toenail trimming

[DaisyLulu]

Daisy knocked over the groomer today. I tried to tell her not to
show Daisy the nail trimmers but it was too late. She tried two
more times and only got one foot trimmed and not well enough
either. Daisy used to be so good about getting her nails trimmed
and it only took one time about a year ago when someone cut
the quick for her to decide she hated it. I'm running out of groomers in the area. Everyone is always in a very big hurry to cut her nails and I think it makes her nervous. I have clippers
at home only I would need three people to help me at this point.
What is a good way to make Daisy comfortable with nail trimming?
I can get a good ear clean and a not too much troublesome teeth
brushing but the toenail thing is a big challenge.
It's a tough workout, almost like a spinning class :)

Thank you,
Michelle
Daisy appreciates your kind input as always.

[Goniella]

Have you thought about grinding her nails? My rescued boy Bear HATED the nail clippers as well, but he would let my trainer grind them with a dremel. My new puppy will be introduced to the dremel very early. It is still possible to hit the quick with the dremel if you arent careful...... but it is also easier to tell how close you are to the quick, Here is little "tutorial" on grinding a dogs nails hope it helps :)


http://www.angelcities.com/members/d...el/dremel.html

[RSQRottweiler]

How much time do you spend handling your dog's feet in between nail trimming sessions? I understand the problem with cutting to the quick. . .the same thing happened to my Sebastian when he was a pup (and I was the one doing his nails. . .I still have guilt about that one!).

I try to handle his feet at least once a day, every day. Usually it's during a "relaxing" time. . .after dinner, when he's snoozing on the floor. I pick up each foot and inspect the pads, nails, etc. When the weather is cold and the streets/sidewalks are salted, it's a good idea to check, anyway. Once or twice a week I put udder cream on the pads to keep them from getting too dried/cracked. All of the foot handling has gotten him used to the idea of having his feet worked with. We also practice "shake" as a fun way for him to allow me to inspect between his toes. After the "quick" incident I went out and bought a Dremel, so trimming his nails at home, by myself, is easy.

Keep in mind, he was not entirely cooperative or trusting when I started working on this. It took time. Be patient. :)

Audrey

[DaisyLulu]

Thank you for the great advice and especially for the website about dremmeling. I have to try to file Daisy's toenails that the
groomer cut-she left them sharp and Daisy now has scratches
in her ear from itching herself. This is so frustrating. I spend
time everyday handling Daisy's feet, massaging her legs, etc.
She is very familiar with being handled. Now I've been carrying
the clippers around with me to get her used to seeing them
around. Like the old saying goes, "if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself". Even if it takes me forever to teach Daisy to love getting her toenails clipped, I will succeed!
She has already broken one of my fingers anyway. I've got nine more. :)
Thank you all!

michelle

[RottiMomCT]

I found a fairly easy way to alleviate Ben's fear of the clippers. I bought a new pair. Different colored handle (old one is bright orange, new one is black).

He still balks a bit when the clippers come out, but I've managed to be able to do all his feet without much of a struggle.

Less than a month ago, he would do anything to get away from me when I tried to do his nails...I started touching his feet every day at the end of the day as we wind down before bed (hubby thinks he'll have me committed if I start reading in bed to the dog!!). He's great about me touching his feet but if I try to isolate one nail, he knows what's next and he's outta there!

SO, no more nail trimming on the bed...we do it on the floor and he gets a peanut butter filled bone (frozen) held by my 'helper du jour' (usualy hubby) to keep him occupied, and away I trim.

I've started trimming his nails 2 times a week, just a teeny-tiny bit each time, and this afternoon I swear he almost fell asleep while I did the back feet.

Now, it's taken me about 6 months to get that far....used to be able to do ONE nail then give him a few minutes to relax and then I'd go for the next one...

As for the Dremel tool...he told me that the Dremel tool was invented by the same guy that invented that thing I use to get all his hair and dirt off the floor and he'll eat the thing if I try to touch his feet with it again! :D