming, but older dogs can learn to handle them just as well.
Why is nail trimming important? Nails that are allowed to grow too long can grow into the paw pad. They can also cause the dog to walk abnormally, and lead to falls or arthritis.
Establish a Comfort Level
As a general rule, dogs just don’t like having their paws touched. To change that, you have to show your pup that having his paws touched isn’t a bad thing.
- While he is relaxed, touch his leg and slowly move toward his paw.
- Offer him treats and stop when he starts to pull his paw away.
- Now that you have discovered his boundary, you can slowly acclimate him to being touched by giving him treats and praise.
- As he gets used to that level of contact, move down his leg until you can touch his paw without him getting upset.
Once he allows you to touch his paw, progress to holding it. If your pup gets upset with this, give him treats but do not let go of his paw until he is relaxed. Squeeze his paw, roll it around, just play. Doing so desensitizes him to the sensation and will allow you to handle his paw without stress later during nail trimming.
Clippers and Nail Trimming
The clippers can be a point of contention during nail trimming as well.
- Allow your pup to inspect the clippers so he is not afraid of the foreign object. Put them on the floor and give him praise and treats until you can move the clippers near him. From there, you want to accustom him to the sound of the clippers opening and closing in the same manner.
- Next, combine the two stimuli. Hold your dog’s paw with one hand while opening and closing the clippers with the other. Monitor your dog for signs of stress, but as long as he is relaxed, proceed to bring the clippers closer to his paw. If he reacts, stop, and offer him a treat or take a break.
- Some dogs have had bad experiences with nail clippers. If the nail has been cut too short it bleeds, and can make him fearful of the clippers later on. An alternate tool like a Dremel may be used in these circumstances. A dremel is a motorized file that lets you sand down the nail until it is an appropriate length. Because you are not cutting off the nail, it’s difficult to get the nail too short using a dremel, although it can happen.Veterinarians usually offer inexpensive nail trimming visits if you are unable to do them at home. You should specify if your pup is more comfortable with clippers or a dremel so they can accommodate his needs. If your pup becomes panicked during nail trims, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medications.
Gulf Coast Dog Training can help your dog to overcome a wide range of behavioral and obedience issues. Call us today if you live in Sarasota or Bradenton and need assistance with your dogs.
