Nail clipping

Austin's Mom · #1 08-08-2001, 12:05 PM

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on nail trimming. Austin HATES to go to PetSmart to have his nails cut. He totally freaks out and they have to muzzle him. It takes 2 or 3 of us to hold him still. I've tried doing it myself but he thinks the nail clipper is something to play with. Any suggestions?

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Austin-3yr old fawn white, natural ears, cropped tail. Adopted 3/25/00-

karens · #2 08-08-2001, 12:19 PM

My vet showed me a way to hold them down to cut their nails, problem is it takes two people and my husband can't seem to hold them in position

It takes me about a fifteen minutes to cut their nails. I have to keep yelling no and making them lay down (on their side). I try to get it done whenever we are at the vet. If I had to have them muzzled, I don't think I would even want to attempt it myself!

JulieM · #3 08-08-2001, 12:21 PM

Try using a grinder instead. Many dogs don't like clippers because they pinch the nail. A grinder (Dremel tools from the hardware store are the most popular) is gentler and you're less likely to hurt the quick.

Here is an excellent site on how to Dremel nails:

http://members.aol.com/Doberdawn/dremel.html

#4 08-08-2001, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JulieM
Try using a grinder instead. Many dogs don't like clippers because they pinch the nail. A grinder (Dremel tools from the hardware store are the most popular) is gentler and you're less likely to hurt the quick.

Here is an excellent site on how to Dremel nails:

http://members.aol.com/Doberdawn/dremel.html

Thanks for the site.

Bailey and Riley's Mom · #5 08-08-2001, 04:46 PM

I will let you in on a little tip that made my life sooo much easier: After the girls have been having a good long play they come inside and fall asleep. This is when I do it, I don't even think they realize it.

RyNTysMom · #6 08-08-2001, 07:15 PM

I too am a serious advocate of the Dremmel grinder. It was a LIFESAVER for me and my dogs. Our Pug, Mojo, would fight me and my husband so badly, when we tried to pin him down to clip his nails, that we'd end up with scratches all over us, and I'd still not have all his nails clipped!! I was looking for a miracle, and I started reading about the Dremmel. I finally buckled down and ordered one online. When it came, I was worried that the dogs would have trouble adjusting to it, and would be afraid of it. However, after about the second time, they were falling asleep in my arms while I grinded their nails!! They don't fight me anymore, and I'm no longer afraid I'm going to hurt them, and we all look forward to nail grooming time! Get one, it really works; and they are definitely worth the extra money, because of what they save you in aggravation!!

Donna741 · #7 08-08-2001, 07:31 PM

Dremmel all the way!

I had a Shar-Pei who would literally scream when you cut his nails. It took 2 adults to hold him down while a 3rd cut his nails. After we got the Dremmel he was done and back to playing in 10 minutes and it only took 1 person to hold and 1 to grind.

My Boxer loves the Dremmel she just sits and watches me do her nails, doesn't fight at all. I even use it on my rabbits when their nails need trimming.

Linda · #8 08-08-2001, 07:44 PM

Here's a good site to look at: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/dog_nails.htm

I'm not one to give advice on this subject. I've failed miserably at getting Remy used to having his nails cut. I've also had to resort to sneaking up on him while he's sleeping.
I took him to Petsmart ONCE to have them cut. I thought they would put him on a grooming table and know what they are doing. NO! A young woman asked me to hold him on the floor while she tried to clip. She was constantly reprimanding him, while he tried to nip at her. She got 2 or 3 nails cut. He got so worked up, I told her to stop before he had a heart attack!

I've been able to cut one nail with the garden shears while I outside. I've also cut one with a pair of dikes out of the tool box. He knows the sight of the nail clippers and is immediately on edge.

I tried "desensitizing" him with treats and praise. Now when I use a certain tone of voice, "good boy" means nail cutting and he's on the defensive.

Good luck!

davidj · #9 08-08-2001, 08:22 PM

I just don,t understand what all the fuss is about didn,t you start early, when they where pups so they get use to it .I never had a problem with clippers i would with a dremel the noise would scare them? Alvin

leenasmom · #10 08-08-2001, 10:31 PM

It only takes me about 5 minutes to cut Leenas nails, but Mason isn't too thrilled so we do one, take 5 min. break. Let's just say it takes a while. I wouldn't suggest holding him down, but that's just me. Good luck.