The war over trimming nails

[vegangal]

I have a huge problem trimming my Dal's nails. He has OCD growls bites and chases his tail and this adds to his problem. The poor guy has had a really hard life and he is starting to get over most of his past I think. He is afraid even when he sees the nail clippers. So I desided I would need help and took him to the vet. It took me and two other girls to hold him so the vet could trim them. He was SO afraid. I have been working with trainers with him and is coming along nicely but when he is hurt, upset, and/or afriad he freaks. I can pick up his paws and he will let me touch them if I am not holding the trimmers. I have the same problem when he gets a thorn in his paw. Being in my area it is something hard to stay away from. Anyone have an idea? The vet was really rather rude about the entire thing, he is good with my other dog and cats but not my dal.

[Trace]

If your vet was rude about - then I would suggest looking for a new vet that will help you work with your dog on problem areas.


That's what they get paid for.

[vegangal]

Yeah I have a friend with a dal so maybe I will try her vet. My poor baby...

[erdog3]

Desentize, when you are just sitting nice and quiet, gently rub his feet, between the toes, pads, all over the foot, rub the fur up against the grain. Do this often, 4-6 even more times daily.

Next time you need to trim, rather than reaching for the clippers, get a nail file (dog one) or some fine sandpaper, try just sanding back a little of each nail, even if you do one on one sitting the other on the next and so on. This must be done on the way of the grain, that is sand from the front down towards the pad. Get him used to having his nails touched, sanded, then when he realizes it doesn't hurt he will start to accept having them done, also some tasty treats can help a long way too.

[Dobified]

Yes, I have to agree with Ellie. That is exactly how you should handle it. Do it slow and easy with lots of treats and you will be fine, so will your Dal.

[doxielover]

hey there nails are great..i am a dog groomer and do nails a few dozen times a day..i also am a dashchund owner and they hate their nails being touched...most anyways but here are a few tricks of the trade.don't bring the nail clipper out yet and just pick up a paw play with it spread the toes and then reward with treat..do this through out the day on and off..make it fun then take out nail clippers and rub the paw with them and treat...repaeat this often..then when your dog is comfy with the idea just tip the nail.take just the tip and reward and praise..last thing we want is to quik the nail at this point and keep repeating this before long your dog won't mind.