When to do first nail trimming...

[klausy]

yes, me again....when is it advisable to do the first nail trimming? and who? the vet for the first time or ok for me to do it?

[AngelBunny]

klausy:

Do the first nail trimming as soon as you can. While you may need only to clip off the very tip of the nail, the point isn't so much to trim the nail as it is to get the puppy used to the procedure. You do it--there's no need to get your vet involved.

[Judi W]

Most puppies have been having their nails clipped from the time they were nursing (their moms really appreciate that as otherwise those sharp little nails scratch the heck out of the mom's breasts). In the whelping box they might be clipped every 3 or 4 days. So...... clipping them immediately as suggested is a good idea. I do them once a week on all dogs. A human toenail clipper works well for little puppies.

I believe it is an excellent idea for the owner to do the nails. Many behaviorial issues are settled simply over this grooming practice. The dog learns to submit to something on a regular basis that it would prefer to avoid. At my house having toenails tended to is not optional. It is combined with a nice brushing and a massage. Sometimes we do it in different areas (a blanket on the front porch, or on the chaise lounge) so it becomes a special treat.

With small puppies, I sit on the floor with my legs straight out and the pup lying on its back between my legs. I can hold them in place with my legs and give a bit of a tummy scratch between clips. As they get a bit longer, I simply turn their body around from doing one end to the other. Of course, they quickly outgrow that method, but by then they know to cooperate.

Good luck. Consider it leadership training.

[Michael C.]

Also, play with your puppies feet everyday and give lots of praise when he/she lets you do it without a big fuss. I made the mistake of not doing this and trimming is a nightmare for us.