Nail Clipping

[boxerlvr]

My mom-in-law is having a problem cutting her dogs nails. Lucky is a 1 year old mini dashund (sp?) and anytime anyone tries to cut her nails she fights, screams, bites and wiggles so much it take two people to hold her still so you don't cut the quick...Am i correct in assuming that whoever had her before them cut too low and hurt her and now she is terrified? Mom doesn't want to have her put under just to clip her nails (she is afraid Lucky won't come to) but we are afraid she is going to hurt herself with us trying to do it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Dax]

This sounds like a perfect situation for desensitization training. What she needs to do is work with the dogs feet everyday without cutting the nails. She can start by touching the nails - pulling on them a little but no cutting. The dog should be allowed to smell the nail clippers when they aren't being used. Don't worry about the nails becoming too long in the mean time. Lift the paws, etc.

The rule of thumb is anything that the dog doesn't like doing is done more often not less.

[Luvit73]

It is possible , although I've met an equal number of dogs who do that without cause - they just find the whole experience upsetting . If she is trying to bite , you could try muzzleing her for her trimming session . What I've done with my dogs , is to hold/stroke them first - let them sniff the clippers , then begin the trim . If any wiggleing/fighting it ensues , I just firmly tell them no - and then keep talking to them , in a soft , reassuring voice - but , trim the claws anyway . In time , the dog will learn that there is nothing to be afraid of . You just have to be persistant and have patience .

[erdog3]

There is the doggy defenceless hold, I posted it a while back, gotta remember the thread, maybe stick it in the grooming section for safe keeping. It renders the dog defenceless. But it takes two people normally, unless you are really experienced in doing it.

Anywone else remember where I wrote those instructions down, it was a couple of weeks ago, the same sort of problem.

[boxerlvr]

thanks for all of the advice. I let mom know what everyone said and she said she was going to try the desensitization. I will keep you all posted! Thanks again!

[boxerlvr]

well, there was an episode last night...Lucky bit mom! pretty hard too. She said she was gently touching her paws and she was fine and then WHAM! bit her. Do you think she has a sore spot? She is walking fine and is not excessively licking one spot? Should mom still keep trying to touch her paws? Mom does not want to because now she feels as if she has hurt Lucky and Lucky is now mad at her because she won't come up on her lap. Do you think if we got her a defenseless hold it would make it more tramatic for the both of them? Thanks!

[HeartSong]

I knew someone who had a dachshund who absolutely hated having her nails clipped. She is the only dog that I couldn't clip the nails of and I've clipped nails of some pretty nasty dogs. It took more vet assistance to hold that dog that it does to hold a Great Dane. I would suggest finding a good groomer or vet who will let your mom help them while they clip Lucky's nails. They might be able to give her some good tips and show her how to do it with the least amount of resistance.

[Dax]

She shouldn't have bit her just from touching. There could definately be something wrong. Have her try Ellie's hold but muzzle her too (better to be safe). They need to have a good look at what's going on. A vet visit might be in order if there is an injury. If there are no injuries - she should continue working with the dog's paws but a soft muzzle might be in order until the dog gets better. A little everyday - praise good behavior.

I still think that a combination of desensitzing and the hold will yield the fastest long term results.

The key is to make the dog realize a) no matter how much he struggles the work will continue - he has no choice b) it not going to kill him.

[erdog3]

Follow Dax's advise there right down the line..muzzle..desensitize.
Use the hold and muzzle to clip in the mean time.

I have had hundreds of dogs bite and grizzle at me when clipping nails. Some just hate it. Try doing it when the nails are soft, the noise is not as loud and the pressure not so great. Stand in some water for 5 mins before clipping.

[erdog3]

Here is the post on the doggy hold.


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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,205

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The hard way for mature dogs. Puppies you are better off to get them used to it. ( I clip my pups nails at 10 days, then at 3 weeks, for nursing reasons. Most breeders do this, but neglect to tell new owners to continue on. A real pitty. Because by the time they need doing again they have forgotten and become fearful).
You all need to learn the doggy defenseless hold/grip.
Have you ever had your dog at the vets and had to help with xrays, or examinations?
It takes two if unexperienced...once you have mastered it you can do it alone.
One is the holdee, the other the clipper.

First of all, lay the dog on it's back..(that's where two come in) one holds the front feet together, the other the back.(back feet holder is the clipper)
Then turn the dog on it's side holding the feet together. Normally away from you.
Now with your left arm...holding the front feet with your right, bend your elbow and place it under your dogs neck, pushing the neck upwards and away with your arm, now place the leg facing you in your left hand. So in effect you have the head secured with your left arm..that is elbow on a flat surface arm holding the neck, and the left paw of the dog in your hand. With someone holding the back legs your dog is now defenseless.
The person holding the back legs can now clip those nails. To do the front feet, just place your left arm on the back legs and bend your elbow round to do the front ones. Normally the dog will give in and only try to bring the back legs up now and again, so long as the front is well hung onto, they know they can't escape and give in.

I wish I could drop into your house and show you, it is easy once you can see what to do. Just like how far back to clip, once you have been shown it is easy.
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Last edited by ellierat : 10-17-2004 at 10:00 AM.