Nail Trim

[Lefty]

I know all too well about the rottie reverse foot fetish. Nail trims are not a fun time for Bullet. I think it is the sound of the nail timmer that he doesn't like, when it cuts the nail off with that "click" sound.

I've left the nail trimmer out for him to sniff so he knows it isn't an evil thing. Whenever I handle his feet and he is good about it, I praise him. Normally his nails wear when we walk him but the odd time he does need a trim. Because we got him from the shelter I don't know his past, but for the 3 years we had him I think we have only had to trim his nails 12-15 times.

Just wanted to know how others deal with this issue. He is highly food motivated.

[Rott-Wiley]

Some of them are just really bad about handling their feet. I use a grinder and weather the nails need to be done or not, once a week the grinder comes out and the nails get shaped up. I am fortunate to have my wife help in the process. She gives out the treats while I grind. That's always worked for us.

[Judy Chrusch]

I too use the dremmel, hubby and I do it every other week mostly for behavior issues bc he was a bear when we first started doing them. It took 4 of us and a muzzle, to now, hubby and I and NO muzzle and this is bc we do them often and made him realize it's going to get done NO matter what. So don't fuss with it, just do it and he'll live :D . I have to say, the mere sight if the clippers made Czar freak so we decided on the dremmel, much much better.

Judy

[SABELLESMOM]

I prefer to dremel, but whatever you choose, do it often. Weekly is good, or even every 2 weeks. You can start by praise rewarding each nail as you do it, eventually cutting down to each completed foot. Continue handling the feet in between. Eventually, they become more tolerant. Though most look as if they're simply "resigned" as opposed to enthusiastic in the end. GOOD LUCK!

[lblax]

all good advice here so far ! i just need to know where you called lefty before or after the 1st nail trimming experiance... but serious this is a problem most people have with any breed of dog

[Brooke&Ryan]

We had to go through it with Julius also. Judi's advice was "just get it done" & that's what we did. Easier said than done sometimes but just perservere. Julius knows that after a nail trim he gets to go into the mud room & get a yummy molasses treat that are the "special" nail trimming treats. :D

:)
Brooke

[Lefty]

Lol. Actually I've been a lefty all my life, I'm a southpaw.
Although after a nail trim I guess you could look at it that way.
;)

[mellie137]

I haven't tried the dremel. I don't know if Reina would go for that--she growls and barks at the mixer, the food processor, the blow dryer, and the table fan--what a technophobe! I use the hand clippers, but what an ordeal! I lay her on her side and throw my legs over her to hold down her head and other three legs. We look like we're playing Twister! Though she is never aggressive at any other time, she shows me her teeth with each clip. I tried a treat per toe, but that made her more difficult--not only did I have to hold her down, I had to hold her back from the treats. I started giving her a very special treat and tons of praise when we're done. We manage, but I'm always relieved when it's over.