View Full Version : Hates nail clipping!
blenheimbeau
01-26-2004, 05:05 PM
My Cavalier King Charles just hates to have his nails clipped! I am the only one that has ever done it, so it's not because of a bad experience. He was not fond of it from the start, so I always try to handle his paws, manipulate gently his toes and nail area so he'll become used to the feeling, but no luck!
He grows quite alot of hair between the pads of has feet, that needs trimming frequently too. And he hates that too!
Any tricks or suggestions for making this chore go a bit smoother?
dlaura
01-26-2004, 07:28 PM
Hi,
I don't have an answer for you but I wanted to welcome you to the board. I'm sure someone will be along in a while with some advice for you. I love your avatar & pic under your post - sure is cute!
dogpaws71
01-26-2004, 07:40 PM
Try touching your pups foot and giving him/her a tasty treat. Do this three times or so. Then next day do this a few more times. Do it a third day do it again just toucing the paws. On the fourth day try to holding the paw for a second and give a tasty treat. If this is ok with dog try again for two more days. Basically you want to keep up like this increasing time and trying to get the dog to let you touch, hold and manipulate the paws. If you increase the time and/or what you are doing to the paws (ie when you go from just touching to holding) you see any resistance from the dog go back a step for a day or so then try again. You always want to keep it a good and pleasant experience for your pup. By giving a tasty treat you are making the dog welcome the excercise as well.
It will take time but be consistent and you will see some results.
Good luck!
My dogs hate having their nails trimmed too. My chihuahua dog is small and his nails are white so I do not have a hard time. My lab on the other hand hates it and has black nails so I am unsure how far to clip them. My vet will normally do it for me and has never charged me for it. Well she saw a different vet because mine was on vacation it cost me $16! I thought that was a little pricey for a nail trim. I found a friend who does it for me now.
blenheimbeau
02-10-2004, 05:24 PM
Originally posted by odiegirl
[B]As a groomer some dogs will absolutely NOT let you cut their nails - but they will let you dremmel (or grind them) these grinders are available at pet supply stores for groomers - but you can buy a $25.00 dremmel - does the same job - in the tool dept. at Sears or Home depot.
Thanks so much for this info!
The paw handling for conditioning has just not worked! He lets me handle his feet all day long, but if he sees that clipper...he's outa there!
Thanks for the grooming info. My dog does not bite and I would not consider her uncontrolable so I was for sure over charged. blenheimbeau, did you try the grinder? just wondering if it worked for you.
originalfatc
02-11-2004, 02:21 PM
A vet appointment is $30-$45 per, nail clip takes time of 1/2 appointment, so no, I wouldn't say you were overcharged having it done there.
blenheimbeau
02-12-2004, 11:47 AM
Haven't had a chance to search one out. I live rurally, so I will need to wait for a trip into the city.
DiegoDog
02-12-2004, 06:27 PM
When clipping my dog's nails, I used to have to fight to keep him still now I just turn him on his back and rub his tummy while my trainer clips them
originalfatc
02-12-2004, 09:40 PM
*snicker, tee, hee..*
Yea, I clip dog nails fast too, I was just quoting what vet's say about their higher prices. I used to work for a vet, so I know how they calculate.
another great way to handle a large squirmy dog is lay them on side, elbow across neck, scratch belly, clip, scratch belly. If they're out flat there is no way they can get up or bite, and the tickling helps distract them.
I learned that from National Dog Registry, I used to tatoo for them.
Nail clipping is mostly about the demeanor of the person doing the clipping, which has a huge impact on the dog as they are VERY perceptive about our body language, voice, etc., and react to the clipper's uneasiness or fear.
In other words, if you are uncomfortable doing it, the dog will be uncomfortable and likely resist, while if you are calm and comfortable, the dog will feel secure and more compliant. It is more about the state of mind of the person doing the clipping than it is the dog's.
I have written a small book called, "How To Trim Your Dog's...Nails! And Why You're Probably Dumber Than Your Dog," which not only discusses the proceedure, but how dogs "read" and respond so well to us, while most of us have little idea what messages we are often sending them, and much more.
I am also the author of "Start Your Own Professional Pet-Sitting Service," and "Start Your Own Self-Serve Dog Wash," and other books.
Regards,
Dave Grass
dave@dagbooks.com
www.dagBOOKS.com
www.SelfServeDogWash.com
Squawksx3
02-29-2004, 10:48 AM
Hi Dave and welcome :)
I enjoyed browsing through your site and I WANT ONE OF THOSE DOGGIE WASH TUBS!!! ..OMG.. the one with the ramp is sooo kewl and it would save my back. By the time I get done bathing the third meathead, my back is killing me. Hmmm.. now where would I put it LOL.
:) Thanks for the comments--I'm glad you like the SelfServeDogWash.com site.
Yes, they are nice tubs. Some people are putting them in basements or garages if they don't have space in a laundry room, etc.
Dave